Andhra Pradesh sand shortage: 3 construction-workers commit suicide over unemployment
As the YSR Congress Party government in Andhra Pradesh continues to face criticism over its sand mining policy, at least three construction workers have allegedly committed suicide over lack of jobs. Reportedly, the YS Jaganmohan Reddy-led government is being blamed for the lack of jobs after it scrapped the previous government's "free sand policy," leading to a rise in unemployment in construction. Here's more.
Construction worker filmed video before hanging self
A Guntur resident, Venkatesh, recorded a video before hanging himself. According to NDTV, the incident occurred three weeks ago, however, ex-AP CM N Chandrababu Naidu recently tweeted a video believed to be the one Venkatesh recorded. Reportedly, Venkatesh had been unemployed for four months and besides construction, had no other means to earn money. He is survived by his wife and one-year-old son.
Two other construction workers recently killed themselves over unemployment
Further, a neighbor of Venkatesh told NDTV that their neighborhood largely survives on construction-related jobs and yet, no one has work. Recently, construction workers Naga Brahmaji of Munipalle village and Padatapu Venkatrao of Kodandarama Nagar both killed themselves over unemployment.
You can watch Venkatesh's video here
Mind-boggling to see workers committing suicide for five months: Naidu
In the tweet, Naidu, the Leader of Opposition and Telugu Desam Party chief, urged the government to take note of such videos saying, "It's mind-boggling to see workers committing suicide for five months without work or families starving." Blaming the YSRCP government for crippled construction activities, the TDP demanded that they pay Rs. 10,000 to each worker as compensation.
Why is Andhra government being criticized over sand mining?
Large quantities of sand is required to make both cement and concrete for construction. Earlier in May, when the YSRCP came to power, it banned sand mining in the state for three months, reversing the previous Naidu-led TDP government's "free sand policy." By the time the new policy was framed in September, there was a shortage of sand due to floods in the state.
Several lakh laborers lost jobs during ban: Opposition
Meanwhile, in the months when sand mining was banned, several lakh laborers allegedly lost their jobs, opposition parties claimed. The industry came to a halt and the government even had to stop the construction of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh's new capital since its bifurcation.
YSRCP MLA Ambati Rambabu blames floods for sand shortage
However, on Saturday, YSRCP MLA Ambati Rambabu solely attributed the sand shortage to floods. Speaking at a press conference, he added, "Once the floodwaters recede, there will be the possibility of providing an adequate amount of sand to people." Rambabu also addressed Naidu's attacks on the government recalling that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had penalized his administration for plundering sand reaches.
New policy envisages ban on mechanized mining: Rambabu
The MLA further said, "The new policy envisages a ban on mechanized mining and only allows manual sand mining." He added that the YSRCP government has accelerated the issuance of government orders and reduced red-tapism in sand mining.
Rambabu addressed Jana Sena President's criticism of YSRCP govt
MLA Rambabu also retaliated against Jana Sena President Pawan Kalyan's criticism of CM Reddy. He said Reddy only faces criticism because he stood up to the former Congress government, adding, "Pawan Kalyan should stop criticising the government which is striving for the welfare of the people." In September, Kalyan had released a 33-page report of the YSRCP government's failures, including the sand policy fiasco.
Jana Sena to organize march supporting construction workers: Kalyan
Meanwhile, Kalyan on Sunday fired back calling the new policy "chaotic." He claimed the initial ban directly affected 19.6 lakh workers' jobs and indirectly forced another one million workers out of employment. The actor-turned-politician said his party plans to organize a march in support of construction workers. He also criticized the former TDP government for "encouraging the sand mafia."
