Administration tightens noose around retailers overcharging for sand

Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh/Raikot, December 13

The administration has tightened noose around those retailers, who have been overcharging for the building material in violation of the Punjab State Sand and Gravel Mining 2021 Policy.

People can order sand at a fair price by applying on portal https://www.minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in and lodge plaints of all types on toll free numbers 1800-180-2422, 0172-2230061, 0172-2230063, 0172-2230064 and 0172-2230065. Sources

While retail sellers have been asked to display information regarding rates of sand brought from mines and transportation charges for various localities, purchasers are being encouraged to lodge complaints of any violation on toll free numbers announced by the department.

Officials at subdivision and block level have been advised to ensure that provisions of the policy are followed in letter and spirit by contractors and retail sellers doing business in their respective areas. Office-bearers of rural civic bodies have been asked to avail facility of free sand by getting their requisitions attested from their respective SDM’s or District Development and Panchayat Officers.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC), Malerkotla, Madhvi Kataria, acknowledged that senior functionaries at the subdivision level and tehsil offices had been advised to spread awareness about provision of the new policy on mining according to which sand could be purchased at the rate of Rs5.50 per cubic feet from the source of mining and no GST was applicable on it.

“We have also advised officials concerned to ensure that no sand dealer exploits consumer by overcharging on pretext of freight and labour,” the DC said while maintaining that retailers had been asked to display prices after adding 10 per cent profit. “Freight charges for various localities are also to be displayed,” the DC added.

Sources revealed that online service has been started on portal https://www.minesandgeology.punjab.gov.in for the convenience of residents of the state. “People can order sand at a fair price by applying on the link and lodge complaints of all types on toll free numbers 1800-180-2422, 0172-2230061, 0172-2230063, 0172-2230064 and 0172-2230065,” the sources added.

The Block Level Extension Officer, Ludhiana, Harminder Singh Saharanmajra, acknowledged that some sand dealers used to fix selling prices arbitrarily arguing that their stocks of building material had been procured at old higher rates. “Now, we have cautioned them of strict action in case a complaint is received regarding violation of the policy,” said Saharanmajra.