Cement Price Cut for Indiramma Houses in Telangana to Ease Construction Costs

Telangana’s Indiramma Houses scheme is set to get a cost advantage, with cement manufacturers agreeing to supply cement at ₹230 per bag for construction of houses under the government programme. The rate is significantly lower than the prevailing commercial market price of around ₹340 per bag, although actual market prices can vary depending on the quantity purchased.

The decision follows a request from Telangana Housing and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, who sought support from cement companies to help beneficiaries facing rising construction expenses.

The move is significant for beneficiaries who have found that the government’s ₹5 lakh housing subsidy is not always sufficient to cover the total cost of construction. Increasing prices of cement and other building materials have added to the financial burden, requiring several beneficiaries to spend beyond the assistance provided by the government.

Under the first phase of the Indiramma Houses programme, Telangana sanctioned 4.5 lakh houses across the State, excluding Hyderabad. Construction has progressed substantially, with slabs already laid for about 85% of the sanctioned houses. The remaining 15% are at different stages of construction.

The government has also moved ahead with the second phase of the housing programme. A further 2.5 lakh houses have been sanctioned, with 2,000 houses allocated to each Assembly constituency, according to a government press note issued on Tuesday.

The reduced cement price is expected to provide some relief as construction progresses across these housing projects. Cement is one of the major materials required during the construction of individual houses, particularly during foundation, structural and finishing stages.

For cement manufacturers, the arrangement provides a direct channel to supply material for a large government-backed housing programme. For beneficiaries, the lower rate could help reduce at least part of the additional expenditure they are currently meeting from their own resources.

The impact of the concession will depend on the quantity of cement required for individual houses and the availability of supplies at the agreed rate. Nevertheless, the decision comes as Telangana continues to push ahead with the Indiramma Houses programme and expand housing support to more beneficiaries across the State.