Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reiterated that it is the responsibility of the Centre to provide a level-playing field to the State struggling to develop post bifurcation.
Responding to a query on the remarks of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi earlier in the day that it was not technically possible to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Naidu said it was for the Centre to explain how else it would help the State then.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said he had requested the Centre to give a level playing field to the State either through a policy, or providing economic resources, a special package or a special category.
“The State was divided irrationally but Telugu people should remain united. Some assurances were given in the State Reorganisation Act and some promises were made in Parliament and it’s the Centre’s responsibility to fulfil them,” he said.
Scoffing at the critical remarks by some about the auspicious time fixed for ground breaking ceremony of new capital, the Chief Minister said the simple ceremony would take place at 8.49 a.m on June 6 but did not disclose the exact location.
“No two doctors or Vastu experts will ever agree. I believe in hard work. For any good deed, determination is important. New capital is also people’s wish, an auspicious time is set and we will go ahead,” he said.
He indicated that probably the construction would commence on Vijayadasami and they would invite Prime Minister and other important leaders then.
Master Plan
Mr. Naidu disclosed that the Master Plan for the new Capital would be submitted by the Singapore team on May 25 and it would be a tentative plan with scope for value addition where people can chip in. “ This is the city being constructed in 21{+s}{+t}Century and we will use best technology and practices to make it a city people will be proud of,” he said.
Thanking farmers who gave 33,000 acres of land voluntarily for the capital city by reposing faith in him, Mr. Naidu said Amaravathi would be developed as an administrative capital and economic hub on the lines of Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad cities which contribute major revenue for their States.
Priority
Priority would be given for non-polluting service sector, IT and knowledge based economy, education, health and Tourism facilities in the new capital with a lot of economic activity and employment generation, he said. Many foreign companies were coming forward including Japan for construction. TDP has credibility and experience and the government would play a coordinating role, he said.
