TS objects to AP orders on selling assets in film body

Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have become embroiled in a controversy regarding the AP State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation.

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders appointing a committee to dispose of its share of the fixed assets – a portion of the corporation building located at AC Guards in Hyderabad.

The committee has seven senior officials as its members and is headed by the vice chairman of the AP planning board. This matter has recently come to the notice of the Telangana government.

S.K. Joshi, the Chief Secretary of Telangana, held a meeting to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

The TS government does not approve of the AP government’s decision. The corporation is listed under Schedule IX of the AP Reorganisation Act. The Central government has appointed the Sheela Bhide Committee for the division of assets of Schedule IX institutions. The TS government says that the AP government cannot sell its share when the Sheela Bhide panel has yet to divide the assets. The TS government has decided to file a complaint regarding the matter to the Centre.

Meanwhile, officials from the AP government say that the Sheela Bhide Committee has finalised its recommendations regarding the division of 42 of the 91 institutions listed under Schedule IX and shared them with both states. They say that the AP government has accepted the recommendations of the committee regarding the corporation and accordingly issued orders. The AP government has decided to dispose of its share in the corporation, in keeping with the committee’s recommendations.

TS government says that AP cannot sell its share when the Sheela Bhide panel has yet to divide the assets. TS has decided to file a complaint regarding the matter to the Central government.