SHILLONG: The State BJP on Wednesday blamed the “deep-rooted nexus” between the Government and the eight cement companies in East Jaintia Hills for more than 35 percent hike in cement prices in Meghalaya.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, BJP General Secretary Bashailang Khongwir expressed surprise over the “sudden hike” saying the prices of cement has been hiked by more than 35 percent to over Rs 400 from Rs 280.
Khongwir also questioned the timing of the hike before the 2018 Assembly elections. “Prices have been hiked when rates of other raw materials are decreasing,” he said and added that the party would take legal course if the prices are not rolled back within a month.
He alleged that the cement companies in Lumshnong are violating the NGT directive on mining and bringing in raw materials at night. Also, “there is large-scale misutilisation of transport subsidies”.
The party is also conducting an investigation into the sudden price hike.
“Tax holidays, which are given for seven years to companies, are being extended by the State Government and this is a daylight robbery,” said Khongwir.
