Cement prices not set by state: Himachal ministers

In a joint press release, the ministers said the state government had not increased any tax on cement that could have led to a rise in prices and accused Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur of misleading people with baseless statements.

They pointed out that during the tenure of the previous BJP government, cement prices in Himachal were Rs 40 to Rs 50 higher than the current rates. The ministers added that the present government had taken effective steps to assist people affected by natural disasters, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introducing a special relief package for disaster-affected families.

They said the state government was working with full commitment towards the reconstruction of houses, shops and public infrastructure damaged by disasters.

Advising the Leader of Opposition to verify facts before making public statements, the ministers said Thakur should instead focus on the pending PDNA (Post-Disaster Needs Assessment) amount that is yet to be released to Himachal Pradesh by the Central Government.