BackAndhra Pradesh presents Rs1.13 trillion budget
The revenue-deficit state allocated `3,168 crore to build a new capital after its bifurcation last year under an Act of Parliament
Premium(PTI)
Hyderabad: Revenue-deficit Andhra Pradesh on Thursday allocated ₹ 3,168 crore during 2015-16 to build a new capital after its bifurcation last year under an Act of Parliament that will shift Hyderabad exclusively to the newly created state of Telangana by 2024.
State finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, who presented a ₹ 1.13 trillion budget for 2015-16, said the government had received consent from 87% of farmers for 33,252 acres on which it is seeking to build the capital between Vijayawada and Guntur.
The government, however, did not specify the percentage of the required land it has received consent for under the land-pooling scheme being followed to procure land for the capital.
“The decision to bifurcate the state without even finalizing the capital city itself signifies an epitome of irresponsibility. Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh has resulted in an immediate need for building a new capital for the state. A truly world-class people’s capital reflecting the aspirations of the people of the state is being planned with people’s cooperation," Ramakrishnudu said in his budget speech.
Andhra Pradesh lost previous capital, Hyderabad to Telangana, when the country’s 29th state was carved out of Telugu-speaking united Andhra Pradesh in June last year. The residuary Andhra Pradesh state has 10 years to build its capital during which time Hyderabad will remain the joint capital of the two states, according to the AP Reorganisation Act 2014.
Andhra Pradesh has roped in Singapore’s Jurong International and Surbana International Consultants to produce a master plan of the state capital.
The state also announced plans to model a new parameter, ‘mandal domestic product’ to help in effective micro-planning and policy-making. It has already piloted the model in two districts, East Godavari and Anantapur, and plans to extend it across the 13 districts.
Industry welcomed this move. “The initiative taken by the government to compile mandal domestic product is highly commendable as it results in effective micro-planning," Shiv Kumar Rungta, president of industry body, Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry said.
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