The Andhra Pradesh Government has begun preparations to come out with a series of white papers over the next few days and is now in the process of fine-tuning them.
The new Government headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has outlined its intent to come out with a series of white papers on sectors such as finance, power, law and order, to explain the current situation to the people and also the challenges it is saddled with in terms of building the new state from the scratch, as it is now without a Capital.
During a recent meeting the Chief Minister had with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state was assured all necessary support from the Centre.
The Chief Minister today reviewed the state finances with State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, as a prelude to finalise the white papers.
The State Cabinet, which met on Saturday, had decided that first such white paper on different sectors will be released once in every two days beginning July 2.
Liberal financial aid
The State Government is seeking liberal financial aid from the Centre as it is starting its journey with a deficit of about Rs 15,000 crore. Apart from seeking special category status for a period of 15 years, the state is keen that the deficit be bridged by the Centre till such time it achieves a level-playing field.
Apart from the Rs 15,000-crore deficit, the State Government has sought additional amount of about Rs 8,000 crore to complete some of the ongoing projects and also special incentives for the industrial sector.
New finance commission
Andhra Pradesh is also banking on the new Finance Commission to express its key concerns and also seek additional financial allocations.
The State Chief Minister and Finance Minister have also hinted at the need to seek flexibility in the budgeting process by relaxing the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.