Telangana fallout: Centre acts to pacify Seemandhra, set to move special package

The Centre is all set to move on a special package for Seemandhra, which includes extending tax concessions such as those provided to hilly states, a special grant for backward areas of the state and a political assurance on law enforcement by bringing it directly under the governor.

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While these issues will be deliberated in detail by the Group of Ministers established to work out details of splitting the state, sources said a broad legal framework has already been prepared based on political consultation within the Congress as well as between the party and the government.

According to this, a single governor will be appointed for 10 years for both Telangana and Seemandhra, by when a new capital for Seemandhra would be ready. Since law enforcement will be under the governor, officers from the UT (union Territories) cadre could be posted in Hyderabad.

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Further, sources said, there would be two separate assemblies and high courts in Hyderabad for which the GoM would have to suggest modalities. While there is a separate building available in Hyderabad to start a new Assembly, sources said the government would have to discuss with the Chief Justice of India on how soon a new high court could be set up.

The politics beneath ‘Telangana’ move

It is learnt that these broad details have been conveyed to theprotesting ministers and MPs of the Congress, who were told that they could make suggestions to improve the package for Seemandhra and the GoM headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram would take this into account.

As it is, the party’s own initiative – the A K Antony committee – is still holding deliberations to find political answers to douse tempers. But with Seemandhra going on the boil after Thursday’s Cabinet decision, the Centre’s immediate focus was more on ensuring safety and maintaining peace.

Source: New Indian Express