Cabinet clears bill on Telangana with 10 districts

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the parliamentary bill for the creation of Telangana with 10 districts, and is likely to be sent to the President for approval tomorrow.

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who read out the Cabinet statement in the national capital, said that the Cabinet approved the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM), set up to look into the issue of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

He further said that the Cabinet also approved the draft Reorganization Bill prepared on the basis of the recommendations of GoM.

"The bill will now be sent to the President tomorrow or day after tomorrow with the request to make reference to state legislature under Article 3 of the Constitution of India," he said.

Shinde further said that Telangana will comprise of 10 districts, and the successor state of Andhra Pradesh will comprise of 13 districts, and Hyderabad will be the common capital for both, for a period not exceeding 10 years.

He also said that the Governor of Telangana would have special responsibility for the security of life, liberty and property of all those who reside in the common capital area, and the Governor will be assisted by two advisors to be appointed by the Government.

"The Government will extend financial and other support to the creation of a new capital for the successor state of Andhra Pradesh, to be identified by an expert committee within 45 days. The Government will assist the two successor states in augmenting their police forces for maintaining public order," he added.

Shinde also said that the institutional mechanism, with the full involvement and participation of the Government, would be put in place to manage water resources and projects on Krishna and Godavari River in an amicable and equitable manner.

"Polavaram will be declared national project, and will be executed by the Government, following all environmental and RR norms,' he said.

He further said that the detailed provisions have been made in the bill on matters relating to coal, power, oil and gas, division on assets and liabilities, and allocation of government employees.

"Article 371-D will continue for both the successor states, to ensure equitable opportunities for education and public employment," he added.

Shinde also said that the Government would take special measures for the economic development of both the successor states.