The newly-appointed Group of Ministers (GoM) on Telangana met here Friday for the first time and discussed a broad outline of issues relating to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in the backdrop of widespread protests against the union cabinet's decision to carve out India's 29th state.

 

 

 "The GoM discussed the approach and methodology to be adopted by it," said a home ministry statement. Keeping in mind the large scale protests in the Seemandhra region, the GoM assured the people of Andhra Pradesh that "the relevant issues as well as their concerns would be addressed with fairness and objectivity".

 

 The GoM said that it would take the "opinion of stake-holders on all important subjects while formulating its recommendations". According to the home ministry statement, the GoM has finalised the different nodal ministries and departments of the central government, who will prepare status reports to be submitted to the GoM.

 

 The GoM will look into various aspects like water sharing, finances, law and order, and formulating a legal framework.Information will also be sought from the state government on these issues and the process will start immediately, said officials.

 

 The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, and lasted for nearly an hour.Defence Minister A.K. Antony could not attend the meeting as he is unwell while Finance Minister P. Chidambaram is in the US.

 

 Among those who attended the meeting were Petroleum Minister M. Veerappa Moily, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and Minister of State in the prime minister's office V. Narayanasamy.

 

 The next meeting of the GoM, on Oct 19, will be a full-fledged one and will discuss the parameters of the bifurcation, said officials.