Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool   

Regional imbalances should go: ex-MLA

By Our Staff Reporter

KURNOOL, JULY 27. The president of `Rayalaseema Hakkula Ikya Vedika' and former MLA, T.G. Venkatesh, has urged the Government to take immediate steps for removing regional imbalances in the wake of agitations for separate statehood. Nobody would buy the idea of separatism if the supporters of unified state proved their sincerity.

Mr. Venkatesh told The Hindu that the vedika was more concerned about development of the region. He argued that Rayalaseema was more backward when compared to Telangana and the statistics of people's living condition would speak the volumes. At the time of creation of unified state, the issue of Rayalaseema backwardness figured prominently and expert committees suggested special treatment. But nothing had happened and the condition of people of the region turned from bad to worse.

Literacy

He said after ten years of formation of the unified state, colleges in Rayalaseema increased from 13 to 28 by the year 1966-67 while in coastal Andhra from 55 to 80 and in Telangana from 30 to 80. After sailing with other regions for 50 years, Kurnool district stood second from the bottom on the literacy front.

Mr. Venkatesh also blamed the leadership of the Rayalaseema for the backwardness of the region saying that each of four Rayalaseema districts produced one or two chief ministers. If any chief minister adopted his own district, the entire region could have witnessed progress. The inadequate representation of the region in bureaucracy, universities and other crucial areas did great disservice as the region lost lobbying capacity, he said.

Krishna water

He urged the Government to think of ways to ensure Krishna water to the Rayalaseema region by constructing a weir across the Krishna river in the upper reaches of Srisailam reservoir. The region should receive water immediately for development.

Mr. Venkatesh suggested creation of new districts with headquarters at Nandyal, Guntakal and Tirupati.

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