The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 3rd June 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

The Message from the Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation

Why in News?

It is 10 years since Andhra Pradesh was divided into two States. A decade is a long enough time examine the political, economic and historical implications of the division of the political geography of the Telugu people, for them as well as for the Indian Republic. 

About:

1. Background:

   • In 2014, the Indian Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, also known as the Telangana Act.
   • This law divided the state of Andhra Pradesh into two separate states: Telangana and the residual Andhra Pradesh.

2. Issue of Division:

   • Even after the split, the two states have not been able to agree on how to divide their assets and liabilities.
   • Assets include properties, funds, and resources that were previously shared by the undivided Andhra Pradesh.
   • Liabilities refer to debts and obligations that need to be settled.

3. Attempts at Resolution:

   • Both states have tried to resolve this issue by holding bilateral meetings.
   • The Union Home Ministry has also organized meetings to mediate between the two states.
   • Despite these efforts, no agreement has been reached.

4. Current Situation:

   • The Andhra Pradesh government has now taken the matter to the Supreme Court.
   • They are seeking a fair and equitable distribution of assets and liabilities.
   • The goal is to ensure that both states receive a just share based on the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

Assets to be divided:

• There are 91 institutions under Schedule IX and 142 institutions under Schedule X of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act 2014.
• The division of another 12 institutions not mentioned in the Act has also become a controversial point between the two States.
• The overall dispute involves 245 institutions with a total fixed asset value of ₹1.42 lakh crore.

Stand of Andhra Pradesh Government

• The state government of Telangana stated that the expert committee’s recommendations were against the interests of Telangana.

Role of the Union Government:

• The 2014 Act empowers the Union Government to intervene as and when needed.  The Home Ministry taking steps to expeditiously and amicably settle the issues between the two States.
• The Union Home Ministry headed several meetings with the Chief Secretaries of the two States to resolve the matter.

Way Forward:

• Interstate disputes can be resolved by the states themselves or by the Centre through dialogue and political settlements.
• The Union Government can work as a facilitator or a neutral mediator.
• The Parliament can bring a law to resolve disputes between states.
• Disputes can also be settled by the Supreme Court in its original jurisdiction. Article 131 of the Indian Constitution says “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Supreme Court shall, to the exclusion of any other court, have original jurisdiction in any dispute;
  • Between the Government of India and one or more States.
  • Between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more other States on the other.
  • Between two or more States.
• Article 263 of the Constitution gives powers to the President to set up an Inter-state Council for the resolution of disputes between states.
• Inter-state disputes need to be settled quickly and impartially otherwise they become festering sores that create friction, prevent development, give a perverse direction to the energies of people and governments and generate hard feelings on all sides.