July 28, 2016
Sukhendu Sekhar Roy speaks in RS during a discussion on Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014
Sir, I rise to speak during a short duration discussion on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014. The assurances made by the then Prime Minister on the floor of the House must be fulfilled. We support the demands of Andhra Pradesh.
However, Sir, there are ten big States which are currently suffering from huge debt burden. The debt burden of Maharashtra is Rs 3.76 lakh crores, that of Uttar Pradesh is Rs 3.27 lakh crores while the debt burden of Bengal is Rs 3.08 lakh crores. Gujarat has a debt burden of Rs 2.29 lakh crores while Tamil Nadu has a burden of Rs 2.35 lakh crores in debt and so on.
The Centre must help these debt-stressed States or else this will lead to a serious economic problem. Moreover, the Centre has stopped funding 39 major schemes and reduced its share in 59 important schemes. So, the financial burden on States has increased.
Additionally, Sir, the Centre owes Bengal almost Rs 6000 Cr as compensation due to CST since 2011. That must be released immediately. It is our right. We are not asking for any assistance and Centre will not do us any favour by releasing those funds.
Lastly, the Centre recently accepted the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission. States have their own pay commission. Sir, with such an economic burden, it may soon become difficult for States to pay salaries to government employees. I would like to urge the Centre to help the States so that the gap is bridged.
Sir, we support the demands of Andhra Pradesh once again and also urge that the demands of other States must also be accepted.
Thank you, Sir.
