Even as the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee is gearing up for a big public meeting on June 4 with the support of like-minded parties on the issue of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, the Niti Ayog on Friday categorically declared that there is no question of granting special category status to any state.
Niti Ayog vice-chairman Aravind Panagariya told media in New Delhi that the chapter of granting special category status to any state was closed forever.
“Even those which had the status hitherto have also ceased to enjoy the status from last month. As such, there is no special category status states in the country now,” he clarified.
He said all the states would get increased devolution of funds from the Centre as per the recommendation of the 14th finance commission and so, there is no special treatment to any state.
With regard to Andhra Pradesh, Panagariya said the Niti Ayog had recommended to the Centre to grant a special financial package to the state in lieu of special category status promised during bifurcation.
“The package has more benefits than what could be accrued through the special status. The Andhra Pradesh government too is satisfied with it. As such, the chapter of special category status is closed forever,” he said.
It does mean whatever the political parties do on the demand for special category status to AP, it would just be an exercise in futility. It might serve their political purpose, but the Centre will not succumb to any such pressures.
