TV
In a major relief for economically weaker sections constructing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Odisha government has announced that beneficiaries will be provided sand free of cost. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday informed that the Odisha government will supply up to two tractor-loads of sand without any charges to eligible households.
The decision aims to reduce the construction cost burden for PMAY beneficiaries, ensuring that affordable housing becomes a reality for all.
“To help beneficiaries complete their houses without financial strain, the state has decided to provide two tractor loads of sand completely free. We want to ensure that how people will get sand at a low cost, including to poor and PMAY beneficiaries. We are making necessary arrangements to provide two tractor loads of sand for the beneficiaries. We will issue permits as well,” said Minister Pujari.
The Revenue Department will issue special permits to regulate and facilitate the free distribution of sand. This initiative will also ensure that the sand extraction and supply process remains transparent and does not affect the environment adversely.
No Hyva Trucks, SOP For New Vehicles Soon
Further, the Minister clarified that in order to protect public infrastructure, particularly roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), heavy vehicles like Hyva trucks will not be allowed to transport sand in these areas.
“The use of Hyva trucks for sand transportation has caused serious damage to rural roads. Hence, alternative smaller vehicles will be used for this purpose,” he said.
An official Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is currently being drafted to define the types of vehicles allowed for sand transport, the quantity of sand permitted, and the conditions for eligibility. This SOP will help maintain consistency and avoid misuse of the scheme.
The move has been widely appreciated by rural development activists and beneficiaries alike, as it directly addresses a key material cost in house construction. The government’s step is seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen social welfare and rural infrastructure, while also ensuring environmental safeguards and road safety.
