Home Ministry's note on Andhra division gives a peek into future

A ‘Background Note’ sent by the Home Ministry to the Group of Ministers (GoM) reveals the basic framework being prepared for bifurcation of the State. Suggestions contained in the note may reflect in the GoM report which will be submitted to the Cabinet before the Winter Session of Parliament begins.

Important among the ministry’s proposals pertain to Article 371 (D), river-water sharing and status of Hyderabad. On Article 371 (D), the ministry has left the final decision to the GoM but opined it needs to be suitably amended or repealed after the formation of the State of Telangana and the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh — the sub-text being that the Article wouldn’t be an impediment to the creation of Telangana.

The ministry listed out issues that would have to be addressed before division. They are: sharing of river waters, revenue, power, law and order. The note was in fact considered by the GoM at its meeting on October 19.  On the status of Hyderabad, the ministry, in its 85-page note, pointed out that parents send their children to Hyderabad for compulsory four-year schooling to become locals in Zone VI (Hyderabad) and get admission in educational institutions.

As Hyderabad and Rangareddy have become hubs for higher education having as they do several universities and institutions like NIFT, NIRD, IIT and ISB, students from all over the State come to Hyderabad and therefore, helping them have access to these institutions should be considered, it suggested. The ministry also suggested to the GoM to look at the fact that maximum revenue of Andhra Pradesh is earned by Hyderabad. In 2011-12, of the Rs 34,910 crore sales tax, 75 per cent came from Hyderabad. Andhra contributed 15 per cent, Telangana eight and Rayalaseema three.

As regards sharing of river waters, an independent and statutorily empowered technical water management board should be constituted for  Krishna, Godavari and other basins, it felt. It suggested that the AP High Court continue to exercise jurisdiction over the two states until two new high courts come up. This is because AP High Court does not have any bench anywhere else in the State.

As regards division of Rajya Sabha seats, the ministry said of the 18 seats, seven could go to Telangana and 11 to Andhra. The residuary state of Andhra would have a Legislative Council but it may be reconstituted. The number of seats would also be decided separately. The new state of Telangana will have the freedom to decide whether it should have a Council.

The present speaker and deputy speaker of the Legislative Assembly may remain in office in the residuary state of Andhra. The Telangana Assembly will have to elect a new speaker and deputy speaker. The reservation of Assembly seats will remain unchanged till new delimitation takes place. As regards sharing of All India Service Officers, the Home Ministry suggested separate cadres for both the States (IAS, IPS and IFS officers) and the Centre would allocate the officers to both the States. Till separation is over, a joint cadre will continue to serve both the States. After formation of new states, the number of posts would be decided.

The ministry also suggested that enough care has to be taken in respect of sharing generation of power, its transmission and distribution and the assets to be distributed in the two states. In case of disagreement, the Centre will have the final say.

source: The New Indian Express