GoM on Telangana meets for first time; discusses basic parameters for Andhra bifurcation

The first meeting of the reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) on Telangana was held here today to expedite the process of creating a separate state by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.

The GoM was chaired by Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, V. Narayanasamy, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh were among those who attended the meeting.

The GoM discussed the approach and methodology to be adopted by it.

The GoM would like to assure all the people of Andhra Pradesh that the relevant issues as well as their concerns would be addressed with fairness and objectivity. The GoM would take the opinion of stakeholders on all important subjects while formulating its recommendations.

The GoM has finalized the different nodal Ministries and Departments of the Central Government who will prepare status reports which will be submitted to the GoM on the subjects in the Terms of Reference.

Information in this regard will also be sought from the State Government and this process will start immediately. The next meeting of the GoM will be held on 19 October, 2013.

Stating that the GoM on Telangana will submit its report as early as possible, Shinde yesterday said justice will be given to people of Andhra Pradesh.

"The government will take the decision. All points will be taken into consideration and justice will be given to Andhra people," he told media here.

On October 3, the Union Cabinet had decided to go ahead with the process for the creation of a separate Telangana state carved out from Andhra Pradesh.