<<–2/”>a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/5653-2/”>p>Background and Formation
The Sri Krishna Committee, formally known as the Committee for Consultations on the Situation in Andhra Pradesh (CCSAP), was constituted by the Government of India on February 3, 2010, to address the demand for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of a separate Telangana state. The committee was chaired by Justice B. N. Srikrishna and included eminent members such as Dr. Ranbir Singh, Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Prof. (Dr.) Ravinder Kaur, and Dr. Vinod K. Duggal.
The committee's mandate was to examine the situation in Andhra Pradesh comprehensively, consider the demand for a separate Telangana state alongside the need for maintaining the unity and Integrity of the state, and to recommend a course of action. The formation of the committee came in the wake of escalating demands for Telangana statehood, marked by widespread protests, hunger strikes, and political mobilization.
Methodology and Public Consultations
The Sri Krishna Committee adopted a systematic and inclusive approach to gather information and opinions from various stakeholders. The committee's methodology included:
Public Consultations: The committee conducted extensive public consultations across all regions of Andhra Pradesh, including Telangana, Coastal Andhra, and Rayalaseema. These consultations involved meetings with Political Parties, civil Society organizations, Industry representatives, academicians, and ordinary citizens. Public hearings were held to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives were considered.
Memoranda and Submissions: The committee invited and received thousands of memoranda, representations, and submissions from individuals and organizations. These submissions detailed the arguments for and against the creation of Telangana and provided insights into the socio-economic, cultural, and political dynamics of the region.
Field Visits: The committee undertook field visits to various parts of Andhra Pradesh to gain a firsthand understanding of the ground realities. These visits allowed the members to observe the economic conditions, Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and development disparities across different regions.
Data Collection and Analysis: The committee gathered and analyzed a vast amount of data on various socio-economic indicators, including Literacy rates, healthcare, agriculture, industry, employment, and infrastructure. This data provided an empirical basis for the committee's recommendations.
Consultation with Experts: The committee engaged with experts in fields such as economics, Sociology, political science, and Public Administration to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in state reorganization and regional development.
Key Findings of the Report
The Sri Krishna Committee submitted its report on December 30, 2010. The report presented a detailed analysis of the historical, socio-economic, cultural, and political factors underpinning the demand for Telangana statehood. Some key findings of the report included:
Historical Context: The report traced the historical context of the Telangana movement, highlighting the distinct cultural and linguistic identity of the region. It noted that the demand for a separate Telangana state was rooted in a sense of historical injustice and marginalization.
Economic Disparities: The report acknowledged the economic disparities between Telangana and the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions. It noted that Telangana lagged behind in terms of Infrastructure Development, Irrigation facilities, industrialization, and employment opportunities. However, the report also pointed out that these disparities were not uniform across all districts of Telangana.
Resource Allocation: The report examined the allocation and utilization of natural Resources, particularly water. It highlighted that the Telangana region faced significant challenges related to water scarcity and irrigation, despite the presence of major rivers like the Krishna and Godavari.
Political Representation: The report analyzed the political dynamics within Andhra Pradesh, noting that Telangana had experienced periods of underrepresentation in political and administrative structures. This underrepresentation contributed to the perception of neglect and discrimination.
Public Sentiment: The report emphasized that public sentiment in Telangana strongly favored the creation of a separate state. This sentiment was driven by a combination of economic grievances, cultural identity, and a desire for self-governance.
Social and Cultural Factors: The report highlighted the distinct cultural and social identity of Telangana, including its language, festivals, and traditions. It noted that these cultural factors played a significant role in shaping the demand for statehood.
Recommendations of the Sri Krishna Committee
The Sri Krishna Committee presented six possible Options for addressing the Telangana issue, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The committee's recommendations aimed to balance the aspirations of the Telangana movement with the need to maintain the unity and integrity of Andhra Pradesh.
Maintaining the Status Quo: The first option was to maintain the status quo with constitutional and statutory measures to address the grievances of Telangana. This option suggested that the existing administrative framework could be strengthened to ensure equitable development across all regions of Andhra Pradesh. However, the committee acknowledged that this option was unlikely to satisfy the aspirations of the Telangana movement.
Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh with Telangana and Rayala-Telangana: The second option proposed the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into two states: Telangana (comprising ten districts, including Hyderabad) and Rayala-Telangana (combining the Telangana districts with two districts from Rayalaseema). This option aimed to address the concerns of both Telangana and Rayalaseema regions but was likely to face resistance from proponents of a standalone Telangana state.
Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad as a Union Territory: The third option suggested the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into two states, with Hyderabad as a Union Territory (UT). This option aimed to address the contentious issue of Hyderabad's status, given its economic significance and mixed Population. However, the committee noted that making Hyderabad a UT could face opposition from both Telangana and Andhra regions.
Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as the Capital of Telangana: The fourth option recommended the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into two states: Seemandhra (comprising Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema) and Telangana (comprising the ten districts of Telangana, including Hyderabad as its capital). This option was seen as the most straightforward way to address the demand for Telangana statehood while allowing Seemandhra to retain its identity and pursue its development goals.
Bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as a Joint Capital for 10 Years: The fifth option suggested the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into two states, with Hyderabad serving as a joint capital for both states for a period of ten years. After this period, Hyderabad would become the capital of Telangana, while Seemandhra would develop its own capital. This option aimed to provide a transitional arrangement to address the concerns of both regions.
United Andhra Pradesh with Statutory Regional Councils: The sixth option proposed keeping Andhra Pradesh united while creating statutory Regional Councils for Telangana, Coastal Andhra, and Rayalaseema. These councils would have significant administrative and financial powers to ensure balanced regional development. The committee noted that this option would require strong political will and constitutional amendments to be effective.
Analysis of Recommendations
The Sri Krishna Committee's recommendations were intended to provide a comprehensive and balanced solution to the Telangana issue. Each option had its own set of implications and challenges:
Status Quo: Maintaining the status quo was unlikely to address the deep-seated grievances and aspirations of the Telangana movement. The committee acknowledged that this option would not satisfy the demand for statehood and could lead to further unrest.
Rayala-Telangana: The proposal to create Rayala-Telangana aimed to address the concerns of both Telangana and Rayalaseema. However, it was likely to face opposition from proponents of a standalone Telangana state and could complicate the administrative and political landscape.
Hyderabad as a Union Territory: Making Hyderabad a Union Territory aimed to address the contentious issue of its status. However, this option could face resistance from both Telangana and Andhra regions, given Hyderabad's economic and cultural significance.
Seemandhra and Telangana with Hyderabad as Telangana Capital: This option was seen as a straightforward solution to the demand for Telangana statehood. It addressed the aspirations of the Telangana movement while allowing Seemandhra to pursue its development goals. However, it required careful consideration of issues such as resource allocation, infrastructure development, and administrative arrangements.
Joint Capital Arrangement: The joint capital arrangement aimed to provide a transitional solution to address the concerns of both regions. This option required significant Investment in developing a new capital for Seemandhra and managing the transition period effectively.
Regional Councils: The proposal to create statutory Regional Councils aimed to ensure balanced regional development within a united Andhra Pradesh. However, it required strong political will and constitutional amendments to be effective. The committee noted that this option could face challenges in implementation and acceptance.
Political and Public Reactions
The Sri Krishna Committee's report and recommendations elicited diverse reactions from political parties, civil society groups, and the public:
Support for Telangana Statehood: Proponents of Telangana statehood, including the TRS and various civil society groups, supported the recommendations for bifurcation. They argued that creating a separate Telangana state was the only way to address the region's historical and economic grievances.
Opposition from Seemandhra Leaders: Political leaders from Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema opposed the bifurcation options. They argued that dividing Andhra Pradesh would lead to economic and administrative challenges and that a united state with equitable development was a better solution.
Mixed Reactions to Hyderabad as a Union Territory: The proposal to make Hyderabad a Union Territory received mixed reactions. Some saw it as a viable solution to the contentious issue of Hyderabad's status, while others opposed it, arguing that Hyderabad should remain an integral part of Telangana.
Public Sentiment: Public sentiment in Telangana strongly favored statehood, while there were significant concerns in Seemandhra about the implications of bifurcation. The committee's report highlighted the need for a balanced and carefully managed approach to address these diverse sentiments.
The Sri Krishna Committee's report and recommendations played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on the Telangana issue. The committee's comprehensive analysis and multiple options provided a framework for informed debate and decision-making. Ultimately, the central government decided to proceed with the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, leading to the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014. The committee's work remains a significant reference point in the study of state reorganization and regional aspirations in India.