Andhra Pradesh still awaiting Centre's help post bifurcation: Governor

The state has been put in a tight spot over revenue deficit and absence of a level-playing field

Governor E S L Narasimhan today noted that new Andhra Pradesh did not get anticipated support from the Centre after bifurcation, thus putting the state in a tight spot over revenue deficit and absence of a level-playing field.

"Our expectations for the state in the Union Budget 2015-16 did not fructify. Andhra Pradesh has lost significant resource base after division and is at a disadvantage to compete with its revenue-surplus neighbouring states. This has put the state at a great disadvantage which is not of its own making," he said, while addressing a joint sitting of Andhra Pradesh Legislature on opening day of the Budget session.

"To compete with the developed cities like Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad of the neighbouring states, the Centre should give required assistance for a level playing field vis-a-vis its neighbouring states," he said.

The Governor maintained that the government has availed every opportunity to meet the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister and other ministers to strongly put forward its case towards the end (for assistance).

The "unscientific and hurried" bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh has cost hardship to the new state, he said.

"The post-bifurcation issues, especially the huge financial deficits continue to affect the new state of Andhra Pradesh, which is home to 58.32% of the population of the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh state," he said.

The twin effects of Hudhud cyclone last year and drought compounded the problems of the state facing deficit, Narsimhan said.