Which of the following is NOT a special category state as of 2023?

Explanation

The concept of Special Category States emerged in 1969 when the Government of India accepted that some states face greater developmental challenges than others. The criteria for Special Category States include hilly terrain, low population density, a large tribal population, a strategic border location, economic and infrastructural backwardness, and the non-viable nature of the state’s finances. Earlier, it included 11 states adb UTs—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. At the time of the formation of Telangana, considering its economic and social situation, it was granted Special Category status; however, at present, Telangana does not have Special Category status. The Special Category status that Telangana received at the time of its formation became effectively non-operational after 2015 due to changes in the financial system. Now, Telangana receives the same tax share and general central plan assistance from the Centre as other general category states.