Chandra Babu seeks Central funding for AP till level playing field is ensured

26 Feb, Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sought Centre’s support to newly formed Andhra state till a level playing field is ensured at par with other neighbouring states.

Welcoming the 14th Finance Commission for devolving more funds to the states in general, Naidu expressed displeasure over the panel not taking cognizance of the assurances made in the AP Re-organisation Bill.

Talking to media during his visit to his Kuppam constituency , the Andhra Pradesh CM said that the Commission’s Report only addressed the revenue deficit of Rs 22,000 crore and the allocation to the state appears brighter.

He said this is certainly not in tune with the assurances made during bifurcation and in response to the pleas made time and again. He pointed that even the special reference made by the President of India to the Commission to take care of the immediate needs of Andhra state was not considered.

Naidu expressed the fear that the prevailing differences in development with the neighbouring states would continues to exist ever and asked the Centre to come forward with certain fast-tracked policy initiatives to bridge the gap.

On the revenue deficit, he said, the Report had nothing to offer on the capital deficit of Rs 2,06,819 crore and the people of Andhra Pradesh are aware of the promised special status, special package for backward regions, fund for building capital, Polavaram project and industrial incentives.

Blaming the UPA regime of unilaterally proceeding with bifurcation without discussing the finer details with all stakeholders concerned, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister pointed that his fears expressed during the unmethodical and unscientific bifurcation process had come true.

Naidu said that he would apprise Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of his concerns to address the issue holistically.