Source: TH
Context:
- The Lok Sabha has passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, officially recognizing Amaravati as the “sole and permanent” capital of Andhra Pradesh.
- The “Why”: To provide statutory (legal) backing to the capital city, ending years of legal and political uncertainty. It gives the decision retroactive effect from June 2, 2024.
BACKGROUND CONCEPTS
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014: The original law that bifurcated Andhra Pradesh to create Telangana. It designated Hyderabad as the joint capital for 10 years, ending in 2024.
- The Three-Capital Model: A plan proposed by the previous (YSRCP) government to decentralize administration with an Administrative capital at Visakhapatnam, a Legislative capital at Amaravati, and a Judicial capital at Kurnool.
- Statutory Backing: When a decision is backed by an Act of Parliament, it becomes much harder to overturn or alter through executive orders by future state governments.
- Special Category Status (SCS): A classification given by the Centre to assist states with geographical or socio-economic disadvantages with more central funding (90:10 ratio). This remains a major pending demand for Andhra Pradesh.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Finality of Choice: By passing this amendment, the Union government has effectively “foreclosed” any future attempts to revive the multi-capital model, ensuring Amaravati remains the singular power center.
- Economic Development: Proponents argue that a single capital will allow Amaravati to develop into a tier-1 city like Bengaluru or Hyderabad, though the opposition emphasized that other cities like Visakhapatnam must also be developed.
- Constitutional Process: While “Capital” is generally a state subject, the Reorganisation Act is a Central Act (under Articles 3 and 4 of the Constitution), requiring Parliament to amend the primary law.
CONCEPTUAL MCQs
Q1. What is the significance of the “Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026” being given “statutory backing”?
A) It makes Amaravati a Union Territory directly under the President.
B) It provides a legal foundation through an Act of Parliament, making the decision permanent and difficult to alter by future state executive orders.
C) It automatically grants Special Category Status to the state of Andhra Pradesh.
D) It mandates that all government employees must move to Amaravati within 24 hours.
Q2. Under the previous “Three-Capital Model” proposed for Andhra Pradesh, which city was designated as the “Judicial Capital”?
A) Visakhapatnam
B) Amaravati
C) Kurnool
D) Vijayawada
ANSWERS
Q1: B (Explanation: Statutory backing ensures that the capital remains Amaravati regardless of changes in state leadership, providing stability for investors and citizens.)
Q2: C (Explanation: The proposed model intended to have the High Court in Kurnool, the Secretariat in Visakhapatnam, and the Assembly in Amaravati.)
EXAM RELEVANCE
| Exam | Focus Area | Relevance Level |
| UPSC CSE | GS-2 Polity: Centre-State Relations, Reorganisation of States, Art 3 & 4 | Very High |
| State PCS (AP) | All sections regarding state governance and history | Critical |
