Assembly To Vote On Free Zone Issue

The AP State Assembly is all set to pass a resolution to recommend the deletion of a clause in a Presidentail Order that prevents Hyderabad from being treated as a part the 6th zone in police recruitment. The paragraph in question is 14 (f), which exempts police officers defined under the Hyderabad City police Act 1348 Fasli from zonal regulations.

The decision was taken after a meeting of floor leaders of all parties, which was convened by the Chief Minister K Rosaiah, on Wednesday evening.

When the Supreme Court dismissed a plea by the AP government against its ruling that made Hyderabad a "free zone" (which implies that locals do not have an edge of non-locals) for hiring of police personnel, it cited the above paragraph.

While some leaders including Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopala and ex-miniter Harirama Jogaiah support the free zone order, but several MLAs have demanded for an amendment to the Presidential Order.

The Centre will make a final decision when the State fowards the resolution to the Union Home Ministry, after which the President's approval is needed.