Cong takes on HP govt over cement rates

“ It is strange that Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has simply washed his hands off by writing a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to relax de-control measures for cement ,instead of making the companies agree to parity in cement rates with Punjab and Haryana. The cement price in Himachal Pradesh – where companies manufacture the commodity and create experimental hazards – is Rs 350 per bag against Rs 151 in the neighbouring states”.

He rejected the argument of the companies that high freight rates in the hills was responsible for the price. “If the companies can sell cement at Rs 280 per bag at Pinjore,how can it be Rs 315 or 320 at Parwanoo ? An Italian Company working at Kol Dam project bought cement at Rs 214 in Himachal Pradesh whereas the people are charged much higher rates”,Rathore said.

The Congress leader also referred to an alleged major scam at Baddi,where some employees of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board (HPSEB) allegedly misappropriated crores of rupees. The money,collected as power tariff revenue,has been allegedly pocketed by the employees. So far,no action has been taken against the accused officials.

Rathore demanded the registration of an FIR against the accused officials by the state’s vigilance and anti-corruption bureau. He also alleged that some paper and steel mills owners,who are biggest defaulters of the HPSEB,have not been questioned by the power body.

Power tariff to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore was yet to be recovered,the PCC general secretary said.

If the Board is able to recover these arrears,power tariffs in Himachal Pradesh will come down automatically,Rathore added.