<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>Historical Context and Background
The demand for a separate Telangana state dates back to the Formation Of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 when the region of Telangana, previously part of the princely state of Hyderabad, was merged with Andhra to form Andhra Pradesh. This merger, facilitated by the States Reorganization Act, was contentious, with assurances given to Telangana to protect its interests. However, over the decades, Telangana's people felt marginalized in terms of Economic Development, resource allocation, and political representation. These grievances fueled a sustained movement for statehood, which gained significant momentum in the early 2000s under the Leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).
Early Agitations and Political Developments
The movement for Telangana saw various phases of agitation, including the 1969 Telangana Agitation, which was marked by widespread protests and demands for statehood. Despite these efforts, the movement did not achieve its goal, and the issue simmered for decades. The revival of the Telangana movement in the early 2000s, particularly after the formation of TRS in 2001, brought the demand back to the forefront of Andhra Pradesh politics.
In December 2009, following KCR's fast-unto-death, the central government made a significant announcement to initiate the process for creating Telangana. This announcement led to a backlash from the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, resulting in a series of political maneuvers and consultations. The formation of the Srikrishna Committee in 2010 to examine the feasibility of Telangana was a crucial step in this process.
The Srikrishna Committee Report
The Srikrishna Committee, formally known as the Committee for Consultations on the Situation in Andhra Pradesh (CCSAP), submitted its report in December 2010. The report presented six Options, ranging from maintaining the status quo to creating a separate Telangana state. While the report provided a detailed analysis of the socio-economic conditions and the public sentiment in different regions, it did not offer a definitive solution, leaving the decision to the political leadership.
Political Dynamics and Key Developments
The period between 2010 and 2013 was marked by intense political activity, with ongoing agitations in Telangana and counter-agitations in the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. The Congress party, which held power both at the center and in Andhra Pradesh, faced internal divisions, with leaders from different regions holding conflicting views on the issue.
December 2012 All-Party Meeting: An all-party meeting held on December 28, 2012, indicated the central government's intention to resolve the issue. The then Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde announced that a decision on Telangana would be taken within a month, although the decision was delayed further due to the need for broader consultations.
July 30, 2013 Announcement: The breakthrough came on July 30, 2013, when the Congress Working Committee (CWC) endorsed the formation of Telangana. The central government announced its decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh and create Telangana as a separate state. Hyderabad was to serve as the joint capital for both Telangana and the residual Andhra Pradesh for ten years.
Legislative Process in Parliament
Following the CWCs endorsement, the process moved towards the legislative phase. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2014, was drafted and sent to the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly for its views. Despite the assembly's rejection of the bill, the central government proceeded with the legislative process in Parliament.
Introduction of the Bill: The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2014, was introduced in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, on February 13, 2014. The introduction of the bill was met with protests from some members, particularly those from Seemandhra, who opposed the bifurcation.
Debate in Lok Sabha: The debate in the Lok Sabha on February 18, 2014, was marked by high emotions and disruptions. The bill was eventually passed amidst protests, with the use of a voice vote. The proceedings saw dramatic scenes, including a blackout of live telecast to prevent disruption by agitating members.
Debate in Rajya Sabha: The bill was then introduced in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, on February 20, 2014. The debate in the Rajya Sabha was equally contentious, with members expressing their views both in favor of and against the bifurcation. The bill was passed with a majority vote, overcoming significant opposition.
Key Provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2014
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2014, outlined the framework for the creation of Telangana and addressed various administrative, financial, and legal issues arising from the bifurcation. Some key provisions included:
Territorial Division: The bill specified the territorial division, with Telangana comprising ten districts from the existing state of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad was designated as the joint capital for both states for ten years.
Distribution of Assets and Liabilities: The bill outlined the distribution of assets, liabilities, and government employees between the two states. This included the division of Public Sector Undertakings, Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and financial Resources.
Water and Power Resources: Provisions were made for the management and sharing of Water Resources from rivers like Krishna and Godavari. Similarly, arrangements for the distribution of power and Energy Resources were specified to ensure equitable access for both states.
Legal and Administrative Framework: The bill included provisions for the establishment of a common High Court until separate high courts were constituted for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It also addressed the reorganization of administrative and police Services.
Development Packages: Special financial packages and incentives were proposed to support the development of the residual Andhra Pradesh, particularly for building a new capital and promoting economic Growth.
Implementation and Transition
Following the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Bill, 2014, the central government took several steps to implement the provisions and ensure a smooth transition.
Appointment of Committees: Various committees were appointed to oversee the implementation of the bifurcation process. These committees were responsible for addressing issues related to the division of assets, allocation of resources, and administrative restructuring.
Notification and Inauguration: The central government issued a notification on March 1, 2014, formally declaring the formation of Telangana. Telangana officially came into existence on June 2, 2014, marking the culmination of the long-standing demand for statehood. The new state of Telangana was inaugurated, with K. Chandrashekar Rao becoming its first Chief Minister.
Administrative Adjustments: The central and state governments worked together to implement administrative adjustments, including the allocation of government employees and the establishment of new administrative offices. Efforts were made to ensure continuity in governance and public services during the transition period.
Development Initiatives: Special development initiatives were launched for both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The central government provided financial assistance and support for infrastructure projects, economic development, and social welfare programs to promote balanced regional development.
Political Reactions and Public Response
The declaration of Telangana state in Parliament elicited a range of political reactions and public responses, reflecting the complex and contentious nature of the issue.
Support in Telangana: The declaration was met with jubilation in Telangana, where the demand for statehood had been a long-standing aspiration. Public celebrations, rallies, and cultural events were organized to mark the historic occasion. Political leaders and activists who had championed the Telangana cause hailed the decision as a victory for the people.
Opposition in Seemandhra: In contrast, the decision was met with protests and apprehension in the residual Andhra Pradesh (Seemandhra). Political leaders and public figures expressed concerns about the economic and administrative implications of the bifurcation. There were fears about the loss of revenue from Hyderabad and the challenges of building a new capital.
National Political Reactions: National Political Parties had mixed reactions to the decision. While parties like the BJP supported the creation of Telangana, others expressed concerns about the process and its implications for other regional demands for statehood. The Congress party, which was in power, faced internal divisions and criticism for its handling of the issue.
Long-Term Implications and Legacy
The creation of Telangana has had significant long-term implications and has left a lasting legacy on the political and socio-economic landscape of the region.
Political Realignment: The bifurcation led to a political realignment in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The TRS emerged as the dominant political force in Telangana, while the TDP and other parties had to recalibrate their strategies in the residual state. The creation of Telangana also influenced regional politics in other parts of India, inspiring similar demands for statehood.
Economic Development: Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh embarked on new development paths following the bifurcation. Telangana focused on leveraging its strengths in IT and Industry, while Andhra Pradesh prioritized building a new capital and promoting Investment in infrastructure and agriculture. The bifurcation also highlighted the need for balanced regional development and equitable resource allocation.
Cultural Identity: The formation of Telangana reinforced the cultural identity of the region. Efforts were made to promote Telanganas language, festivals, and traditions, contributing to a renewed sense of pride and cultural heritage. The legacy of the movement continues to shape the social and cultural dynamics of the state.
Governance and Administration: The bifurcation posed significant governance and administrative challenges, but it also provided an opportunity for both states to innovate and improve their administrative systems. The experience of managing the transition and addressing the complex issues of resource allocation and Infrastructure Development has provided valuable lessons for future state reorganizations.
National Policy and Federalism: The creation of Telangana has influenced national policy and the discourse on federalism in India. It underscored the importance of addressing regional aspirations and grievances within the framework of Indias federal structure. The experience highlighted the need for responsive governance and the effective management of state reorganization processes.
The declaration of Telangana state in Parliament marked the culmination of a long and arduous struggle for statehood. The legislative process, shaped by intense political debates and complex negotiations, reflected the diverse aspirations and concerns of the people of Andhra Pradesh. The creation of Telangana stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of addressing regional grievances within Indias federal framework. The legacy of the Telangana movement continues to influence political, economic, and cultural dynamics in the region and serves as a significant chapter in the history of Indian federalism.