The state government that pleaded helplessness in regulating the price of cement last month has changed its mind and has decided to act tough against cement manufacturers. The Cabinet sub-committee, headed by the finance minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, that was assigned the task of regulating the prices of steel, cement and other commodities, has threatened to get the cement companies "nationalised" by the Government of India if they failed to sell cement at Rs 200 per bag.
Besides, it also spoke of using coercive methods, if required, to rein in the cement manufacturers. The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy would hold talks with cement manufacturers here on April 22. The Chief Minister is expected to suggest certain amendments to the existing Central laws to control cement prices.
Stating that theirs was a "farmer and industry-friendly" government, the ministers requested the cement companies to appreciate the situation and co-operate with them. "Please don’t tarnish our image," they said. As a way to keep a tab on the spiralling cement prices, the state government would like to import cement, following in the footsteps of Tamil Nadu.
Last month, Dr Reddy wrote a letter the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, seeking permission to import cement from abroad so as to keep a tab on the escalating price. The AP government hasn’t received any response from the Centre on its request for import.
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