CM YS Jagan Reiterates Demand For SCS To AP

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated the demand that the Centre accord Special Category Status to the state and fulfill other commitments made in Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called on Modi in the national capital and discussed various issues related to the state. According to the Chief Minister's Office, YS Jagan explained the problems faced by the state and underlined the need to grant Special Category Status (SCS) to the state for its industrial development and overall growth. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief has already announced that during every meeting with the Prime Minister, he will raise the issue of SCS, which was promised by the Centre while bifurcating Andhra Pradesh in 2014.

The Chief Minister also sought incentives for establishment of industries in the state. He demanded exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST), Income tax and 100 per cent insurance premium for 10 years to industries. He also urged Modi to fulfill the promises made to the state in Reorganisation Act by establishing steel plant in Kadapa district and constructing Ramayapatnam port as construction of Dugarajupatnam port envisaged earlier was not feasible. Jagan Reddy, who assumed office on May 27, submitted a petition to Modi regarding different issues.

He briefed the PM on the steps taken by his government to improve people's standard of living, to provide social security to various sections of society, create infrastructure and ensure corruption-free and transparent governance.

Justifying his government's decision to cancel Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) entered into by previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government with the producers of renewable energy, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said the previous government was irrational and outlandish in signing these PPAs as they caused huge burden on the state exchequer. He alleged that PPAs were signed only to benefit a select few with ulterior motives.

The Chief Minister said though there was a purchase limit of 5-10 per cent, the TDP government purchased 23.6 per cent of renewable energy, causing Rs 2,654 crore loss to electricity department. He blamed previous government for the power producers landing in Rs 20,000 crore debts.

He also shared that the state government has a debt of Rs 2.58 lakh crore and at the same time has decided to implement the 'Navaratnalu' welfare schemes for the poor, the source said. Besides, the state has also taken measures to ensure good governance by bringing in transparency, he said.

He told the Prime Minister that the state's debts in 2014-15 were Rs 97,000 crore but by 2018-19, they mounted to Rs 2.58 lakh crore. YS Jagan said the Centre should have released Rs 2,100 crore over six years for seven backward districts but only Rs 1,050 crore were released. He urged the Centre to release 23,300 crore for backward districts on the lines of KBK (Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput) model.

Explaining the water problems faced by the state, YS Jagan sought interlinking of Godavari and Krishna rivers. Stating that the government plans to develop a Water Grid at a cost of Rs 60,000 crore by 2050 to supply safe drinking water to people, he sought the Centre's cooperation in the project.

The Chief Minister also sought incentives for establishment of industries in the state. He demanded exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST), Income tax and 100 per cent insurance premium for 10 years to industries.

He also urged Modi to fulfill the promises made to the state in Reorganisation Act by establishing steel plant in Kadapa district and constructing Ramayapatnam port as construction of Dugarajupatnam port envisaged earlier was not feasible.

The Chief Minister said the Centre has neither released the promised funds for backward districts nor reimbursed Rs 5,100 crore for the Polavaram irrigation project. Besides, he sought Rs 60,000 crore for laying water grid in the state to ensure water for each household.

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who assumed office on May 27, submitted a petition to Modi regarding different issues.n the second day of his visit, YS Jagan will meet President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and several Union ministers to discuss issues related to Andhra Pradesh.

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