Niti Aayog member spoke on the demand for special state status, practical solution is needed for the problems of the states

Special Category Status Niti Aayog member Arvind Virmani on Wednesday pitched for finding 'practical' solutions to the problems of states. According to him, certain states like Rajasthan and Odisha have performed well despite not having the special category status. "In a democracy, there is a need to find out what are the specific problems and try to find practical solutions," Virmani said responding to a question on granting 'Special Category Status' to SCS Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

The 'Special Category' category was introduced in the year 1969 on the recommendation of the Fifth Finance Commission for backward states with hilly terrain, strategic international borders, and economic and infrastructure backwardness.

"There are committees and commissions which have tried to lay down criteria for special category status for states. It is also a complex issue," Virmani said.

We used to have the 'BIMARU' states, Odisha has developed a lot, Rajasthan has also progressed a lot and things have changed in the last 30-40 years. Everyday life has improved. As far as I know, none of these states have got special category status. That doesn't mean it's not important," said the economist. Andhra Pradesh has been demanding special category status since its bifurcation in 2014 on grounds of revenue loss. Bihar was granted special status way back in 2005. Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister in 2005.