Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday appealed to the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to work in coordination to ensure the overall development of both the Telugu-speaking States.
Addressing a press conference at his residence, Naidu said that he had held detailed discussions with Nara Chandrababu Naidu and K Chandrasekhar Rao, and advised them to devise mechanisms to ensure the proper utilisation of Central funds in their respective States.
Further, he said that steps should also be taken to prevent the misuse of funds and other irregularities.
He said that the Centre was ready to help both the States, and each of them should come out with its development plans.
He said that he had shared his vision for urban development in both the States, and several schemes would be implemented in the near future.
Venkaiah Naidu also offered to coordinate between the two States on controversial issues.
The Union Minister made it clear that the Centre would release funds only for the elected local bodies. Therefore, he said that the elected local bodies in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should ensure that they made full use of Central funds meant for various schemes.
He also said that the Centre would focus on transparency and accountability in all the departments, and that there would be zero tolerance to corruption and irregularities.
Venkaiah Naidu also informed that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley would meet Congress leaders on Monday to discuss the Insurance Bill. (INN)