Telangana and AP Speakers decide to discuss House issues

Hyderabad: Speakers of AP and Telangana Legislative Assemblies on Thursday met and decided to address issues concerning smooth conduct of both Houses, particularly during the crucial Budget Session scheduled in July-August. For the  first time since state bifurcation on June 2, responsible persons belonging to both the states met to sort out the issues.

AP Assembly Speaker Dr Kodela Siva Prasada Rao took the initiative with his Telangana counterpart Mr Madhusudana Chary.

Both the Speakers along with their secretaries met at the Committee Hall on the Assembly premises on Thursday, along with Telangana minister for Legislative Affairs T. Harish Rao.

Jurisdiction of respective Houses, allotment of staff and additional buildings for ministers, sharing of common areas and allotment of residential blocks for Legislators were amongst the  issues on the informal agenda for the meeting. They decided to convey the issues to both the Chief Ministers and the Governor.

Telangana Assembly Speaker told his AP counterpart that for the smooth functioning of both the Houses it would be better if the  old and new Assembly buildings which are in one complex be given to Telangana Legislature while the Jubilee Hall and the Legislative Council building which are within one complex be given to AP Legislature to avoid clashes among the two states.

Similarly, there was also a clash of interest in selection of some government buildings in and around the Assembly complex especially the present CLP  building. While the AP Assembly authorities sought it should be with them, Mr Harish Rao seems to have insisted it should be in Telangana quota.

However, the two Speakers decided to meet often and resolve all the contentious issues to ensure smooth functioning of both the Houses.