Date:22/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/22/stories/2008032254120700.htm

National

“Declare cement, steel essential commodities”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Telugu Desam Party leader and member of Parliament K.Yerrannaidu has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to include cement and steel in the list of essential commodities so that their prices can be regulated.

In a letter to Dr. Singh, he has also suggested the constitution of a body, on the lines of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, to regulate the prices of steel and cement. “These two items are crucial for the poor man and also affect industrialisation and construction of major projects, which are totally dependent on steel and cement.”

Housing projects

From December last year to March 15 this year, the price of steel had increased by 30 per cent, the cost overruns halting several projects. Housing projects meant for the people were also hit, the MP said. On the export policy, he said, “The government gives permits to private people to export iron ores to other countries but not to public undertakings.”