Construction workers across state struggle as free sand guarantee lags: CPM

Andhra Pradesh: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) intensified its fight and led a protest at the Konaseema District Collectorate, demanding the immediate implementation of the state government’s guarantee of free sand for construction workers. The demonstration, held on Friday, highlighted the government’s failure to address the issue despite promises made over 100 days ago, calling for immediate relief to workers in the construction sector, who are facing hardships across the state.

Failure to implement free sand policy

As part of a statewide protest, the CPM Party, led by District Convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, staged a dharna at the Collectorate. The party demanded the state government fulfill its guarantee of free sand, a promise left unfulfilled despite over 100 days of its tenure. Kaarem, along with district committee members G Durgaprasad and N Balaram, expressed frustration over the government’s inability to provide sand at no cost, accusing it of failing to support the construction workers who depend on affordable building materials.

“The government has failed to implement the promised free sand guarantee, leaving workers to face the brunt of high costs,” said Kaarem Venkateswara Rao during the protest.

Smuggling and high costs hindering workers

Protesters condemned the illegal sand trade, accusing smugglers of exploiting previous government supplies and hiking up prices. According to the CPM, sand meant for public use is being sold illegally, with the cost of a tractor load reaching between Rs 7,000 and Rs 8,000. They demanded immediate government intervention to prevent these illegal practices.

“The government has not followed proper procedures for sand distribution, leading to rampant smuggling. This is placing an unnecessary burden on workers who rely on affordable materials,” said G Durgaprasad.

Key demands for construction workers

Among the primary demands, CPM urged the government to establish a Construction Workers Welfare Board and ensure the continuous availability of sand for construction purposes. They also called for a support package for workers struggling in the current economic climate.

Free sand guarantee: The government should uphold its promise and make sand available to all people.Stop sand smuggling: Crack down on illegal sand mining and trading to ensure fair distribution.

Support for construction workers: Masons, carpenters, and other construction workers should receive immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 due to severe financial hardships.

Welfare board: A dedicated Construction Workers Welfare Board should be established to provide sustained support and employment.

Positive response from District Collector

Following the protest, CPM leaders submitted a memorandum outlining their demands to the District Collector. In response, the Collector assured them that 12 sand reaches would be opened across the district by the 15th of the month to ensure an adequate supply of sand for all. This commitment was seen as a partial victory for the protesters, though they remain cautious until the promises are fulfilled.

The protest saw active participation from several local CPM leaders, including Peethala Ramachandra Rao, T Naga Varalakshmi, and Tadi Sriram Murthy. Community leaders K Shankar, V Mohan Rao, P Srinivasarao, B Parvatalu, G Sattibabu, K Sattibabu, D Srinu, Uma, R Srinivas, V Mohanrao, P Ramakrishna, V Suresh, P Govind and others also voiced their concerns about the government’s failure to support workers in the construction sector.

The demonstration concluded with a renewed call for immediate action, as protesters vowed to continue their fight until the state government fully implements its sand policy and provides relief to the struggling workers in Konaseema and in the entire state.