The Southern Centre of the Builders of Association of India (BAI) will go on a strike on Friday protesting the rise in cement prices.
In a press release in Chennai on Wednesday, chairman of BAI’s southern centre L Shantha Kumar said that cement, an essential item for construction, was exorbitantly priced. Currently, cement is being sold at Rs.390 – Rs. 400 per bag in Chennai.
Demanding that the government appoint a high level inquiry on the reasons of abnormal cement price increase when there is neither any corresponding demand from the construction industry nor any substantial rise in input cost for having a long term solution, the release added that a prompt action by the government would not only save the employment of around 60 million construction workers, but also save the construction sector, which includes affordable housing, from imminent shutdown.
The South India Cement Manufacturers Association (SICMA) condemned the proposed strike, charging BAI of spreading misinformation on the cement prices. In a statement, SICMA wondered how cement prices would impact the construction cost as it constitutes only Rs 150 per square feet in a buildup area.