Telangana Issue: Srikrishna Committee to Conclude Consultations by July

Asking the Joint Action Council on Telangana (JAC) to stop boycott, the Srikrishna Committee has said that it will wrap up consultations with key stakeholders by July this year, said media reports.

“We will get enough material to give a balanced report,” VK Duggal,  member-secretary of the five-member Committee, who arrived in Hyderabad last night to put in place the necessary infrastructure for starting its work, was quoted as saying.

Amid JAC’s decision to boycott the committee protesting against its Terms of Reference (ToR), Duggal said that he hoped responses would be forthcoming once the intent of the panel is understood, said reports.

“The proof of the pudding is in its eating. I am 100 per cent sure that when the people see the intention, even those who are boycotting…Once they see the purpose, I have no doubt we will get enough material to give a balanced report,” he was quoted as saying.

In response to a query as to how the committee would take the views of those who are boycotting, he said, “The voices will be counted as good response has already come.”

“We have received 50 memoranda so far since February 20 when the public notice was issued. It is your option. I cannot force you. Once the intent of the Committee is known, the responses will be forthcoming,” he was quoted as saying.

He said that with the approval of the Chairman of the Committee, Justice BN Srikrishna, a fresh public notice could also be issued, said reports.

It may be mentioned that the Committee will start holding consultations with various groups and political parties from the middle of next month in Hyderabad and other places in the state on the issue of a separate Telangana state.

(Based on internet reports)