Govt sends terms of reference on Telangana to 8 Andhra parties

New Delhi, Oct 31: The Home Ministry on Thursday sent the terms of reference of the GoM, constituted to look into the bifurcation of

, to eight political parties of the state seeking their opinion on it.

The terms of reference has been sent to Congress, BJP, Telugu Desam Party, CPI, CPI(M), Telangana Rashtra Samiti, YSR Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.

"We have sent the terms of reference to eight political parties in Andhra Pradesh so that they can read them and give their opinion," a Home Ministry official said.

The government has already decided to convene an all-party meeting next week to discuss various issues concerning the creation of separate Telangana. The meeting is likely to be held before the November 7 meeting of the Group of Ministers. The GoM, which has met twice, has already held discussions regarding the sharing of river waters, power, distribution of assets and demarcation of boundaries.

Headed by the Home Minister, the ministerial panel has also discussed the approach and methodology to be adopted by it. According to the mandate, the GoM will seek opinions of stakeholders on all important issues while formulating its recommendations to the Union Cabinet.

The terms of reference for the GoM are to determine the boundaries of the new state and the residuary state with reference to electoral constituencies, judicial and statutory bodies, and other administrative units. It will also look into the legal and administrative measures required to ensure that both the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh governments can function efficiently from Hyderabad as their common capital for 10 years.

The panel will take into account the legal, financial and administrative measures that may be required for the transition to a new capital by the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.

The GoM will examine the special needs of backward regions and districts of both the states and recommend measures and deal with issues relating to law and order, safety and security of all residents and ensure peace and harmony in all regions and districts consequent to the formation of Telangana and the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.

The GoM will also look into long-term internal security implications arising out of the move and make suitable recommendations. It will look into the sharing of river water, irrigation resources and other natural resources (especially coal, water, oil and gas) between the two states and also inter-se with other states, including the declaration of Polavaram irrigation project as a national project.

PTI