PM directs GoM to speed up division
NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA), chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, discussed the Telangana issue and directed the Group of Ministers (GoM) to speed up division of Andhra Pradesh.
'The Prime Minister wants the process to be completed before the Winter Session of Parliament so that reorganisation bill can be tabled in the House,' said sources.
The GoM seems to be doing just that. It will hold talks with secretaries of Central ministries and departments on November 11 to discuss the bifurcation process and issues arising thereof like division of assets between Telangana and the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh.
After the third GoM meeting here Thursday, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the GoM will also meet Union Ministers from the State on November 18.
'We will meet the political parties of Andhra Pradesh on November 12 and 13 and Central Ministers from the State on November 18,' he told reporters.
Eight parties from the State ' Congress, BJP, TRS, CPI, CPM, TDP, YSRC and MIM ' will be called separately for the meeting with GoM. 'Two leaders from each party, preferably one leader, will be called for the meeting. Each party will be given 20 minutes,' Shinde said.
The Home Ministry has received over 18,000 suggestions through emails and letters from individuals and organisations on the proposed division of the State. They are being scrutinised by the ministry.
Sources said the GoM had so far discussed division of assets, sharing of river waters and irrigation resources and demarcation of boundaries. The Home Ministry has suggested constitution of water management boards for the river basin and national status for the Polavaram irrigation project.
'The officials are also looking at suggestions forwarded by MPs and the same will be examined by the GoM,' sources said. Shinde said department-wise reports submitted by the secretaries and a special task force report are being examined by the GoM to resolve all contentious issues.
News Posted: 8 November, 2013
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