In order to provide sand to people at cheap prices, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will soon open 50 new public mines.A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting chaired by Mining Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer.
Presiding over the meeting to review the functioning of public sand mines, the Minister said that at present 32 public mines are operational in the states which are benefiting the people in a big way.
He said that this number will be enhanced as the state government will soon open 50 new mines across the state. Meet Hayer said that in this public the sand is being supplied Rs 5.50 per cubic feet.
The Minister said that these public mines have received overwhelming response from the people. He said that local labourers have also found work due to which employment has been provided directly and indirectly to many youths.
Meet Hayer also said that Tenders for clusters of Commercial Mining sites as per recent Policy approval from cabinet will also be floated by the department after every fortnight.The Minister said that tenders for 14 clusters have already been floated on 21.03.23 by the department.
He said that in next three months tenders for around 100 clusters will be called by the government. Meet Hayer said that the Government is regularly seeking feedback from people and is reviewing the work to ensure that every public site is functioning properly.
The Meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Director DPS Kharbanda, SEs and District Mining Officer.