The Rajasthan government has launched a new policy to encourage the establishment of Manufactured Sand (M-Sand) units to reduce pressure on the state’s riverbeds caused by sand mining. The policy, approved in a recent cabinet meeting and set to be implemented from December 4, aims to streamline operations for M-Sand units, making them investor-friendly and offering significant incentives through the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS).
Key features of the policy include the removal of the requirement for prior experience and turnover, reduced royalty rates on overburden, and an increase in the number of reserved plots for M-Sand units during auctions. Additionally, earnest money has been reduced from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 1 lakh, and government-funded projects will be required to use 50% M-Sand. Under the RIPS 2024, the state is offering attractive benefits such as a 75% reimbursement of state tax dues for 10 years, 50% reimbursement of employer contributions to EPF and ESI, and exemptions from stamp duty and electricity duty. This policy is expected to increase M-Sand production from 13 million tons to 19 million tons annually, helping conserve river ecosystems and providing a low-cost alternative to river sand. The initiative is also designed to create employment, attract investments, and ensure the sustainable supply of M-Sand for construction, benefiting both the industry and local communities.
