PaperDabba News Desk: July 22, 2024
In a recent parliamentary session, the Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, clarified that Bihar does not meet the five eligibility criteria necessary for obtaining special status. This revelation came in response to a question posed by JDU MP Mandal from Bihar. The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) report detailed these criteria:
- Hilly and difficult terrain
- Low population density and higher tribal population
- Strategic location along the borders of neighbouring countries
- Economic and industrial backwardness
- The poor financial health of the state
The National Development Council stipulates that only states meeting these criteria are eligible for special status. With Bihar failing to meet these standards, it appears unlikely that Andhra Pradesh will receive special status either.
Implications for Andhra Pradesh
The announcement regarding Bihar has significant implications for Andhra Pradesh, which has also been vying for special status since the bifurcation in 2014. The five criteria outlined by the IMG present a stringent benchmark, which many states, including Andhra Pradesh, struggle to meet.
The Struggle for Special Status
Andhra Pradesh has long argued that the bifurcation disadvantaged the state, with Hyderabad, the capital city, becoming part of Telangana. The state’s leaders have continually pressed the central government for special status, citing economic challenges and the need for development support. However, the central government’s stance, as clarified in the case of Bihar, suggests that Andhra Pradesh’s plea may also fall on deaf ears.
Economic and Industrial Backwardness
One key criterion is economic and industrial backwardness. Andhra Pradesh has made strides in industrial development but still lags behind more prosperous states. The IMG’s criteria require a state to demonstrate significant industrial and economic challenges, a point of contention for Andhra Pradesh.
Strategic Location and Terrain
Another criterion is the state’s strategic location and terrain. States with hilly and rugged terrains, or those bordering other countries, are given preference. Andhra Pradesh’s coastal location and relatively flat terrain do not align with these criteria, making it challenging for the state to argue its case based on geographical disadvantages.
The central government’s recent clarification about Bihar’s ineligibility for special status due to not meeting the five criteria suggests a similar outcome for Andhra Pradesh, dampening hopes for special status designation.
