Published 11:32 IST, October 30th 2019
BJP's Vishnu Reddy calls for change in sand mining policy of AP govt
BJPs Vishnu Vardhan Reddy called for a change in policy of the Andhra Pradesh government in relation to the sand mining policy in order to safeguard the workers
Andhra Pradesh BJP leader Vishnu Vardhan Reddy said that the Andhra Pradesh state government should reconsider their policy in order to safeguard the interests of the construction workers. He said that the government has not been handling the issue properly. Reddy said, "The state government should immediately revive a free sand policy in order to save the building construction workers. The government is not handling the issue properly."
The statement comes after multiple construction workers and labourers committed suicide over the lack of employment opportunities post the state government's change in sand mining policy. Venkatesh, who committed suicide had recorded a video wherein he said that he was killing himself because he was unemployed and had no means of earning money. At the time, his wife had said, "Our livelihood means was only construction business. My husband did not know any other work. We also have a one-year-old son who is not feeling well and needs medical care."
The video was shared by Telugu Desam Party leader N Chandrababu Naidu who said that it was the current government's fault. Naidu tweeted in Telugu, "It is mind-boggling to see workers committing suicide for five months without work or families starving. The government should wake up to self-styled videos of selfies as a refuge".
New policy
The developments come after YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power in the state after winning the elections in May. Later, in June, he said that he will be implementing the new policies in 15-days. At the time he said, "We are taking steps to end illegal mining and smuggling of sand. Have patience. We will bring in a new policy within 15 days.” He implemented a new policy in September, as per which, a tonne of sand will be available for Rs 370 only at government-owned stockyards operated by Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corp (APMDC). The government will also levy a charge of Rs. 4.90 per kilometre
A few days ago Jagan called for a 'sand week' in order to address the issue of sand shortage he also instructed the State administrative officers to work on the issue.
Updated 13:36 IST, October 30th 2019