Andhra Pradesh raises bifurcation assurances at south zonal meet

VIJAYAWADA: AP finance minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy on Saturday sought at the 30th Meeting of Southern Zonal Council (SZC) at Thiruvananthapuram resolution of various issues pertaining to Andhra Pradesh, including implementation of AP Reorganisation Act 2014 and funds for Polavaram project.

SZC is a key forum that enables southern states to put forth their issues and discuss them in a congenial environment, whether they are related to centre-state or inter­-state relations, as well as matters important for the country's unity and integrity.

Rajendranath Reddy said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had been desirous of attending the conference to underline that the state of Andhra Pradesh had been divided in an unscientific, injudicious and unjust manner. The AP CM wanted to point out that even after the lapse of almost a decade, several key provisions of AP Reorganisation Act and assurances are yet to be implemented, whether in letter or spirit, aggravating the distress resulting from bifurcation.

The minister said Polavaram project is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh. Government of India had declared it as a national project under Section 90 of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. That is the reason why the state is seeking continued support from Government of India for early completion of the project, as its completion is of paramount interest for overall development of the state.

Rajendranath Reddy sought recognition of backwardness in north coastal districts and wanted a Bundelkhand-type package implemented in the region. He also requested for tax incentives for AP on lines of those being provided to special category and north eastern states.

The minister pointed out that Section 93, read with Schedule XIII of the AP Reorganisation Act, provides for establishment of a new railway zone in the state. Even Indian government announced in February 2019 creation of South Coast Railway Zone with Visakhapatnam as headquarters. The proposal must become a reality at the earliest, he stated.

Rajendranath Reddy pointed out that AP has suffered enormously for almost a decade from consequences of bifurcation and non-fulfilment of solemn assurances made. He underlined that as state reorganisation falls under the purview of home ministry, the latter must put in place a suitably empowered and effective mechanism for taking necessary decisions on pending issues and monitoring implementation of the decisions taken.

In this context, he pointed to establishment of an "Agricultural University of National Importance" under Section 93 read with Schedule XIII of the Act, with assistance of ₹135 crore.