Srikrishna panel calls for views on T-state

Justice B N Srikrishna Committee, as a first step towards commencing the process of Telanagana statehood, on Saturday published its Terms of Reference (ToR) in major newspapers in the state seeking views and suggestions from individuals and organisations and political parties.

The notice, which appeared in all major English, Telugu, Hindi, English and Urdu newspapers, sought views and suggestions from all parties concerned within 30 days.

The published notification stated that "On receipt of the views and suggestions and after examination of the issues, the Committee will hold wide ranging consultations with political parties, concerned associations and groups and civil society organisations as indicated in the Terms of Reference before submitting its report."
 
Issued by the Committee's Member-Secretary Vinod Duggal and called for the suggestions to be sent in the form of memorandum and letters, the notification stated that the panel intends to hold as many meetings as needed at New Delhi, Hyderabad or at any other place in the state since it desires to start the consultation process as soon as possible.

The Srikrishna Panel was announced by the Centre to "examine the situation in Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a separate state of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh".

The notice also carried the seven-point Terms of Reference of the committee constituted by the Centre on Feb 3.

The Committee plans to review the developments in the State since its formation will also look at the development and impact on the progress of different regions in the State.

The impact of recent developments on different sections of the people such as women, children, students, Minorities, Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will also be factored in by the committee.

The committee met on February 13 and will meet again on Feb 25 to formulate its strategy on moving forward on the vexed issue that has virtually divided political parties in the State on regional lines.