FREE SAND POLICY OF AP GOVERNMENT – GROUND REALITIES Sand policy of AP: In 2016 TDP Government brought out a very innovative free sand policy with an objective to promote housing, wage employment to local people, to encourage sand transport through tractors. The outline of policy is as under: Free sand quarries in identified and approved sites have to be under control of mandal steering committee consisting of Tahsildar, Sub Inspector of Police and Mandal Development Officer. The boundaries of excavation site shall be fixed and flagged with clear markings and revenue staff are to present to oversee the operations.   Tahsildhar is authorized to utilize NREGS funds to create temporary road in river till regular road point and collect Rs.30/tractor and Rs.60/Lorry to recover the cost of the road and maintenance of road including watering at regular intervals. The sand permit is to be prominently displayed in Tahsildhar of...

Reaching Unreached - Still a myth after 68 years of Independence CHALLENGES TO GOVERNMENT: Welfare & Development seem to be two focus areas for any Government that is adequately resourced (for example, funds flow, investments, industrial growth). The challenge to the Government is in balancing these, while also sustaining growth, fostering inclusive development, addressing socioeconomic imbalances, all in an increasingly complex political environment. Leadership in a true democracy is expected to tackle these head-on and in an equitable manner. Efficient revenue collections, industrial growth, process innovation, optimization of intellectual resources, increased global trade, enabled IT/Financial services, and service sector growth, are some enablers of success for an economy like China. A similar commitment in the world's largest democracy India is a much bigger challenge but provides an opportunity for a leader with vision & commitment. REVENUE SOURCES: ...