As hectic discussions continue on the status of Hyderabad after Telangana is carved out of Andhra Pradesh, the Centre has convened a special meeting of the Union Cabinet for December 3 to discuss the report of the Group of Ministers (GoM) so as to finalise the draft Bill.
The government plans to table the Bill in Parliament in the winter session, which begins on December 5. “The Cabinet meeting has been called to discuss the Telangana issue… Various options [on how to create Telangana and what should be the status of Hyderabad] will be put forward, and the Cabinet will take a call,” Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde told journalists here on Friday.
The GoM is likely to adopt its report on Monday or Tuesday, before the Cabinet meets.
Sources in the government say the GoM is likely to suggest two-three options on the status of Hyderabad, which have emerged from consultations with stakeholders. The decision on Hyderabad is likely to be taken when the Cabinet discusses the GoM’s recommendations and finalises the draft Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill.
Besides granting Hyderabad the Union Territory status, the Centre could look after its law and order and revenue under a special provision of the Constitution while the city remains the joint capital of the two States for 10 years. Seemandhra leaders have been demanding that the lives and property of their people in the capital be protected after the State is bifurcated.
