Two senior ministers in the Himachal Pradesh government have strongly rebutted allegations made by the opposition regarding the recent increase in cement prices in the state. Industry Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani issued a joint statement on Tuesday, accusing the Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, of misleading the public with baseless statements.
Ministers Clarify Government's Stance on Pricing
The ministers presented a detailed clarification, emphasising a critical fact: the state government does not fix the price of cement. They explained that cement prices are determined by private manufacturers and their market strategies, operating under the overarching supervision of the national Competition Commission of India (CCI). This regulatory body ensures fair trade practices, and the state's role in direct price control is non-existent.
Fact-Checking the Price Hike and Historical Comparison
Addressing the specific issue, the ministers acknowledged that a cement bag has become costlier by Rs 5 in Himachal Pradesh recently. However, they stressed that this was a market decision. They categorically stated that the present Congress-led state government has not imposed any new tax or levy on cement that could have triggered this price rise.
In a pointed comparison, the duo claimed that during the tenure of the previous BJP government, led by Jai Ram Thakur himself, cement prices were significantly higher. They alleged that rates were Rs 40 to Rs 50 per bag more expensive then compared to current levels, even after the recent Rs 5 increase.
Accusations and Counter-Questions Fly
The ministers criticised the opposition for presenting what they called "distorted facts" merely to gain media attention. They advised the former Chief Minister to verify details thoroughly before making public statements.
Shifting the focus, Chauhan and Dharmani posed a counter-question to Jai Ram Thakur. They urged him to clarify the reasons behind the delay in the release of a Rs 1,500 crore disaster relief package announced by the Prime Minister. The people of Himachal Pradesh, they noted, are still awaiting this crucial aid.
Highlighting their own government's priorities, the ministers reiterated a commitment to controlling inflation. They mentioned that several welfare schemes are being implemented to support the weaker and neglected sections of society, framing their administration as proactive in public welfare.
