TN govt sells cement at concessional rate

Chennai, Jan 21 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government today launched the sale of cement at a concessional rate of Rs 200 per bag through the Civil Supplies Department across the state.

A maximum of 100 bags would be given to those who build houses not exceeding 1,000 square feet. The scheme was launched to help the lower and middle income groups, besides aiming at containing the prices.

The government had said those who have plan approvals issued after July 1, 2007, could apply to the Deputy Tahsildars of their respective headquarters and get the allotment order.

Along with the order, they should go to the local godown with a demand draft drawn in favour of the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation and purchase the cement, prices of which was hovering around Rs 240 to Rs 270 in the open market.

In the case of those who do not have plan approvals, revenue inspectors would visit the construction site and based on their advice, allotment orders would be issued, the government had said on January 19.

Private cement manufacturers had offered to supply cement at the concessional rate after the DMK government threatened to take over the cement factories, if they failed to bring down the prices.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder-leader S Ramadoss, who had spearheaded a campaign against rise in cement price, had criticised the government for fixing a ceiling of 100 bags of cement for those who build a house of 1,000 square feet, when it was estimated that they would require 400 bags.

He also took exception to supply of cement to those who not have plan approvals. This would lead to irregularities, he had said.

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