Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on arbitrary pricing and illegal sand trade, the Odisha government has decided to introduce a Maximum Sale Price (MSP) for sand—ensuring that no seller can charge even a rupee above the rate fixed by the state. This is the first time a uniform pricing mechanism will be implemented for sand across Odisha, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced on Saturday.
Addressing the media, Jena said the reform is expected to significantly boost transparency, regulate prices, and curb illegal extraction and storage.
The introduction of MSP aims to dismantle the long-standing exploitation by the sand mafia, who have been accused of inflating prices and manipulating supply chains. With the new regulation in place, sand will now be available at uniform, government-approved rates, making it more affordable for consumers.
The Minister informed that the decision stemmed from Friday’s Cabinet meeting, where the state government also abolished the auction system for minor minerals. Instead, all minor mineral sources will now be allotted through a transparent e-lottery process.
Further strengthening its crackdown on illegal stockpiling, the government will also begin issuing storage licences for sand.
No individual or entity will be allowed to store sand or other minor minerals without such a licence, a move aimed at shutting down unauthorized stockyards that have been driving black marketing, Jena added.
