AP CM reviews Mines, seeks efficient free sand policy

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu today convened a review meeting at the Secretariat to assess the functioning of the Mines Department. A key focus of the discussion was the Free Sand Policy, recently reintroduced in the state. Minister Kollu Ravindra, senior officials from the Mines Department, and representatives from the Real-Time Governance (RTG) system attended the meeting.

The Free Sand Policy was first introduced in 2016 by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government. Following the YSR Congress Party’s assumption of power in 2019, the policy was scrapped. After the formation of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the policy was formally reintroduced in June 2024, with the government issuing GO 43 on March 11, 2025, to officially announce its implementation.

Under this policy, eligible beneficiaries receive construction-grade sand free of cost, ensuring affordable access to this essential material. The primary beneficiaries include rural households, farmers, economically weaker sections, small builders, and government infrastructure projects. Large-scale commercial or industrial construction projects are excluded from the scheme. The policy is closely monitored through the RTG system to maintain transparency and prevent misuse.

The Free Sand Policy aims to reduce construction costs for rural citizens, support housing and small-scale infrastructure projects, and curb illegal sand mining. The RTG-monitored distribution system ensures accountability and transparency in allocation. While the policy offers these social and developmental benefits, the government must carefully manage distribution to prevent misuse or environmental impacts.

Andhra Pradesh is among the few states in India implementing a fully free sand policy. Other states, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, offer sand at subsidized rates for rural housing or government projects, but AP’s model is unique in offering sand completely free to registered beneficiaries with strict government oversight.

During the review, CM Naidu emphasized the importance of efficient and transparent implementation of the policy, ensuring that sand reaches its intended beneficiaries promptly. He also instructed the Mines Department to maintain strict compliance with RTG monitoring systems to prevent irregularities.

The meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support rural development, housing, and infrastructure projects, while ensuring environmental sustainability and curbing illegal mining activities.