PNS | Visakhapatnam
The ‘Non-Political Joint Action Committee for Decentralised Administration’ has made a strategic decision to intervene in the ongoing Amaravati capital case, which is scheduled for its next hearing in December before the Supreme Court.
The JAC asserts that the previous government failed to adhere to the recommendations put forth by the committee, headed by former home secretary K. Sivaramakrishnan, appointed by the Central government.
According to the JAC, the Sivaramakrishnan Committee endorsed a decentralised administrative approach, advocating for the establishment of three zones instead of consolidating all activities in Amaravati.
In an interview with ‘The Pioneer’, Professor H. Lajipathi Rai, Chairman of the non-political JAC, expounded on the concept of having three capitals as a corrective measure to the previous government’s approach. He stated, “The Sivaramakrishnan committee was opposed to the creation of a super city like Amaravati and instead favoured decentralised development. By intervening in the case, our aim is to present our perspective on why Vizag might be the most suitable location for the Executive Capital.”
Professor Rai also disclosed that the JAC has proposed the establishment of High Court benches in both Vizag and Vijayawada if the existing High Court relocates to Kurnool.
He added, “We have put forth a plan for the creation of mini secretariats in Vijayawada and Kurnool in the event of the secretariat moving to Visakhapatnam as part of the Executive Capital plan. The distribution of administrative functions among different cities and regions would foster balanced development throughout the State.”
Furthermore, he said that designating Vizag as the Executive Capital would stimulate comprehensive development.
Professor Rai highlighted Vizag’s international connectivity and its appeal to international delegates, intellectuals, and tourists as unique factors in its favour. On October 15, 2022, a rally called ‘Visakaha Garjana’ was organised under the auspices of this non-political JAC. Despite heavy rainfall on that day, thousands of people and regional representatives participated in the rally.
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‘We have put forth a plan for the creation of mini secretariats in Vijayawada and Kurnool in the event of the secretariat moving to Visakhapatnam as part of the Executive Capital plan. The distribution of administrative functions among different cities and regions would foster balanced development throughout the State’
