Finance Minister Arun Jaitley says alternative mechanism will soon allocate funds to AP

Over the past few days, the leaders and citizens of Andhra Pradesh have been protesting against the centre’s apathy towards the state in allocating funds in the recently announced Union Budget. The leaders even raised slogans and protested at Loksabha on Tuesday, which led to the forced adjournment of the lower house’s session. However, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that a formula will soon be worked out to allocate funds under special package to Andhra Pradesh.

Jaitley, who made the statement in both the houses of the parliament, said, “I think a solution by which an amount can be given through an alternative mechanism is being worked out. I have asked the expenditure secretary today to immediately call the finance secretary of Andhra Pradesh to Delhi and work out procedural formalities so that it can be done.”

He added, “I have been fully sympathising and trying to make sure that every part of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act and the commitments made by central government at all stages are honoured. The central government fully stands by it.”

The Finance Minister elaborated further on the objections raised and tried to give an explanation as to why some demands weren’t feasible. He, however, reassured that the officials are working to arrive at an alternative solution in order to allocate the required funds. He also informed that he has asked the expenditure secretary to immediately call the finance secretary of Andhra Pradesh to Delhi and work out the procedural formalities.