Question : SPECIAL CATEGORY STATUS TO ANDHRA PRADESH

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which special category status is likely to be accorded to Andhra Pradesh to bail out the State from financial crisis;

(c) whether the Ministry has held any discussion with the Ministry of Planning in this regard;

(d) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(e) whether the Government has received representations from various quarters including public representatives in this regard; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a): Yes, Madam. Union Cabinet in its meeting held on 02nd March 2014 directed the Planning Commission to implement the decision to grant special Category Status for a period of five years to the successor State of Andhra Pradesh comprising thirteen districts.

(b) to (d): Yes, Madam. Planning Commission, who was approached in this matter has intimated that demands for Special Category Status to the successor State of Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10 years and for 15 years have been made.

(e)&(f): Yes, Madam. Representation from Shri Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh has been received in the Planning Commission in this regard and the same is under their consideration.