The Andhra Pradesh Government on Saturday sought liberal financial assistance from the Centre, 15 years special category status and special incentives to tide over the current financial crisis and in rebuilding a new State now without a capital.
Beginning its journey with huge commitments and severe financial crisis and a deficit of Rs 15,000 crore, the State has sought Rs 15,000 crore as grant as an interim measure from the Centre and a special grant of Rs 8,600 crore to finance critical development projects under execution.
Addressing the AP Legislative Assembly, State Governor ESL Narasimhan highlighted how the division has caused irreparable loss to the State, as it has been hit financially and is saddled with huge debt while having the major task of developing a new capital.
In spite of difficulties he said that the Government aims to attain a growth rate of over 10 per cent.
He said, “The decision to bifurcate the united state of Andhra Pradesh and the manner in which it was done has left behind a deep sense of disappointment and a trail of bitter memories. Popular sentiments remain unfulfilled. Unscientific way of bifurcation has also left a deep scar on the physche of Telugu people.”
In order to make people understand the severity of the financial and opportunity loss during the last decade, the Government has decided to bring out white papers on key sectors.
The State is made to reel under financial strain and is set to plunge into financial crisis.
While Hyderabad has witnessed total investment of about Rs 13.29 lakh crore since 1956, commensurate and adequate compensation has not been provided as a measure of equity, he said.
Apart from providing special incentives for industries, he suggested a special package as per the AP Reorganisation Act to re-energise the economy.
Outlining the commitments, the Governor said it is proposed to
---Provide quality power for 9 hours free to farmers
---Come out with separate agriculture budget
---Set up two river management boards
---Government to address people’s concern in Polavaram project
---Come out with a new land development policy
---Develop three mega cities and 12 other cities, including smart cities
---Two LNG terminals, encourage new industries
---Create power generation areas, encourage renewable energy
---Two ITIR regions, hardware park
---Arogyasri to be enhanced to Rs 2.5 lakh
---Mahalakshmi Scheme where Rs 30,000 will be credited to a new born girl child
---Rs 10,000 for pregnant women
---Free education to tribal children from KG to PG
Reiterating the Government's commitment on farm loan waiver, increase in retirement age, and extending drinking water supply to rural areas, among others, he said all these will be implemented with commitment.