Date:18/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/18/stories/2008041854030600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Errant cement companies to face music in A.P.

HYDERABAD: The A.P. government has at last decided to crack the whip on the cement companies and traders of essentials who are indulging in creating “artificial scarcity” to check spiralling rise in the price of commodities. On Thursday, the Cabinet asked officials to explore the option of invoking ESMA Act to ensure supply of essential commodities as well as cement at reasonable prices.

It was also decided to approach the Centre to amend the Act to sternly deal against those indulging in malpractices. A Group of Ministers has been constituted to suggest measures to check the steep rise in cement price. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy constituted another GoM.