AP guv seeks new rules to maintain law in H'bad

Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan has recommended formulation of a new set of business rules for the governor to handle law and order in Hyderabad, the common capital of Telangana and Seemandhra.

Policing at present in the state capital is handled by the council of ministers. The “proactive role” for the governor of proposed Telangana state to maintain law and order in Hyderabad will be a contentious issue of debate when Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Bill will be introduced in Parliament.

Questions were raised about the Constitutionality of assigning a special role to the governor with Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar seeking clarifications on the issue in the Cabinet meeting held on Friday.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi had told an all-party meeting that he would move an amendment to the Constitution if the government moves ahead with this provision.

According to a note presented in the Cabinet meeting, Narasimhan pointed out that the existing business rules, all powers including law and order, are exercised by the council of ministers in the name of the governor.

He said a special responsibility has been cast on the governor in respect of Hyderabad and to facilitate it, a new set of business rules for conducting government affairs will have to be in place in case Telangana is formed.

“Under the reorganisation bill, in case of law and order in greater Hyderabad municipal corporation area, the governor is perhaps expected to exercise powers independently assisted by advisors to be appointed by the government of India,” he said.

Noting that the state capital consists of two police commissionerates–Hyderabad and Cyberabad–the governor suggested that it would be “efficacious” to have a single line of administration in the case of law and order machinery and a “view needs to be taken” in this regard. He suggested that a single commissionerate is advisable for the common capital.

Narasimhan said the governor will have to take the initiative to consult the Telangana ministry but would act as per his “best judgement” in matters relating to security.

“The key issue is personnel management to identify suitable officers from a panel submitted to the governor as a first step,” he said.

On choosing advisers, Narasimhan said the governor should have the freedom to choose such people who are expected to engage various players like parties and civil society.