Former Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar emphasized caution in considering Andhra Pradesh and Bihar’s longstanding demands for special category status. Since Hyderabad became Telangana’s capital in 2014, Andhra Pradesh has sought this status due to revenue loss. Similarly, Bihar, facing financial setbacks after Jharkhand’s formation in 2000, has pressed for the same since 2005. Kumar warned against hastily meeting these demands, citing potential fiscal strain and setting precedents for other states. He suggested a thorough economic assessment, possibly by the Finance Commission, given the implications of granting higher central funds to such states.