‘Amma Cement’ launched in Tamil Nadu at Rs190 for 50-kg bag

In a move that smacks of politics disguised as economics, the Tamil Nadu government today launched 'Amma Cement' in Tiruchirappalli at a subsidised rate of Rs190 per 50kg bag.

The scheme will cover the entire state by 10 January, a state government release said.

The scheme was announced by the previous Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in September last year. Although forced to step down as CM, 'Amma', as she is popularly known, still controls the ruling All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Party.

She had to relinquish the post as well as her membership of the state assembly after she was convicted and given a four-year jail term in a corruption case.

The government would procure 200,000 tonnes of cement from private manufacturers every month for the scheme.

Beneficiaries can buy up to a maximum of 750 bags for construction on 1,500 sq ft of area at the rate of 50 bags for each 100 sq ft of construction.

For repairs and renovation work, 10 to 100 bags can be bought under the scheme. The Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation would be the nodal agency for the scheme that would be implemented by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation and the rural development department.

With this, cement becomes yet one more product being sold under the Amma brand in the state following bottled water, common salt, vegetables, pharmacies selling medicines at subsidised rates, and canteens offering affordable breakfast and lunch to working people.