The Anthony Committee, officially known as the "Sri Krishna Committee," was formed by the Government of India to address the issue of bifurcating Andhra Pradesh and creating the new state of Telangana. Here are the key details about the committee:
Formation and Purpose
Background: The committee was established in response to the growing demand for a separate Telangana state, which had intensified with widespread protests and agitation from various groups advocating for statehood. The political scenario was marked by tensions between the pro-Telangana and Seemandhra (remaining Andhra Pradesh) factions.
Chairman: The committee was headed by Justice B.N. Srikrishna, a former judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Objectives: The primary objective of the committee was to examine the demands for separate statehood for Telangana and to assess the implications of bifurcation on the political, economic, and social landscape of the region.
Key Findings and Recommendations
Support for Telangana: The committee acknowledged the historical and cultural reasons behind the demand for a separate Telangana state, noting the disparities in development and governance experienced by the region.
Two-Options Approach: The committee proposed a two-options approach for resolving the issue:
- Formation of Telangana: It recommended the creation of Telangana as a separate state while ensuring adequate provisions for the welfare and development of the residual Andhra Pradesh.
- Unified Andhra Pradesh: Alternatively, it suggested measures to address the concerns of Telangana within a unified Andhra Pradesh, promoting equitable development.
Governance and Development: The committee emphasized the need for effective governance and suggested measures to enhance development in both Telangana and the remaining Andhra Pradesh. It called for the establishment of special packages for the development of backward areas and the sharing of resources.
Consultation with Stakeholders: The committee recommended extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society, and local communities, to foster consensus on the way forward.
Impact
Political Decisions: The committee's report played a significant role in shaping the political discourse surrounding the Telangana issue and influenced the decisions made by the UPA government.
Bifurcation Process: The committee's findings contributed to the legislative process that eventually led to the passage of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in 2014, facilitating the creation of Telangana as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014.
Controversies: The committee's recommendations sparked mixed reactions from various political parties, with proponents of statehood praising the acknowledgment of Telangana's grievances, while opponents raised concerns about the implications of bifurcation.
In summary, the Anthony Committee (Sri Krishna Committee) was a crucial component in the political landscape leading to the creation of Telangana, providing a framework for understanding the complexities involved in the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and offering recommendations aimed at addressing regional disparities.
