Release Rs 4652 Cr, notify shifting AP HC: Jagan asks Amit shah

In an hour-long meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah In New Delhi, Jagan urged him to accord special status to Andhra Pradesh.

Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh is committed to the concept of balanced regional development and decentralization of governance. He said they are planning to decentralize capital functions at three locations.

"Visakhapatnam will serve as Executive Capital, Amaravati will be Legislative Capital and Kurnool will serve as Judicial Capital. The government has promulgated `Andhra Pradesh Decentralization and Inclusive Development of All-Region Act in August 2020," he said.

Chief Minister requested the Union Home Minister to direct the concerned authorities to initiate the process of re-notification of locating High Court to Kurnool. He said the proposal was also part of BJP's manifesto during 2019 state elections.

Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh is facing many challenges due to the poor financial situation. "To make state systemically stronger and `Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant), it is imperative that Andhra Pradesh is accorded Special Category Status. It would entitle Andhra Pradesh for more central grants which would reduce its financial burden, create jobs and attain fiscal self-reliance due to the enhanced tax base," he said.

Chief Minister asked the Centre to sanction 13 Medical Colleges. He said an amount of Rs 3,299 crore related to a subsidy for PDS rice has to be released by the Ministry of Food & Civil Supplies to Andhra Pradesh.

Chief Minister has requested for releasing outstanding dues of Rs. 4,652.70 crores and enhancement of annual person Days for work per family from 100 to 150 days. He asked for the release of Rs.529.95 crores towards Rural Local Body Grants under 14th Finance Commission. He also sought the release of Rs.497 crores under 15th finance commission to make AP Power sector more robust. He asked the Centre to extend conditional loans and restructure debt. He said AP power utility bills have mounted to Rs 50,000 crores.

"In view of the severe financial distress of AP power utilities, it is requested that this debt may be restructured appropriately and provide financial assistance for reverse pumped storage project in Upper Sileru," he said

Jagan asked the Centre to give assent to DISHA Bills including Criminal Law (Andhra Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2019, Andhra Pradesh Disha (Special Courts for Specified Offences against Women and Children) Bill, 2020 and Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Authority Bill 2020

Chief Minister requested to establish the Central Tribal University within the tribal sub-plan area.