Context:
The Andhra Pradesh government has sought a central law to legally safeguard Amaravati as the permanent capital, aiming to amend the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (APRA) to prevent future political reversals and policy uncertainty.
Key Highlights:
- Background & Political Context
- Amaravati was envisioned as a greenfield capital city in 2014 under Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership.
- The YSRCP government’s three-capital decentralisation proposal (legislative, executive, judicial capitals) stalled Amaravati’s development.
- This led to prolonged legal battles, culminating in a March 2022 High Court verdict favouring farmers who had pooled land.
- Rationale for Central Legislation
- The current TDP-led government seeks to:
- Prevent successive State governments from arbitrarily altering capital-related decisions.
- Ensure policy certainty, investor confidence, and continuity in capital development.
- A Bill to amend APRA was expected in the Winter Session of Parliament, but was not introduced.
- Legal & Constitutional Basis
- Under APRA, the Centre prescribed a common capital, demonstrating its authority in capital determination during reorganisation.
- Amaravati was formally declared the capital on December 31, 2014, followed by demarcation by the Survey of India.
- The proposed amendment targets Section 5(2) of APRA to legally entrench Amaravati’s status.
- Current Status & Future Plan
- The government aims to complete the Amaravati project within three years.
- Allegations exist that political opposition is backing protests to delay development.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 – objectives and provisions.
- Section 5(2), APRA – scope for capital-related decisions.
- Meaning of greenfield capital city.
- Role of the Centre in State reorganisation.
- Farmer land pooling model.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance:
- Promotes federal stability and governance continuity.
- Reduces administrative uncertainty and litigation.
- Concerns:
- Potential tension with State autonomy.
- Risk of over-centralisation.
- Way Forward:
- Cooperative federalism with parliamentary scrutiny.
- Transparent stakeholder consultation.
- Legal clarity balanced with democratic accountability.
UPSC Relevance:
GS 2 – Polity, Governance | GS 1 – Post-Independence India