Scrap centrally sponsored schemes: AP govt to Centre

NDA constituent TDP-ruled Andhra Pradesh on Friday asked the Centre to scrap Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and strengthen the economy of states by better devolution of resources.

Stressing this at a pre-budget meeting between Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and his state counterparts here, Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu suggested scrapping of CSS or “making them 100 per cent cess without burdening the states with compulsory share”. 

“Infrastructure and industry focus is crucial. Unless good infrastructure exists, investments do not come, employment and value addition to primary sector comes to a halt. Therefore, focus and incentives to promote infrastructure is essential at the state as well as the national level,” Ramakrishnudu said.

Underlining that Andhra Pradesh’s growth has suffered in the recent past due to the reorganisation of the state, Ramakrishnudu sought the Centre’s help to overcome the difficulties.