Editor,
Apropos the article titled ‘Backdoor Entry of Dalmia Cement’ (The Shillong Times, February 4th 2013) by HH Mohrmen, the article makes several unfair, incorrect and biased allegations which have an adverse effect on our corporate reputation, while creating a completely unfounded negative image of Dalmia Bharat in the public domain. We are particularly concerned that the columnist did not check the facts with us before writing such a baseless and defamatory column. Allow me to present the facts and respond to the allegations made :
It is unclear what the writer means by saying that Dalmia Cement has entered the “Northeast in general and Meghalaya in particular through the backdoor.” Dalmia Cement has been present in the Northeast since 1985, selling its product to organizations like ONGC as well as end -use customers. We have been a category leader in exacting standards of oil well speciality cements besides being a brand of first choice for many individual retail customers. The Northeast is home turf for us and has been so for 30 years. It is in reiteration of this fact that an illustrious daughter of the Northeast, Ms Mary Kom was signed as our national brand ambassador. The “backdoor entry” allegation is therefore unfounded.
The writer tries to manufacture “controversy” where none exists. He questions Adhunik Cement’s transfer of land to Dalmia Cement which is a “non tribal entity”. He questions how a “non tribal entity can acquire tribal land”. And goes o n to claim that this is a “violation of the Meghalaya Land Transfer Act”. The writer also sees the “Adhunik-Dalmia deal” as an “example of the impending threat that awaits the state and its people”. The allegation is unsubstantiated and completely false. Had the columnist done objective research he would have seen that there is no change in the legal status of Adhunik Cement ; it is merely a share transfer in favour of Dalmia Cement de facto. Neither has any violation occurred; the entire acquisition has been completely compliant of all laws, rules and regulations. There is absolutely no question, therefore, of any irregularity. The writer has tried to create alarm by claiming that the deal is a threat to the state and people, but offers no proof point or rationale to support this.
Further the writer takes offense to the fact that we announced our Northeast launch at Guwahati. We do not see our launch as an ‘Assam launch’ or a ‘Meghalaya launch’ but as a pan- Northeast launch. The choice of venue, therefore, is irrelevant. We chose Guwahati for reasons of logistical ease, connectivity and the fact that it was a more convenient venue for our brand ambassador who was on government duty in Kolkata where she was deployed as a police officer from the Manipur state police. It is unfortunate that an attempt has been made to foster a narrow parochial perspective and create controversy needlessly. The writer’s other allegation is that we are amongst companies which “deny local, educated, unemployed youth the employment opportunities…” This is ridiculous. The overwhelming majority of employees in Adhunik and Calcom are local people. With our advent in the area, employment through backward and forward economic linkages to product, will receive a big boost. It will scale up dealerships, create opportunities in supply chain networks, and open up new avenues of employment, while expanding existing ones.
In yet another attempt at creating a negative perspective, the writer raises concerns of environmental damage. He counsels the government “to consider ways and means of …stopping any new company from opening shop in the state.” We are neither a “new” company “setting up shop” nor are we irresponsible. Our acquisitions are brownfield i.e. take-over of existing under-performing businesses. We have, in a legitimate, transparent, compliant manner, acquired an existing company. In doing so, we are making significant additional investments of technology as well as resources to raise the operating thresholds of these acquisitions, optimize societal benefits and create sustainable growth.
On the environmental front, Dalmia Cement has consistently and in the long term demonstrated the greatest sensitivity, responsibility and transparency. Our proactive initiatives qualify us as one of the only four Indian cement companies and 25 globally, for the Geneva based Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI). The high thresholds of environmental responsibility practiced by Dalmia Cement have also been recognized by several reputed third party national organizations based on independent audits. Just last year we received :
CII-ITC Sustainability Award 2012
National Energy Conservation Award, 2012 by Bureau of Energy Efficiency
The Green Leadership Award, 2012 hosted by Enterprise Asia
Excellent in Water Management awarded by CII
Excellence in Energy Management awarded by CII.
It is unfortunate that a publication of your stature has published such a biased, motivated and incorrect report. In the interest of fairness and accuracy, please publish this response in its entirety.
Yours etc.,
Amit Chaudhery
Head-Group Corporate Communications
Dalmia Bharat
Editor’s reply: Mr HH Mohrmen is a regular columnist with The Shillong Times and an environmental activist. His article reflects his personal views and it would be incorrect to term it as a report or the writer as a correspondent. Mohrmen has consistently raised issues of environmental concern caused by unregulated mining and shady land deals. We believe he has the right to express his views in public interest just as Dalmia Cements is entitled to this clarification.
On “Black diamond could play spoilsport in the 2013 election”
Editor,
The article “Black diamond could play spoilsport in the 2013 election” by eminent columnist H. H. Mohrmen, is commendable. Apparently, Daisy Kharkongor in her letter “Elections and the coal mafia,” has different viewpoint on the issue and her argument is presumably right as well. My point here is not to get into their deliberations but to notify one implied intent of the article. Logically, the article cautions every Meghalayan particularly folks residing in mining areas concerning the inevitable though undesirable upshot of the excessive and unscientific coal mining in the state. It has categorically exposed the vulnerability of people’s over-dependence on nature’s limited and non-renewable “black diamond” and its irresponsible and excessive exploitation. If election is affected, “dull and damp” because coal business is down, then sooner life in Jaintia Hills itself will be “dull and damp” because coal business will soon be no more. Will 23rd Assembly election change a thing? Let us watch and see.
Yours etc.,
Recordius Enmi Kharbani
Shillong.