AP Cabinet okays new sand policy formulation

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod for formulation of procedures for implementation of new sand supply policy.

The State Government, following hue and cry raised by the real estate developers on short-supply of sand and massive irregularities in its sale, scrapped the old system and introduced free supply of sand-a prerequisite for the construction sector.

The Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu at the Velagapudi Secretariat approved the new policy being implemented under the supervision of District Collectors. The buyers need to pay operation cost and taxes.

Sources said another crucial decision taken by the Cabinet was to give approval to the Civil Supplies Department and NCDC to take loans to the tune of Rs2,000 crore and Rs3,200 crore respectively and hold the Assembly session on July 22. The meeting discussed the need to adopt a vote-on-account as the old one approved by the previous government will expire shortly. Earlier, the government indicated submission of full-fledged budget may not be possible as due to financial bankruptcy, the State depends on Central grants for allocation of funds to various departments.