AP Assembly passes Decentralisation Bill for creation of 3 Capital cities

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Decentralisation and Inclusive Development of all Regions Bill 2020, that aims at creation of three capital cities was tabled in the Assembly amidst massive protest that broke out in various districts of the state.

On Monday, the state of Andhra Pradesh was on a boil. Women, youth, farmers took to the roads protesting against the shifting of the capital. TDP MP Galla Jayadev and scores were detained for staging a protest.

While passing the Bill, Finance Minister Buggana Rajendernath explained , the Bill proposes to have a Legislative Capital at Amaravati Executive Capital at Visakhapatnam and Judicial Capital at Kurnool .

The decision is a result of consideration of facts , recommendations of various Committees and consultation of the people, the minister added. Committees, including Sivaramakrishnan , had voted for decentralisation of development however keeping in mind not to take any steps to harm the ecological balance of the State.

Decentralisation is a concept which was advocated in 1937 itself by the Sri Bagh pact which is reflecting in the decentralisation development which is the spirit of the Bill.

“It is sad to see Andhra Pradesh in drought conditions even after 72 years of Independence ,” said Minister for Agriculture Kurasala Kannababu during Assembly proceedings on Monday. He further said that Chandrababu Naidu is responsible for the poor condition of the State economy and the plight of Amaravati farmers.

“Even after pooling 33,000 acres land from the farmers for capital development , Naidu disappointed the farmers. Undeveloped regions have seen inequality in development during Naidu's regime. Rayalaseema and North Andhra regions have been in an extremely backward category. Keeping in mind the development of these regions , Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has proposed decentralisation, said the Finance Minister.