GoM on Telangana discusses terms of reference, next meeting on Nov. 7

ANI

New Delhi, Oct 19 (ANI): The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Telangana met here on Saturday and discussed its terms of reference in detail. Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde after the meeting told media that the Group of Ministers has asked Secretaries of concerned departments to sit with officials of the Andhra Pradesh Government and make a detailed report on bifurcation. Shinde said that about 2000 e-mails have been received by his ministry and the mails are being sent to the concerned departments. The Home Minister further said the next meeting of the GoM on Telangana will be held on 7th of next month. Defence Minister A.K. Antony, who is a member of the GoM, was not present in today's meeting. The GoM, headed by Shinde, was constituted to address all the issues that need resolution at the central and state government levels in the matter. After its first meeting on October 11, the GoM had said that it would address all concerns of the people of Andhra Pradesh with 'fairness and objectivity'. Stating that the GoM on Telangana will submit its report as early as possible, Shinde had earlier this month said justice will be given to people of Andhra Pradesh. The Central Government had earlier this month reorganized the GoM, cutting its strength from 10 to seven ministers. The members now include Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Defence Minister A.K. Antony, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Veerappa Moily and Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh. Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy shall be a special invitee. On October 3, the Union Cabinet had decided to go ahead with the process for the creation of a separate Telangana state carved out from Andhra Pradesh. (ANI)