Naveen-YS Jagan Mohan meeting: Institutional mechanism to be formulated to address disputes

Bhubaneswar: During a face-to-face discussion at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy decided to allow Chief Secretaries of both the States to formulate an institutional mechanism to address the disputes.

In a joint statement, the offices of both the CMs stated, “The Chief Ministers have decided that Chief Secretaries of both the states will set up an institutional mechanism to deliberate on outstanding issues and find a solution that is in the best interest of the people of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.”

Patnaik and Reddy also decided both the States will work closely to resolve issues on Kotia group of villages, Neradi Barrage, Jhanjavathi Reservoir, Polavaram and release of water for Bahuda river. They also agreed upon to issue mutual no objection certificates (NOCs) for the Balimela and Upper Sileru in energy sector.

Other than this, the two Chief Ministers discussed water resources, common boundary, energy and left-wing extremism during the meeting. Both the states will support each other in tackling the problems of left-wing extremism and ganja cultivation.

Also, a chair for Odia and Telugu languages in B.R. Ambedkar University, Srikakulam and Berhampur University, respectively will be set up as decided by the two Chief Ministers.

“Appointment of language teachers in schools in border districts of the two states, supply of books and conduct of language examination will also be taken up to promote brotherhood,” the joint statement read.

The meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two neighbouring States began at 5:50 PM at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

The statement mentioned the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh had a very cordial and fruitful meeting.