Chandrababu Naidu Directs MPs on Special Package Demands

Backward Region Status Recognised Under Reorganisation Framework

The Sivaramakrishna Commission had identified Uttarandhra and Rayalaseema as the most backward regions in Andhra Pradesh. The assessment formed the basis for provisions included in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which mandated a special development package for these regions.

Under the framework, three districts in Uttarandhra and four districts in Rayalaseema—seven combined districts—were categorised as backward. The Commission had also recorded the need for the Union government to extend a special package to address long-standing regional imbalances.

Special Package Mandated but Pending

The special package was intended to reduce regional disparities and support focused development. Agriculture, irrigation projects, tourism, and infrastructure development were identified as key priority areas. The model proposed was comparable to the Bundelkhand package extended to backward regions in other parts of the country.

Despite twelve years having passed since the bifurcation of the state, the special development package for Uttarandhra and Rayalaseema has not been implemented. As a result, the targeted development outcomes in these regions remain unrealised, affecting economic and infrastructure growth.

Budget Session Strategy Outlined to MPs

With the Telugu Desam Party holding a key position within the National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, the party leadership has assigned responsibility to its Members of Parliament to pursue Andhra Pradesh’s pending demands. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed MPs to raise state-specific issues during the Parliament Budget Session beginning on the 28th of this month.

Naidu instructed MPs to prioritise securing the special package for Uttarandhra and Rayalaseema alongside other critical projects. He also asked them to press for commitments related to the Purvodaya scheme, the Polavaram project, and the Nallamala Sagar irrigation project.

Amaravati and Water Projects in Focus

The Chief Minister emphasised that formal legislative approval for Amaravati as the state capital should be ensured during the current parliamentary session. He asked MPs to seek passage of a Bill providing statutory backing for Amaravati.

On irrigation, Naidu advised MPs to obtain necessary approvals for water projects without entering into disputes with neighbouring states. He stressed the importance of water resources for Andhra Pradesh’s needs and urged careful coordination. He also highlighted that ₹12,000 crore remains pending from the Centre for Polavaram project rehabilitation and asked MPs to ensure the release of these funds.

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