‘Special category’ status is a classification given by Central Government to assist in development of those states that face geographical & socio-economic disadvantages like hilly terrains, strategic international borders, economic & infrastructural backwardness and non-viable state finances. Other parameters include geographical isolation, remoteness to major markets, and poor resources. These states enjoy the benefits such as significant concession on Excise, Customs, Income tax and corporate tax. The central government also bears 90% of expenditure on central sponsored schemes, in contrast to 70% in case of other states. What criteria does Andhra Pradesh actually fit into? It is not hilly. It isn’t a strategic international border. It isn’t backward be it economically or in infrastructure (Sure, it doesn’t have a built capital city but, duh!). Andhra Pradesh by no means is geographically isolated nor it is in a remote location to major markets. It in fact has some major ...