Hyderabad: The bifurcation of the state has left a deep scar on the psyche of Telugu people and the unscientific manner in which it was done has put Andhra Pradesh under severe financial strain. This is what Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan had to say during his maiden address to both the Houses of Andhra Pradesh legislature on Saturday.
He promised that the government will take steps to rebuild AP from scratch to become one among the best three performing states in the country by 2022.
Referring to the bifurcation, the Governor said, “The decision to bifurcate the state and the manner in which it was done left a deep sense of disappointment and a trail of bitter memories. These wounds would take time to heal.”
In his speech, he said, the distribution of assets, power generation, demarcation of boundaries warrant a relook. The division is yet to address the vital issue of a new capital. A large number of people feel that corruption during the last decade hindered development. The AP government intends to look into all deficits and failures, pertaining to public policy and functioning of the government.
A Cabinet sub-committee has been constituted to review major investments taken by the previous government. White papers on key sectors will be published on the severity of financial and opportunity loss during the last decade.
Stating that rebuilding of AP is possible only with continued liberal financial and moral support of the Centre until a level playing field is achieved, the Governor said the state will request for a special grant of over Rs 15,000 crore in its ensuing budget for the period June, 2014 to March, 2015, to bridge the non-plan deficit.
Another Rs 8,000 crore in Central assistance will be requested for finance critical development projects under execution. Relaxation of Fiscal and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, relief from repayment of Central government loans, assistance for new capital city and execution of Polavaram project, special status for 15 years would also be sought.
The government is working out a special development package for Rayalaseema and north coastal districts.
On farm loan waiver, Mr Narasimhan said discussions were on with the Reserve Bank of India and bankers to expedite evolving a framework.
The government was committed to nine-hour free power to agriculture and uninterrupted 24-hour supply to domestic and industrial sectors. It will supply free meals in all major temples. It has planned to develop three mega cities and 12 other cities in the new state.
