Several associations belonging to the Construction industry in India announced a nationwide strike to be held on February 12, 2021 inorder draw attention of the government over the phenomenonal increase in prices of Steel and Cement.
The Joint Action Committe of Coimbatore’s building & construction associations comprising of Association of Consulting Civil Engineers, Builders Association of India, CEBACA, CREDAI, The India Institute of Architects, Paver Block Manufacturer Association held a press meet on Tuesday (9.2.2021) regarding this issue.
D.Abhishek, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee said that this year prices of Steel and Cement have increased at 50-60%.
Chinasamy, Vice President, BAI- Coimbatore said that steel and cement are very integral components for the construction industry, and due to the cartelization by members of Cement industry, the prices of cement have shoot up unfairly.
“A bag of cement that costed Rs.340 last year now costs Rs.450. The price also varies from retailer to retailer.”
He added that though the cement manufacturers have everything to achieve their full production capacity, they are creating an artificial demand.
Steel that was sold for Rs.40,000 a ton last year is now being sold for Rs.70,000.
Many belonging to the builders and construction sector who had taken government tenders are now finding it very difficult to proceed the construction activities under the cost that was agreed earlier.
It was conveyed that the impact is not just on the builders but on the common folks too. A family that got loans and started their dream house will now have to undergo stress due to this unfair hike.
As there has been no solution from the government despite continued representations, the Construction Associations across India will be organizing this nationwide strike on Feb.12
In Coimbatore, a protest rally has been planned to be held on the same day from Women’s Polytechnic College to VOC Grounds. This will see thousands of construction workers take part.
As Construction sector provides second largest employment in India, this strike is set to affect all the construction related activities across India.
In a press release, the JAC said it demands formation of RERA for the regulating the pricing of these components.