Hyderabad hurdle in bifurcation
HYDERABAD : Hyderabad remains the biggest hurdle in the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to carve out Telangana State, along with other contentious issues like Article 371 (D) of the Constitution, power supply, river water sharing and strategic establishments.
This was indicated by the Union Home Ministry in its a secret 85-page document submitted to the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to look into the bifurcation process.
The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Telengana is of the view that the new state is workable but the question of Hyderabad remains the biggest hurdle in the bifurcation. The GoM reportedly has yet to arrive at a consensus on the complex question of how to resolve the Hyderabad muddle.
According to highly placed sources, the GoM remains divided about the future of Hyderabad. Since the Centre has taken a categorical stand that Seemandhra would be given justice in the bifurcation, they do not want to be seen making an unequal division.
While the Cabinet note was clear about Hyderabad being the common capital for 10 years, it is likely to throw up bigger challenges, the MHA in its report said.
With more than 75 per cent of the total Rs 34,910 crore sales tax accrued in the state during 2011-12 coming from Hyderabad alone and the city being the most important centre for IT and most preferred destination for healthcare for people of all the three regions, consensus seems to be evading the GoM on a so-called 'workable solution'.
MHA gives crucial inputs to GoM on city status
Another issue that has forced the GoM from arriving at a consensus is the presence of 28 Defence or other strategically important establishments that are significant from the point of national security.
The question of revenue-sharing, flagged by Seemandhra leaders is also hanging fire. While few leaders have advocated a 50:50 ratio, it is more likely to be sealed at 60:40, in favour of Telangana.
While the article 371 D deals with the appointment of government employees for the state and requires a Constitutional amendment on the event of division, the Congress top leadership has claimed that there are Constitutional remedies for the tricky provision.
News Posted: 29 October, 2013
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