The bifurcation of state-level corporations between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh took a step forward on Thursday when a meeting of the ministerial-level committees of the two States cleared nine of them in the presence of Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan at the Raj Bhavan.
They were among 91 corporations listed in Schedule IX of the AP Reorganisation Act and pending resolution for over two years before the Sheila Bhide Committee appointed by the Central government. The corporations that were cleared were meant to provide financial assistance to caste groups engaged in different occupations, including Vaddera, Valmiki/Boya, Krishna Balija/Poosala, Batraja, Viswabrahmana, Kummara, Medara, toddy tappers and Sagara (Uppara).
Second meeting
This is the second meeting between the two States at the Raj Bhavan and attended by T. Harish Rao, G. Jagadish Reddy and G. Vivekanand from Telangana and Y. Ramakrishnudu, K. Atchan Naidu and K. Srinivasulu from AP. They will meet next at the same venue on February 26 to negotiate handing over of buildings occupied by the AP government at the Secretariat, Assembly and officers quarters.
Mr. Harish Rao told media persons after the meeting that their AP counterparts had in principle agreed to give up the buildings but assured to get back after discussing the issue with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Division of employees
As regards problems confronting the two States in de-merger of 61 corporations in Schedule IX as recommended by Sheila Bhide Committee, AP Minister Atchan Naidu said the hitch was about division of employees working in them. There was no such problem in caste-based corporations where the issue was only about dividing bank deposits in them between the two States. It could be sorted out.
Mr. Naidu said the managing directors of power utilities of the two States were asked to prepare a report within a week on distribution of employees working in them. About 1,250 employees of AP origin who were employed in Telangana were the bone of contention between the two States.
The matter was discussed in detail and an understanding reached to settle the issue with mutual consent, according to Telangana government Advisor G. Vivekanand. About 600 supernumerary posts in Telangana for 1,250 power staff of AP origin and 300 posts for Telangana staff working in AP but wanted return to their home State was suggested, he added.
Efforts were also made to accommodate in Telangana 160 officers of AP Secretariat and other State cadre posts with mutual consent, Mr. Naidu said.
