TS, AP get `530 cr Central funds

New Delhi: Two days after the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Union government has released Rs 385 crores to Andhra Pradesh. The Centre released the funds in accordance with the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission. But the State government estimated that the Centre should release a total Rs 17,000 crore and hopeful of securing a significant amount by the end of the current financial year.

As part of the 13th Finance Commission recommendations, Telangana received Rs 150 crores. In the amount released to Andhra Pradesh, the State can spend Rs 2.6 crore for the implementation of Statistical System, 299 crore on urban civic bodies or Panchayat Raj institutions or for Special Area development and Additional Central Assistance of Rs 50 crore and for state specific new 33.5 crore.

Out of Rs 150 crores released to Telangana State, it can spend 73 crores on Panchayat Raj institutions or urban civic bodies or for Special Areas of their choice, meaning a backward district or a drought-affected area; and it can spend the rest of the amount also in the same areas.

Andhra Pradesh got more funds because it was a revenue deficit State, and was yet to get a special assistance package from the Centre. The Centre is aiming to clear the pending funds that are due to the states as the current financial year is coming to an end on Tuesday.