KCR tells Modi survey helps better planning

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has suggested to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to conduct similar surveys across all states taking cue for Telangana State government, which carried out the Intensive Household Survey (IHS) on August 19.

When the Chief Minister called on the Prime Minister in Delhi on Saturday, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly enquired about the IHS. There was an uproar initially on the survey and some persons even lodged a complaint with the Centre.

Rao explained to the PM about the real intention behind the IHS and how they successfully completed the survey in a single day. Later, Rao wanted the Prime Minister to conduct similar surveys across the country, so that planning and budget allocations could be done appropriately.

The Prime Minister wanted KCR to send the details of the Telangana survey. Rao explained to the Prime Minister that he took the initiative of meeting AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Rao also discussed 21 issues relating to Telangana, including energy, irrigation, smart cities and others, with Modi. Rao read out the memorandums to the PM during his 35- minute meet. Rao also wanted Special Category status for TS. But, there was no concrete assurance from the PM.

On most of the 21 subjects, Modi's reply was: 'I will look into it'. Later, Chief Minister Rao called on President Pranab Mukherjee and it was described as a courtesy call.

Chandrasekhar Rao, later, called on Union Minister of State for Power, Coal and New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal. Goyal said the Centre was committed to setting up a 4,000 mw power plant in TS as mentioned in the AP Reorganisation Act.

However, the Union minister said that of the 4,000 mw, a 1,320 mw capacity plant would be set up in the first phase. The minister also assured Rao to help TS in setting up a solar power plant with a capacity of 1,000 mw in Mahbubnagar. When the Chief Minister wanted additional allocation of coal for Telangana power plants, Goyal responded positively.

The chief minister also called on Union Law and Justice Ravishankar Prasad and wanted to create a separate High Court for AP. The TS would, if required, provide a building for AP High Court in Hyderabad. KCR's 21 demands placed before Modi include:

Steel plant at Bayyaram, horticulture university, 4,000 mw power plant, 1,000 mw solar plant, Mahbubnagar- Hyderabad- Warangal industrial corridor, IIM, National Institute of Design and Special category status for TS.