PMK urges Centre, state govts to take measures to control construction material costs

Chennai: PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss on Tuesday urged the Centre and the state governments to take measures to control construction-material costs.

The union government should also reduce fuel and transportation costs, he said in a statement.

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"Rising prices of construction materials such as M-sand, B-sand, cement, and reinforcing steel in Tamil Nadu have caused deep shock and anxiety among the public and construction workers," he claimed.

"Due to the price increase of construction materials, the dream of building a home for many middle and low-income families is now in doubt," he said, adding, "Over the past few years, the cost of construction materials has risen by between 40 per cent and 100 per cent, increasing the expense of building an ordinary house by several lakhs of rupees."

Stating that after agriculture, the construction sector provides the largest employment in Tamil Nadu and lakhs of workers depend on it for their livelihoods, Ramadoss said, "If construction activity declines, there is a real danger that these workers' jobs and incomes will be severely affected."

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"Although fuel-price rises, higher transport costs, and increased production expenses are being cited as reasons for the hikes, the Tamil Nadu government must immediately investigate whether artificial shortages or market malpractices are also involved," he said.