According to reports, the Centre is quoted as saying that the package has been formulated incorporating all aspects of the special package to Andhra Pradesh.

The special status if not, special package to Andhra Pradesh is likely to be announced on Wednesday.

Moreover, centre is also keen on giving clarity on transfer of 100 per cent Polavaram project funds. An Rs 500-crore special fund will be promoting industries in the state is also likely to be announced.

The Centre is handling with the idea of tax exemption to prospective industrialists besides incentives to them. It is also likely to extend a clear assurance to the state on funds to the new state capital and on making up the revenue deficit.

The package also takes care of 30 per cent difference between the devolution of funds to the state on account of the special status and general devolution of funds.

On the other hand The CPI, CPI(M) and other like-minded parties will stage a dharna in front of the head post office in Kurnool on September 8 resenting the double standards of the Central and State governments on granting special category status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh.

CPI district secretary B. Ramanjaneyulu and CPI(M) district secretary K. Prabhakara Reddy told the media here on Tuesday that “the Central and State governments were non-committal on granting SCS to the State and special packages for the backward Rayalaseema and north coastal AP despite the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu before the last general elections.”

They said “instead of bringing pressure on the Centre for the SCS, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, fearing cases and political compulsions, was trying to settle for a special financial package for the State. It was unacceptable to the Left parties and the people. SCS entailed financial sops, industrial and tax concessions and generation of employment for the youth.”

They also added that “SCS was the only option available for development of Andhra Pradesh as nearly half of the districts were backward whereas a financial package would melt like an ice block before it reaches the people.”

CPI State executive member Manohar Manikyam and city secretary Rasool and CPI(M) State executive member Ramanjaneyulu were present.

Also Read: BJP Spoils the Plans of Congress on AP Special Status

BY M. DIVYA SRI