‘Centre willing to resolve Andhra’s financial issues’
IN PARLIAMENT Jaitley says govt working on two areas in lieu of special package for state
NEWDELHI: Finance minister Arun Jaitley announced that the Centre is willing to resolve financial issues related to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, hours after Rajya Sabha saw protests following Union minister and TDP lawmaker YS Chaudhary’s demand for a clarification on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
The Opposition protested Chaudhary’s demand, saying it violates propriety for a minister to comment on a presidential address that has been approved by the cabinet.
Replying on the budget debate in Lok Sabha, Jaitley said the Centre is working on two areas — amount in lieu of the special package and the state’s revenue deficit — apart from providing funds for capacity building. Telangana became the 29th state in June 2014, capping decades of struggle and an equally aggressive counter-agitation.
Jaitey said on Wednesday a meeting involving Nabard officials was held in Delhi. “The state wanted money through externally aided projects. CM wants it from Nabard. Yesterday, we made an arrangement. Officers have gone to Hyderabad to discuss with the state. And on the revenue deficit, we are trying to narrow the gap.”
He also said the Centre has given funds for a large number of institutions and “funds will continue to be given for establishment of institutions.” Talks are on with ministries for other aspects of the Andhra package. “We will try and do it extremely early,” he said. The issue was raised again in the Upper House with Choudhary, whose party is a BJP ally, saying that the AP Reorganisation Act was passed “unscientifically and unreasonably”. “On behalf of the Government of India, I would like to mention here, that the entire House is fully aware how the AP Reorganisation Act was passed so unscientifically and unreasonably... for which both the national parties are responsible,” he said.