KCR: Bill against Telangana’s interests

TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao coming out aftermeeting President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad onThursday. Photo: Special Arrangement

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao called on President Pranab Mukherjee here on Thursday evening when he highlighted his party’s objections to the A. P. Reorganisation Bill giving special powers to the Governor to ensure security of the people living in the common capital.

In a ten-page memorandum, Mr. Rao said several State subjects were sought to be taken away from the legitimate purview of the proposed Telangana State by this provision which made the decision of the Governor final though he was expected to consult the Council of Ministers. Any government that had no control over law and order machinery in its capital area would lose respect in the eyes of public.

Mr. Rao, who was accompanied by a large delegation of party leaders to Rashtrapati Nilayam, pointed out that there was no need for a board for Godavari river management as proposed by the Bill as there were no water disputes in the basin.

The issue was whether projects constructed illegally, especially in Krishna basin, were to be legitimised.

In the matter of debt and other liabilities, Mr. Rao said the concerns of Telangana could not be adequately presented in the context of integrated State before the Thirteenth Finance Commission which had already come here.

The commission must pay a visit to the Telangana State after its formation as its recommendations would have far-reaching implications on its finances. Mr. Rao also sought modifications to the provisions on division of government employees as it was proposed that they would work as per their choice.

But, a large number of Andhra employees were presently working in Telangana violating various rules.

Pensioners

The pensioners should also be divided between the two States on the basis of their nativity as they should not be a burden on Telangana treasury. He requested Mr. Mukherjee to facilitate formation of a separate and exclusive High Court for Telangana by deleting certain sections of the Bill.

The existing power corporations in the State should also be dissolved and the new ones constituted by the Centre for successor States. It was an essential part of any State Reorganisation Bill.