The Communist Party of India (CPI) has asked the State government to supply sand free of cost.
In a letter to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday, CPI State secretary K. Ramakrishna said that sand scarcity surfaced in the State only after the YSR Congress Party came to power.
Lakhs of workers dependent on the construction activity and its allied industries lost their livelihood due to sand scarcity. During the first four months of the YSRCP rule, 14 construction workers died due to unemployment triggered by non- availability of sand. The sand was sold in black market and the government whiled away four months saying that the new sand policy would be introduced, he said.
Rise in cost
Even after introduction of the new sand policy, a tractor load of sand was being sold at ₹5,000. Previously, a tractor load of sand was available for about ₹1,800. It seems that corruption to the tune of ₹500 crore took place in sand supply, the CPI leader alleged.
“Ministers and MLAs have a role in the scam. To divert the main issue, new policies are being introduced and attempts made to establish a corporation for sand supply,” he alleged.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
To get full access, please subscribe.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Show Less Plan
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath