Amma cement launched

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday launched its low-cost cement under the brand 'Amma' to cater to low-and-middle-class consumers. Amma cement will cost Rs 190 a bag (50 kg), compared with Rs 370-385 market rate.

The scheme was launched at Tiruchy today and would be expanded to other parts of the state before January 10, according to an official release.

The Tamil Nadu Cement Corporation, which has been appointed as a nodal agency for the scheme, will procure around 200,000 tonne every month from manufacturers and sell it through its 470 stock points, apart from municipality and panchayat unions.

On September 29, 2014, former chief minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, also called Amma by her supporters, announced the launch of 'Amma' cement in line with low-cost canteens, water, salt, pharmacy, fruits and vegetables shops and other schemes under the same brand.

The state would provide 50 bags to those taking up 100 sft works and 750 bags for those with a project of 1,500 sft, which will be the maximum. It would provide 10-100 bags to those who take up renovation or repair works.

It can be bought by submitting the approved building plan to the state government.

The all-India capacity utilisation for the cement industry is 71-72 per cent, compared with 60 per cent in south -- at around 360 million tonnes and 145 million tonnes per annum respectively.