Amaravati to Get Legal Capital Status: Centre Prepares Bill for Parliament

• The Centre is reportedly preparing a bill to grant legal status to Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's capital, to be introduced in the upcoming Parliament budget sessions.
• Hyderabad's 10-year tenure as joint capital for AP and Telangana ended on June 2, 2024, prompting the need for a new capital declaration for AP.
• The state government requested Amaravati be declared the capital from June 2, 2024, with the Union Home Ministry seeking opinions from various central departments.
• Amaravati's foundation was laid during the TDP regime, with farmers voluntarily contributing 34,000 acres; construction was halted under YSRCP but revived with the new coalition government.
• The Centre plans to amend the Reorganization Act through Parliament to officially notify Amaravati as AP's capital and is considering a second phase of land acquisition for expansion.

Why It Matters: Amaravati is set to gain legal status as Andhra Pradesh's capital through a Centre-prepared bill.