The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has recently ignited discussions by suggesting the possibility of employing a tri-capital system in the State. Looking to emulate the model of the Republic of South Africa, the proposal seeks to decentralise development by establishing different cities as separate legislative, executive, and judicial capitals.
The Tri-Capital Proposal for Andhra Pradesh
The key idea behind the Chief Minister’s suggestion is the division of the state’s primary functions among its three prospective capitals. Each city would focus on one aspect of governance and, thus, foster specialised development.
According to the proposal, Visakhapatnam could potentially become the executive capital. The city possesses the necessary infrastructure required for executive functions, making it an ideal fit without requiring substantial additional investments.
The idea is to retain Amaravati as the legislative capital. This would ensure continuity, as Amaravati currently serves as the state capital, housing various assembly buildings and administrative departments, required for legislative processes.
Lastly, the city of Kurnool is being considered as the judicial capital. Historically significant and strategically located, Kurnool could house the judiciary and serve as the seat of law and order.
However, this proposal is still in the discussion phase. It requires detailed assessment, logistics planning and consultations from reputed firms before any decision is taken.
Republic of South Africa’s Tri-Capital System
The inspiration for the proposed model comes from the Republic of South Africa that has successfully implemented a tri-capital system. In this arrangement, Pretoria serves as the administrative capital, Cape Town as the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein as the judicial capital. Additionally, the country’s Constitutional Court is situated in Johannesburg.
| Capital City | Role |
|---|---|
| Pretoria | Administrative Capital |
| Cape Town | Legislative Capital |
| Bloemfontein | Judicial Capital |
| Johannesburg | Constitutional Court |
Advantages of a Tri-Capital System
The adoption of a three-capital model offers numerous benefits. It aids in diffusing the concentration of power and wealth, thus facilitating a more balanced regional development. By encouraging decentralisation, it could address issues of regional disparity and foster inclusive growth. Moreover, it reduces stress on a single capital city, distributing resources and populations evenly across the state.
As discussions continue about implementing this unique governance model in Andhra Pradesh, people across India are observing with interest, contemplating whether this form of decentralised administration could be a revolutionary step towards achieving balanced, efficient and diverse development.
