Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagaria reportedly communicated to chief minister Naidu that there was no proposal with the centre to accord special status on Andhra Pradesh. Similarly, Prof Panagarai also informed the CM that even announcing a Bihar-like package was also not possible for Andhra Pradesh.
This was conveyed when the Panagaria was in Andhra Pradesh to see the developmental works going on in Andhra Pradesh a couple of days ago. According to sources in the government, Panagaria had been asked to visit the state and clarify the funds position to Andhra Pradesh chief minister in the light of the misgivings between the TDP and BJP in the recent times. Similarly, there has been some bad blood generated between the PM and the people of Andhra Pradesh as the PM could not announce a Bihar-like package and give clarity on special status to Andhra Pradesh during his visit to lay foundation stone for Amaravati. Panagaria arrived in Vijayawada on December 30 and immediately went on a field-trip to Jakkampudi to have a feel of developmental activities going on in Krishna district. Later, he inspected the works on right main canal of Polavaram Project. He interacted with chief minister Naidu and the officials from the state.
In his interactions with the CM Panagaria had reportedly gave clarity on two issues- one, special status and the other, the Bihar-like package.
Informed sources told telugu360.com that centre would be continuously assisting the state in constructing the green field capital of Amaravati. The Niiti Aayog vice chairman is said to have assured the CM on behalf of Prime Minister Modi that in lieu of Special Status, centre would be extending an additional funding of about Rs 3000 per year from various programs in the different ministries. And every year, this would be announced in the budget itself.
