AP seeks liberal aid from Centre

• CM makes presentation to 14th Finance Commission
• Explains exigencies arising out of State bifurcation
• Stresses that Centre help build capital for the State
• Elaborates his vision to make AP No. 1 State by 2029

What Naidu sought

• Rs 10,200 cr central loans waiver
• Rs 4-5 lakh cr to build State capital
• Rs 45,500 cr special grant-in-aid
• 50 per cent share in Central funding
• Offset revenue loss due to new GST

Tirupati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday requested the 14th Finance Commission to provide liberal assistance to help the government cope up with stupendous financial problems, including the colossal budget deficit, in the aftermath of the State bifurcation.

Briefing newsmen, the Chief Minister said that he had submitted a memorandum to the Finance Commission, containing a detailed report on the supportive measures he was expecting from the Commission. Principal Secretary (Finance) also presented a report on the precarious financial position of the State, he said.

The Chief Minister said, “We have pleaded with the Finance Commission to ensure a level-playing ground for the state to progress.” He said he had stressed the immediate need for assistance from the Finance Commission, the Planning Commission and the Centre together to overcome the problems arising out of the State division and to accomplish the gigantic task of building the State from scratch.

The AP government’s long wish list includes waiver of central loans to the tune of Rs 10,200 crore, provision of Rs 4-5 lakh crore finance to build the state capital, a special grant-in-aid of up to Rs 45,500 crore, increase in central funding (through sharing of revenue from non-tax, surcharge, cess and other sources) to 50 per cent as against the present 32 per cent, exemption of central tax on petrol and tobacco products for five years to offset revenue losses due to introduction of the GST, equality in NSS repayment to the two states (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) and taking MP constituency as a unit for distribution of resources and funds – and not on population basis – to avoid injustice to Andhra Pradesh for stabilising the population. He maintained that the state should not be penalised for controlling population growth. “This apart, we sought disbursement of funds for central schemes, including design and other expenses, which will be taken up by the Centre,” he said, adding that there was also a need to double the natural calamity fund, in view of the state facing calamities like cyclone and droughts frequently.

The Chief Minister said a detailed presentation was also made on his `Vision-2029’ which would be implemented in the three Finance Commission periods (2014-19, 2019-24 and 2024 -29) to make the state number three by 2019 and number one in the country by 2029.

Finance Minister Y Ramakrishnudu, Forest Minister Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy and others were present at the press briefing.