‘Wounds of bifurcation will take time to heal’

In his address, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan said the division was done in an unscientific manner and left behind a deep scar on the psyche of the Telugu speaking people.

In this May 20, 2014 photo, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan meets TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. The Governor's address, the Naidu government's first policy statement, on Saturday noted that bifurcation of the State had left behind a deep sense of disappointment. Photo: Special Arrangement

The Andhra Pradesh government has noted that the wounds caused by bifurcation of the State will take time to heal as the manner in which it was done had left behind a deep sense of disappointment and a trail of bitter memories.

In his address to the first joint session of the post-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh legislature in Hyderabad on Saturday, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan said the division was done in an unscientific manner and left behind a deep scar on the psyche of the Telugu speaking people.

>AP Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan’s address: As it happened

Mr. Narasimhan said a Cabinet subcommittee will review decisions of major investments by the previous Congress government.

>White papers on key sectors will be published on the severity of financial and opportunity loss during the last decade.

Listing out the proposals of the new government, the Governor said it will request the Centre to provide a special grant of over Rs. 15,000 crore in its ensuing budget for the period June 2014 to March 2015 to bridge the non-plan deficit that was certain to arise because of possible disruption of revenue accruals on account of bifurcation and additional commitment due to pay revision to staff. This may have to be continued till a level playing field was achieved.

An additional Central assistance of Rs. 8,000 crore would also be sought to finance critical development projects that were under execution. Relaxation of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, relief from repayment of Central government loans, assistance for new capital city and execution of Polavaram project would also be sought.

Mr. Narasimhan said discussions were underway with the Reserve Bank of India and bankers to expedite evolving a framework for crop loan waiver. The government was committed to nine hour free power to agriculture and uninterrupted 24 hour supply to domestic and industrial sectors. It will supply free meals in all major temples. It was planned to develop three mega cities and 12 other cities in the new State.

Significantly, the government announced that it will rename the Arogyasri health scheme for the poor as “NTR health card” scheme to provide free treatment up to Rs. 2.5 lakh.