Hyderabad: Noting that the manner in which Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated left behind a "deep sense of disappointment" and wounds that would take time to heal, Governor ESL Narasimhan on Saturday said discords relating to distribution of assets and liabilities warranted a "re-look" to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Addressing the joint sitting of the new Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly here today, the Governor in his address, which outlines the policies and the stance of the state government on various issues, said apportionment of debt, power sharing and resolving issues in the field of education based on a more consistent principle and a certain uniformity was the need of the hour.
He also pressed for more equitable distribution of cadre.
"Telugu speaking people have witnessed a turbulent history of state demarcation and the current reorganisation is yet another deep scar on their heart and sentiments. The decision to bifurcate the united state of AP and the manner in which it was done has left behind a deep sense of disappointment and a trail of bitter memories," the Governor observed.
Unscientific way of bifurcation has also left a deep scar on the psyche of Telugu people and those wounds would take some time to heal, he added.
The provisions made in the AP Reorganisation Act for the development of (residuary) state of Andhra Pradesh were "wholly inadequate" and could not compensate for the loss of opportunity and would leave the state severely disadvantaged, the Governor said.
The division was yet to address the vital issue of a new capital, which has also created an avoidable uncertainty, he remarked.
"The process of bifurcation, coupled with frittering away of resources and mal-governance have deeply impacted the state and its finances which are in disarray. The division made the residual AP a revenue deficit state on non-plan account by more than Rs 15,000 crore.
"My government, among other financial proposals, will request the Centre to provide Rs 15,000 crore in the ensuing Union Budget to bridge the non-plan deficit," the Governor said.
Narasimhan also said the central government should also hasten the process of according Special Category State status to Andhra Pradesh.
The state would also request the Centre to approve a special development package for AP as assured in the AP Reorganisation Act, the Governor added.
