Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday and urged the Centre to accord statutory status to Amaravati as the permanent capital of the state.
The Chief Minister requested that the Centre grant statutory status to Amaravati by introducing a Bill in Parliament, terming it vital for the state’s long-term development and stability.
Naidu reached Delhi after visiting the Polavaram project site earlier in the day.
During the meeting, both leaders reviewed key development and welfare initiatives related to Andhra Pradesh.
Emphasising the need for policy certainty, the Chief Minister said that formal legislative recognition of Amaravati would accelerate development, fulfil the aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh, and strengthen investor confidence.
Naidu also sought flexibility from the Centre on certain provisions of the recently enacted VB–G-RAM-G scheme, which has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
He discussed the financial provisions of the VB–G-RAM-G scheme and explained that changing the Centre–State funding ratio to 60:40 would adversely impact Andhra Pradesh, which is already facing financial difficulties.
The Chief Minister said the revised funding ratio was placing an additional financial burden on the state and could affect effective implementation of the scheme. Seeking relief, he requested alternative financial support and flexibility, keeping in view Andhra Pradesh’s current fiscal situation.
Naidu acknowledged the Centre’s support in helping the state recover from financial stress and appealed for continued cooperation.
The meeting also included discussions on ongoing development projects, welfare schemes and recent developments in the state. The two leaders are also understood to have discussed issues related to allocations for Andhra Pradesh in the Union Budget.
Chandrababu Naidu, whose Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key partner in the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, reportedly sought higher allocations for various projects in the state.
–IANS
