Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan on Saturday stated that the unscientific way of bifurcation has left a deep scar on the psyche of Telugu people, and it would take some time to heal the wounds.
Narasimhan was addressing the first joint session of the post-bifurcation AP legislature in Hyderabad. The unreasonable bifurcation has caused a sense of disappointment and bitter memories among people, the Governor said.
Narasimhan said that a re-look into the discords relating to the distribution of assets and liabilities between Telangana and AP is necessary to fulfill people's aspirations. The Governor's address touched upon the state government's policies and its stand on various issues, including its pathetic fiscal condition. A Cabinet sub-committee will review the previous Congress government's decisions, the Governor stated.
Narasimhan listed out proposals of the new government. Andhra Pradesh government will appeal to the Centre to facilitatte a special grant of over ₹15,000 crore in its forthcoming budget for the period June 2014 to March 2015.
The fiscal aid is sought from the Centre to bridge the non-plan deficit, expected to arise due to the bifurcation and pay revision of salaries to the staff, he added.
To finance key developmental projects that are under execution, an additional Central aid of ₹8,000 crore will be sought, the Governor said. The state government will also request the Centre for relaxation of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, relief from repayment of Central government loans, assistance for building new capital city and execution of Polavaram project, Narasimhan said in his address.
To evolve a framework for farmer loan waiver at the earliest, the government is having discussions with the Reserve Bank of India and bankers. The state government is committed to give a nine-hour free power to agriculture and uninterrupted 24-hour supply to domestic and industrial sectors. The government will also supply free meals in all major temples of the state, the Governor stated.
The state has planned to develop three mega cities and 12 other cities in the state. The state's "Arogyasri" health scheme for the poor will be renamed as "NTR health card" to provide free treatment up to ₹2.5 lakh, the Governor said.
The Governor also explained the loss borne by AP due to the bifurcation. Investments were concentrated only in Hyderabad since 1956 by the Union government, state government and private companies. Due to the bifurcation, AP disowns such investment-centric Hyderabad, he added.
The Centre had made ₹1.40 lakh crore, state invested ₹5.80 lakh crore and private companies invested ₹6 lakh crore investments since the united AP State was formed in 1956. While bifurcating the state, suitable compensatory measures have not been suggested by the Centre, Narasimhan cited.
AP has lost key assets and resources due to the bifurcation and building a new capital city is still uncertain, the Governor said.
