Nothing short of Special Category Status, insists AP

Amaravati: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) announced recently by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for implementation of the special package announced in 2016 by the Centre is a clear no-no for Telugu Desam government.

The TDP has decided not to yield any ground on its demand for Special Category Status (SCS) as it has become an emotive issue with the people. With reports emanating from Delhi that the elections might be held before December, the TDP government is not in a position to say yes to anything other than SCS.

State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu clarified that the state was not interested in SPV. “We want SCS only,” he told The Hans India. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also explained the same in the Legislative Council on Monday while replying to Governor’s address.

He said that the state government had repeatedly requested granting of Special Category Status. But the BJP leaders now were saying that they did not give SCS because he had settled for special package which was not true, he said. Chandrababu Naidu said the Centre has to stand by the promise made during the passage of the AP State Reorganisation Bill in Rajya Sabha which included granting of SCS.

But former Minister and BJP leader P Manikyala Rao explained to this Correspondent that the central government has placed two alternatives SCS and Special package. Since Naidu wanted package, the Centre gave what he wanted and now suggested creation of SPV for its implementation.

In this context, Manikyala Rao explained that the Central government has stopped granting Special Category Status to any state in India. The Centre was only extended the financial assistance to the states which were already enjoying the Special Category Status before enforcing the Goods and Services Tax Act.

He explained that the Central government was still committed to extend financial assistance under the special package for the projects suggested by the state government under the EAPs.

That means, the state government has to execute the projects by convincing the external agencies like World Bank, Asian Development Bank and others. In the Council, Chandrababu Naidu reiterated that the Centre has to abide by the commitment made in Parliament that it would accord SCS.