Andhra Pradesh government is seeking atleast 15 years of special category status to it which is beginning with a deficit budget of Rs 15,000 crores. Though Central government promised to bear the entire revenue deficit for this year, the AP government sources wants to make this option avail for the next four years. AP CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu will be flying to Delhi on 25th of this month along with Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and will be meeting PM Modi, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and other Planning Commission members.

Chandrababu who earlier said to construct a full-fledged capital it would take around 20 years time, wants to cite this reason before the Planning Commission in order to seek 15 years of special status. Yanamala who took charge as Finance Minister on Sunday, held discussions with officials and asked them to prepare a report that could enable Central government to grant a special status.

The Telugu Desam government is under severe pressure as it has promised to waive the farm loans and Dwcra loans. In addition to this, Fees Reimbursement demand is also hitting the government. Farm loans alone cost around Rs 1 lakh crores and it would put huge pressure on government as it may run short of funds. The government wants to rely completely on the center without imposing any additional taxes directly or indirectly on the people.

To start from scratch it is a rigid task ahead for the AP government. TDP sources say that 15 years of special status would improve the revenue of the state and could also create surplus budget too.  A decision on granting special status to AP will arrive after Chandrababu's Delhi visit.

(AW: Vamshi)