HYDERABAD: The Telugu Akademi no longer retains its past glory, either in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh. This has been evidenced by the recent siphoning of funds from the body. The partition of assets of this famed academy, part of Schedule 10 of AP Reorganisation Act, remains a bone of contention between the two Telugu states.
A case is also pending before the Supreme Court in connection with the disputes with funds to the tune of Rs 340 crore in bank deposits lying undivided between the two states. Telangana government had approached Supreme Court following a high court order regarding the division of assets, properties, and personnel. The court had ordered that the distribution of assets and properties be completed withi two months.
A file pertaining to the distribution formula is said to be pending with CM K Chandrasekhar Rao and the case is scheduled to be heard by Supreme Court on October 6. Before the case was brought to Supreme Court, two key meetings were held between officials of both states but no solution was arrived at.
This year, officials from Telangana and AP suggested that assets be divided as per the normal formula — 52 (AP) to 48 (Telangana). However, during court proceedings, AP contended that the same criteria be used for AP higher education council be applied to the Telugu institution.
“Now, we have to see how the case progresses. Especially, in light of recent incidents,” said a source close to proceedings. Telugu Akademi was an initiative of former PM PV Narasimha Rao and was led by several luminaries of Telugu literature. However, after the bifurcation, Telangana did not select a full-time director for this wing.
