Expedite process to accord special status to AP: Governor to Centre

Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan on Monday stated that the Centre must to fulfill the commitments made to provide 'Special Category Status' to Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking at the state assembly, the Governor said that the state reorganisation has resulted in several difficulties, which remains unresolved to this day.

"State reorganisation resulted in several difficulties and some of them stand unresolved to this day. As per Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014 and assurances made, Centre has to fulfill commitments of 'Special Category Status', completion of various projects," Narasimhan said.

He urged to expedite the resolution of all provisions incorporated in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act and assurances made in relation to it.

Underlining the problem faced by the people following its division, the Governor said that a severe drop in per capita has been witnessed

"Andhra Pradesh faced a severe drop in per capita income leading to a decrease of Rs. 35,000 when compared to other southern States, requiring the support of Government of India to State till a level playing field is achieved compared to its neighbouring states by expeditiously implementing all provisions and entitlement incorporated in the A.P. Reorganisation Act and assurances made on the floor of the Rajya Sabha," he said.

He said that the Andhra Pradesh Government will leave no stone unturned to get the issue resolved favourably.

The Governor further said that the state was left without a capital city and it was deprived of its major economic hub.

Meanwhile, ahead of the commencement of the second part of the budget session, the TDP MPs staged the protest in front of Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament premises demanding 'Special Category Status' for Andhra.

The decision to grant SCS was announced in the Parliament and endorsed by opposition parties, including BJP in 2014.

SCS was announced in lieu of foregoing Hyderabad, which houses employment generating industries, and such a precious clause should not be foregone for some insignificant package.