Calling Andhra Pradesh government employees working in Hyderabad as "permanent tourists", Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said here today that he had instructed his officials to "take care" of them.
"I told our officials to look after Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister) and his ministers well. Respect them more. If AP employees want to stay in Hyderabad, we welcome it," he said.
"They are our permanent tourists. They pay their taxes here. AP government has also increased its employees' salaries by 43 per cent like we did for our employees. If all those thousands of employees (stay in Hyderabad) it would be good for our exchequer. I told our officials to take care of them," Rao said, while replying to the 'Motion of Thanks' on the Governor's address in the Assembly.
According to the Andhra Pradesh State Reorganisation Act passed by the Parliament last year, Hyderabad continues to be the capital of both Andhra Pradesh as well as Telangana for ten years.
After ten years, Hyderabad would continue to be capital of Telangana.
Referring to the issue of sharing of electricity with the neighbouring state, Telangana Chief Minister alleged that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's decision to "deny" Telangana's "fair share" had dented his state's finances by around Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 1,600 crore.
However, he said that Naidu's action has become a blessing in disguise since Telangana is now able to buy power at a lesser price.
Rao also said that his government is determined to build a new secretariat soon and ensure that all government offices are located at one place.
