KCR Meets PM, Seeks Special Development Package

New Delhi/Hyderabad, Feb 12 (IANS) Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought a special development package of Rs.30,571 crore, national status to Paranahita-Chevella irrigation project and assistance for various proposed projects in the state.

The chief minister urged the central government to expedite the process of bifurcation of existing high court, provide funds for Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), proposed All India Institute of Medical Sciences near Hyderabad, proposed tribal university, adequate funds for Information Technology Infrastructure Region (ITIR), proposed mega textile park near Warangal and special central assistance to mission 'Bhagiratha'.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, also wanted the prime minister to consider providing Rs.500 to Rs.600 crore every year to Hyderabad to meet its growing infrastructure needs.

He also reiterated the demand to increase the borrowing limit of the state from existing 3 percent of GSDP to 3.5 percent.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief also wanted the central government to release full amount of Rs.3,064 crore as sought by the state for drought mitigation.

The chief minister also sought an increase in the cadre strength of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to meet the state's requirements.

He requested sanction of a special development package for the state with a grant of Rs.30,571 crores over the four-year period of 2015-19 as recommended by NITI Aayog. He said an amount of at least Rs. 1,000 crore may be released during the current financial year.

KCR reiterated the demand to create the high court of Andhra Pradesh by separating it from the present high court at Hyderabad, which is functioning as the common high court for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

He urged Modi to sanction AIIMS proposed to be developed on 200 acres at Bibinagar near Hyderabad and make adequate provision in the budget.

Pointing out that foundation stone for TIFR's Hyderabad campus was laid in 2010 and which envisaged an investment Rs.2,500 crore, the chief minister said the project had not taken off due to lack of funds.

KCR sought special central assistance for mission 'Bhagiratha', a projected aimed to supply piped drinking water to all households in the state. The project has been designed with an outlay of Rs.40,000 crore.

On tribal university as committed under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, he said the government has sanctioned 200 acres of land near Warangal. He urged the prime minister to set up this institution as a central university.