Venkaiah asks TS, AP to prepare development plans

Hyderabad, Aug 3 (INN): Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday appealed to the Governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to work in coordination to ensure overall development of both Telugu speaking States.

Addressing a press conference at his residence here, Venkaiah Naidu said that he had held detailed discussions with Nara Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrasekhar Rao and advised them to devise mechanism to ensure proper utilisation of Central funds in their respective States. Further, he said steps should also be taken to prevent misuse of funds and other irregularities. He said that the Centre was ready to help both the States and each of them should come out with their development plans. He said he had shared his vision for Urban Development in both the States and several schemes would be implemented in near future.

Venkaiah Naidu also offered to coordinate between the two States on controversial issues.

The Union Minister made it clear that the Centre would release funds only for the elected local bodies. Therefore, he said that the elected local bodies in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should ensure that they make full use of Central funds meant for various schemes. He said that the Centre would focus on transparency and accountability in all the departments. He said there would be zero tolerance to corruption and irregularities in all departments.

Venkaiah Naidu also informed that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would meet Congress leaders on Monday to discuss the Insurance Bill.