Coal news and updates

Govt. needs 9 MT cement in next two years for construction works

Nearly nine million tonnes of cement would be required for taking up different works, including housing, irrigation, R&B and panchayat raj department in the State during the next two years. The significant thing is that cement manufacturing companies in the State have agreed to offer cement at a considerably lower price than the market price, authorities claimed.

Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu held a meeting with the cement manufacturing companies, ferro alloy, textiles companies, jute mills managements in the State Guest House here on Monday. Agriculture Minister P. Pulla Rao also participated in the meeting. In the past, cement manufacturers had signed an agreement with the government in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to offer a PPC cement bag for Rs.240 per bag and OPC cement for Rs.250 per bag for taking up housing projects.

After a meeting with the Cabinet sub-committee on Monday, the manufacturers have agreed to offer the cement at the above rate for other government departments as well.

However, citing the hike in taxes, electricity, diesel and mining costs, the Cabinet sub-committee would review the rate and recommend a few measures to the Cabinet shortly, said Mr. Ramakrishnudu.

Among all, Housing Department projects would require 3.5 million tonne followed by Irrigation Department (3.5 million tonne), R&B (0.5 million tonne) and Panchayat Raj Department (1.8 million tonne) in the State. Cement manufacturers in the State produce nearly 52 million tonne cement.

The Finance Minister said that the government was offering many incentives to industries, especially power was being supplied at subsidised rate. He wanted the cement manufacturers to offer cement at lower price for different government departments for taking up different works’.

http://www.thehindu.com/