Andhra Pradesh CM appeals to 15th Finance Commission to accord special category status to state

Hyderabad, October 12: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has appealed to 15th Finance Commission to accord special category status to the state. The chief Minister also appealed to the Commission to consider continuation of Revenue deficit grants, disaster relief for crop failures and grants for development of Amaravati capital city and special assistance to backward districts and other infrastructure.

 

The 15th Finance Commission led by Chairman N.K. Singh, members and other officials visited the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat today to hear the appeals of the State Government. Explaining the losses caused by state bifurcation, the Chief Minister presented a report to the finance commission.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the Commission to allot 22,250 crore rupees for backward regions development in the state. Chandrababu Naidu sought allotment of 10,000 crore rupees for development of ports, airports and roads. He said that the commission has assured all possible help in this regard.

 

On the other side, Finance Commission said that it cannot look into the matter of special category status for the state. Finance Commission Chairperson NK Singh said Chief Minister Naidu “forcefully” raised the matter during a meeting, but this does not “directly or indirectly” form a part of the panel’s Terms of Reference.