Not integral to Bill, MHA tells MLAs seeking more info

Demanding changes, the MLAs stated there could be a delay in returning the Bill. Union Home secretary Anil Goswami, in a letter, stated that the Andhra government does not require these documents and the Assembly had to discuss only the matter of bifurcation. Goswami said, “The above mentioned four items would have been included if they were part of the Bill.”

He stated the documents sought are classified and not in public domain. He said these documents were furnished by the Group of Ministers (GoM) set up for bifurcation of AP.

Home Ministry sources said the government is likely to extend the deadline by a few days in case the Assembly exerts too much pressure but a decision will be taken by President Mukherjee, said sources.

Mohanty said, “I cannot comment on it. The legislators wanted some information from the government. I have received the reply from Central government and has placed it before the legislators.”

Assembly Speaker N Manohar said the Union Home Ministry was informed that several legislators termed the AP Reorganisation Bill as incomplete because it did not contain ‘statement of objects and reasons’ and ‘financial memorandum’.

“We were informed through the Chief Secretary that the Union Home Ministry has all information and documents regarding ‘statement of objects and reasons’ and ‘financial memorandum’ and they would be attached to the Bill and tabled in Parliament.
After the Home Ministry’s response, they did not raise any objections but said they may seek more information by filing an RTI.

“The debate and discussion on Telangana Bill has started and will go on even without the said documents,’’ Manohar said.
Legislative Affairs Minister Dr S Sailajanath said Seemandhra legislators felt much information was lacking. “It is a Bill of great significance and has long-term consequences for both Seemandhra and Telangana. However, legislators are not being given all information even when we apply for it. How can a discussion or debate take place if we do not have the requisite information? We are not only asking for statement of objects and reasons and financial memorandum, we also want to know how the Centre is going about revenue sharing, grants, plan expenditure etc. Without this information, how can a fair and objective discussion take place?’’ he said.

The government is planning a special session of Parliament to table the Bill. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said he is confident the Bill will be passed. On Friday, Shinde said, “We are awaiting the report. Once the bill comes to us, we will place it before Parliament.” It proposed Hyderabad as common capital for 10 years. The new state will comprise 10 districts and the remaining Andhra Pradesh 13 districts.

The Telangana Governor will have special responsibility for security of life, liberty and property of all who reside in the common capital. The Governor may be assisted by two advisors appointed by the central government

(With inputs from Sreenivas Janyala, Hyderabad)