The Indian government Monday deferred a decision on the formation of a new state to be curved out of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

Two senior Indian Ministers -- Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad -- said that the government needs "a little more time" to decide over the issue of a separate state of Telangana, and consultations are going on.

The government assured last month that it would take a decision on the issue by January 28 this month.

But the Health Minister said: "There is no deadline but the talks will be held as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, pro-Telangana parties Sunday launched a 36-hour protest over the issue.

If the central government gives its nod to the formation of the new state, then Telangana would comprise of Andhra Pradesh's 23 districts, including its capital Hyderabad, India's sixth biggest city.

In 2009 also, the Indian government had assured that the new state would be formed, but later said more talks were needed.