Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday said the financial package of Rs 2.25 lakh crore announced by the Centre for Andhra Pradesh will benefit the state more than the special category status being demanded by it. The state will benefit from this special package more than the special status," the Information and Broadcasting Minister said here. The special status would have brought development to only certain sectors whereas the financial package will result in speedy and overall development across Andhra Pradesh, he said. Opposition, particularly Congress is misguiding the people on the issue, and as per the terms of the 14th Finance Commission, special status can no longer be granted, he said. The Centre on Wednesday announced a financial package for Andhra Pradesh which includes full Central funding of Pollavaram irrigation project, but stopped short of giving the state a special category status.

Source: dna September 11, 2016 12:22 UTC