Shimla, May 17:
BJP state chief spokesperson and MLA Rakesh Jamwal on Saturday accused the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of remaining a “mute spectator” while cement companies continue to increase prices in the state.
Addressing the media, Jamwal alleged that cement companies had once again increased prices by ₹5 per bag, adding further burden on consumers already struggling with inflation and rising construction costs.
He said cement prices were also raised in January this year, when ACC cement increased from ₹390 to ₹395 per bag, ACC Gold from ₹435 to ₹440, Ambuja cement from ₹400 to ₹405 and Ultratech cement from ₹395 to ₹400 per bag.
According to Jamwal, cement prices in several parts of the state are now ranging between ₹435 and ₹490 per bag after multiple hikes over the past two years. He claimed that cement prices have increased by nearly ₹30 during this period.
The BJP leader alleged that despite benefiting from Himachal Pradesh’s land, water and natural resources, cement companies were selling cement in the hill state at rates higher than neighbouring states such as Punjab and Haryana.
Referring to a similar issue in 2012, Jamwal claimed that cement was then being sold ₹50 to ₹75 per bag costlier in Himachal, but the BJP government at the time forced companies to reduce prices after public pressure mounted.
He further alleged that the Congress government’s “inaction and weak approach” had allowed cement companies to function arbitrarily. Jamwal said rising diesel costs, transportation charges and increasing prices of construction materials had already made building houses difficult, especially for poor and middle-class families.
“Constructing a house in a hilly state like Himachal is already expensive. Continuous price hikes have shattered the dreams of common people,” he said.
Jamwal also highlighted the plight of disaster-affected families still rebuilding homes after the natural calamity in the state, alleging that the government had failed to provide adequate relief from inflation.
Demanding immediate intervention, he urged the state government to hold talks with cement companies and formulate a policy to control prices and provide relief to consumers.
He said the BJP would continue to raise issues concerning the public and oppose what he termed “anti-people policies” of the Congress government.
