Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states must mobilise funds

Hyderabad: Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday suggested that both Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh governments should mobilise revenues locally by way of taxation without looking at the Centre for more funds.

Talking to the media here, the Union minister said, “We will sanction  funds according to procedures and rules and help states on special projects, but at the same time it is for you to mobilise revenues locally by way of taxation and take up more developmental activities.”

Declining to comment on the proposal of 1956 nativity norm by the Telangana state government in respect of financial assistance to students of professional colleges, Mr Naidu said, “According to the Constitution any citizen of the country can settle anywhere and avail of whatever the schemes implemented by the governments.”

The Union minister said the NDA government proposes to bring a new Bill to regulate real estate in the winter Session of Parliament offering more  protection to buyers. “We need to protect the interests of the common man who wants to purchase flats or plots in real estate sector.”

Referring to the nine Opposition parties in Rajya Sabha writing to the chairman on the need to refer to the Insurance Bill to select committee, Mr Naidu said, “We are open to any new ideas and ready to consider any meaningful suggestions.” He appealed to the Opposition to ensure the smooth passage of the Bill in the current Budget Session of Parliament. He said it was the same bill that was proposed by the previous Congress regime.

The amendments are based on recommendations of the Standing Committee. Hence, there should not be any objection, said Mr Naidu.