Port Blair, Aug 17: In a move to address the growing concerns surrounding the pricing of quarry products in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. P A Sharfuddin, Zilla Parishad member from the Mithakhari Constituency, has penned a letter to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration. The letter, dated 17th August 2023, highlights the urgent need for the establishment of fixed selling prices for quarry products in the region.
The impetus for this appeal arises from an e-Auction Notice (F. No. 01/ACS/Quarry/SA/TS-II/2023-24/1013) issued on 14th July 2023 by the Assistant Commissioner (SA) of the A&N Islands. While this notice specifies a Minimum Reserve price for Explosive Quarry blocks, it fails to address the absence of a Maximum Selling price for various quarry and crusher products.
Quarry products are crucial elements for a plethora of industries, including construction, infrastructure development, and manufacturing. The pricing of these products significantly affects both the public and government agencies who procure them. The current scenario allows for Quarry and Crusher Owners to independently determine the costs of various products, resulting in disparate pricing for items such as 40 mm, 20 mm, 12.5 mm aggregates, and Crusher Dust.
This lack of a standardized pricing framework has led to inflated costs and disparities in pricing, which are negatively impacting both consumers and government projects. The absence of regulation and transparency in this sector has placed financial burdens on the general public and hindered the efficiency of essential projects.
Recognizing the potential for positive change, Mr. Sharfuddin’s letter earnestly appeals for the government’s intervention in the establishment of a pricing framework. Such a framework would curb arbitrary pricing decisions, stabilize the market, and stimulate growth across industries that rely on quarry products.
The Zilla Parishad member suggested that the government’s involvement in setting fixed prices requires a meticulous evaluation of factors such as production costs and market dynamics. However, the potential benefits, including a predictable market environment and reduced consumer cost pressures, make this effort imperative.
In addition to advocating for fixed prices, Mr. Sharfuddin also addressed the issue of the lease duration for quarries. Referring to Point No. 20 of the aforementioned Notice, which outlines a one-year lease period, Mr. Sharfuddin highlights the challenges arising from this short-term arrangement. He suggests that the lease duration be extended to a minimum of three years to promote price stability, predictability, and reduced administrative burdens. This extension would benefit both the public and stakeholders reliant on these products for various purposes, especially construction.
