AIBA accuses cement cos of violating norms

Vijayawada: All India Builders Association (AIBA) alleged that cement companies in the state were misusing subsidies given by the government and were violating agreement on cement prices. AIBA executive committee member Ramakotaiah appealed to the state government to take steps to reduce prices of cement.

Addressing a press conference, here on Friday, Ramakotaiah recalled that the cement companies came to an agreement with the state government on November 15, 2016 on cement prices. “As per the agreement, the companies have to supply cement for Rs 240 per bag to works in various departments such as irrigation, panchayat raj, R&B and other departments,” he said.

He noted that the government has been supplying power at subsidy rates, allocated additional mines and water to the companies. “However, the companies did not supply cement to government works as per agreement and increased rates in open market from Rs 240 to Rs 380,” he charged.

Ramakotaiah lamented that construction sector and contractors have to bare an additional burden of Rs 600 crore per month due to the price hike. “Government departments did not respond over the issue even though the cement companies violated the agreement and committed irregularities, which was a surprise,” he said.

The AIBA member also said the competition commission of India had imposed Rs 1,600 crore penalties on cement companies in the state for collecting abnormal prices and other violations in the past, but the companies did not leave their greedy practices.

“We will stop works across the state, if the government will not take action over the irregularities of the companies and control the abnormal increase of prices” he warned. He also said they would submit a representation to the Chief Minister seeking control cement prices soon. Association state president P Rajababu and Visakhapatnam district president V Venkateswara Rao were also present.