The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Bills on HMDA, merger of 12 civic bodies passed

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Thursday, Mar 27, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Bills on HMDA, merger of 12 civic bodies passed

Special Correspondent

Uproarious scenes and stiff opposition to the two Bills witnessed in Legislative Assembly

Plea to refer HMDA Bill to a select committee
Koneru Ranga Rao allays fears of members

HYDERABAD: Amid uproarious scenes and stiff opposition two bills pertaining to the constitution of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and merger of 12 municipalities abutting the city into the GHMC were passed by the Assembly on Wednesday night by voice vote.

The main opposition TDP, CPI (M), CPI, BJP and MIM members alleged that the legislation was intended to curtail the powers and make HMDA an all powerful entity under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. They wanted the bill to be referred to a select committee.

Motive alleged

T. Devender Goud (TDP) said that the motive behind constituting HMDA was to sell the valuable lands in and around Hyderabad and neighbouring districts. He questioned the rationale behind merging 54 mandals in five districts under the jurisdiction of HMDA.

Akbaruddin Owaisi (MIM) said the move was to supersede the powers given to elected bodies. M.A. Gaffoor (CPI-M), G. Kishan Reddy (BJP, G. Demudu (CPI) too opposed the Bill.

Municipal Administration Minister Koneru Ranga Rao allayed the fears of the members and said that the Bill would enable the all round development of the twin cities and the neighbouring districts.

As the Opposition members insisted that the Bill be referred to a select committee, Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy suggested that the Bill be put to vote. As the House was preparing to take up voting, the TDP and MIM members decided to walk out and got up. Even as they were about to leave the House, the panel speaker N. Manohar put the Bill to voice vote after which it was passed.

Similar scenes were once again witnessed when the TDP, MIM and BJP members opposed merger of 12 adjoining municipalities in the GHMC to constitute a new entity called the GHMC.

Mr. Owaisi was critical that development of the city had taken a beating as the funds were diverted to the adjoining municipalities for improving infrastructure and sanitation.

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