BJP MP from Raipur Brijmohan Agrawal has expressed objection over the “sharp” increase in cement prices by its manufacturers and demanded intervention by the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre to reverse the rising costs.
Agrawal said the sudden increase in cement prices by Rs 50 per bag would affect infrastructure projects including roads, buildings, bridges, schools, colleges and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
In separate letters to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the Competition Commission of India on September 6, Agrawal said that despite Chhattisgarh being a state rich in minerals, iron ore, coal and energy resources, cement manufacturers, by forming a cartel, have massively increased prices from September 3.
The attitude of cement companies has become one of “looting” the innocent people of Chhattisgarh, he said, adding that the government should take strict action against the cement manufacturers.
Cement companies have access to mines, coal, power, cheap electricity and cheap labour in a state where they have been exploiting all resources. From raw materials to energy, everything they need for production is available to them at lower prices, the BJP leader claimed.
Every month, around 30 lakh tonnes (6 million bags) of cement is produced in Chhattisgarh. The price of cement per bag was around Rs 260 before September 3, which has increased to nearly Rs 310. Similarly, cement for government and public interest projects will now be available at Rs 260 per bag, which was earlier Rs 210 per bag, he said.
The sharp increase in cement prices by Rs 50 per bag will affect infrastructure projects including roads, buildings, bridges, canals, schools, colleges, anganwadi buildings and the Prime Minister’s housing scheme for the poor, Agrawal said.
The cost of all government projects will increase and it will be difficult for the poor to build houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which is not in the interest of the state or the country, he said.
The former state minister urged the Chhattisgarh and central governments to immediately convene a meeting of cement companies and ask them to withdraw the price hike to ensure relief to the people of the state.
First published: September 8, 2024 | 09:07 IS
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