Increasing Cement Prices Cruelty With Disaster-Hit: Himachal Pradesh LoP Jairam Thakur

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur on Monday strongly criticised the state government over the repeated hike in cement prices, terming it “nothing short of inhumanity” at a time when Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the impact of a major disaster.

In a statement issued here, the former Chief Minister said that instead of extending relief to disaster-affected families, the government has aggravated their suffering by allowing frequent increases in the price of cement. He said thousands of people in affected areas are struggling to rebuild their damaged homes, and the rising cost of essential construction material has made the recovery process extremely difficult.

Thakur alleged that cement companies have even issued ultimatums to dealers to further raise prices, calling the move deeply insensitive given the prevailing situation. He said such actions amounted to cruelty towards families who have lost homes and livelihoods and are attempting to rebuild their lives with limited means.

Highlighting the Centre’s approach, the LoP said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government had taken a people-friendly decision by reducing cement prices through a cut in GST, providing relief to the common man.

“Unfortunately, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has neutralised this relief by imposing an additional goods tax, effectively increasing cement prices,” Thakur alleged.

He stressed that the state government should focus on easing the financial burden on disaster victims rather than imposing new taxes. Drawing a parallel with the 2023 disaster, Thakur recalled that people were similarly harassed when the state government increased VAT on diesel during a crisis.

Reiterating the BJP’s stand, the Leader of the Opposition said the party would continue to fight for the rights of disaster-affected people both inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha and would oppose every anti-people decision of the government.

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