Srikrishna panel proposes a Telangana Regional Council

The Justice Srikrishna Committee that looked into the demand for a separate Telangana state has suggested creation of statutorily empowered Telangana Regional Council in order to provide certain definite statutory measures for socio-economic development and political empowerment of the region while at the same time keeping Andhra Pradesh undivided.

As the next best alternative, the committee has suggested bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into Telangana and Seemandhra as per existing boundaries with Hyderabad as the capital of Telangana and Seemandhra getting a new capital.

The committee said the second option should be given some consideration as the demand for a separate Telangana has some merit and was not entirely unjustified.

However, the committee said, while exercising this option, the apprehensions of the people of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema as also others settled in Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana with regard to their investments, properties, livelihood and employment should by adequately addressed.

"Considering all aspects, the committee felt that while creation of separate Telangana would satisfy a large majority of people from the region, it would also throw up several other serious problems. Therefore, after taking into account the pros and cons, the committee did not think it to be the most preferred, but the second best option."

Separation is recommended only in case it is unavoidable and this decision can be reached amicably amongst all three regions, it said.