The Leader of the Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jairam Thakur, has launched a fierce attack on the state government and cement manufacturers, labeling a recent surge in cement prices as an act of "cruelty" towards a population already reeling from the devastating monsoon disasters of 2023. Thakur, who is also a former Chief Minister, demanded immediate intervention to control the escalating costs of this essential construction material.
A Callous Blow During Recovery
In a strongly-worded statement issued from Shimla, Jairam Thakur highlighted the severe plight of Himachal's residents. The state suffered catastrophic losses last monsoon, with widespread destruction of homes, roads, and infrastructure. Thousands of families are still in the process of rebuilding their lives and properties. Thakur argued that at such a critical juncture, a sharp increase in the price of a fundamental rebuilding material like cement is not just an economic burden but a heartless move that hinders recovery efforts.
He pointed out that the price of a single cement bag has skyrocketed, with reports indicating an increase of Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 per bag in recent days. This sudden hike places an unbearable financial strain on common citizens, disaster victims, and those undertaking construction work. Thakur emphasized that this is effectively punishing the people for trying to reconstruct what nature destroyed.
Demanding Government Accountability and Action
Directing his criticism towards the incumbent Congress government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Thakur questioned the administration's inaction. "What is the state government doing?" he asked, accusing it of being a mute spectator to the exploitation of its people. He insisted that the government has a moral and administrative duty to regulate prices and protect consumers from such arbitrary increases, especially in a post-disaster scenario.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader did not spare the cement manufacturing companies either. He accused them of profiteering from the misery of the people of Himachal Pradesh. By raising prices when demand is high due to reconstruction, these companies are engaging in unethical business practices, according to Thakur. He called for a sense of corporate responsibility and urged the manufacturers to roll back the hike immediately.
The Wider Impact on Reconstruction and Economy
The implications of this price rise extend beyond individual hardship. The state's official reconstruction and repair projects, including those for damaged roads, bridges, and public buildings, will also face escalated costs, potentially delaying recovery and straining the public exchequer. Furthermore, the overall pace of rehabilitation for thousands of displaced families is likely to slow down, prolonging their suffering.
Jairam Thakur's statement brings to the forefront a critical issue at the intersection of disaster management, economic policy, and corporate ethics. It underscores the vulnerability of regions in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, where natural calamities are frequent, and the subsequent recovery can be jeopardized by market volatility. The opposition's demand puts significant pressure on the Sukhu government to demonstrate its commitment to disaster-affected citizens through concrete market intervention measures.
The ball is now in the state government's court to respond to these allegations. Whether it chooses to negotiate with cement companies, explore price control mechanisms, or provide direct subsidies to affected builders will be closely watched by a population eager to rebuild their shattered state.
