Hyderabad :The Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to prepare the Telangana Bill had its second meeting on Saturday in New Delhi. It was decided to stick to the issues that were already cleared by both the Congress Working Committee and the Union Cabinet. It was tentatively decided to prepare the Draft Telangana Bill by November 20.

Sources said the GoM was not willing to consider any deviations from the Terms of Reference. Home minister and convener of the GoM Sushilkumar Shinde insisted that the law and order subject be retained by the Centre as long as Hyderabad remains the joint capital of both states.

It is also reliably learnt that all the major irrigation dams on the River Krishna in the state will come under the control of joint boards comprising officials from the two states with officials from the Central Water Commission heading the panels on a permanent basis.

Sources further informed that the contentious Article 371(D) and (E) incorporated in the Constitution for allowing the zonal system in respect of admissions in educational institutions and public employment, will not prevent the Central government from proceeding with the bifurcation process.

The GoM has come to an understanding that the said Articles will continue to be in operation even after bifurcation, and the necessary amendments could be incorporated to facilitate continuation of zones in both the states in the Telangana Bill.