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Shocker awaits residents: Administration may increase prices of bricks


By Tahir Mushtaq 

GNS JAMMU, Aug 05: City residents, prepare for another shock, as administration may increase the rates of bricks after repeated plea by the brick Klin owners, who are alleging large scale losses due to increase in the prices of raw material. 
Sources said that though so far association of Brick Klin owners and administration had held several rounds of talks on the issue without reaching any conclusion, but now there is every likelihood that administration may give its consent for same in next few weeks. 
“There is tug of war going on between both sides. Though last year, new revised rates were announced by the administration, but it was rejected by powerful body of brick klin owners who are fleecing the people by charging higher rates in violation of the norms”, said a source. 
Recently the association members have also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with demands that there should be revision of rates keeping in view the increased price of all the raw material, particularly coal, which is a major component during manufacturing of the bricks. 
It is pertinent to mention here that few months back, district administration had notified the rates of various qualities and makes of bricks. 
Sale rate of per thousand A class bricks have been set about Rs. Rs 3500, for class "B" quality of bricks, it has been fixed at Rs 2,990 per thousand at kiln site (local tax extra) and class "C" quality of bricks are to be sold at Rs. 2645 per thousand (local tax extra). Rate of "Tiles" has been sanctioned at Rs 3105 per thousand (local tax extra). However in order to have higher profit margin, the klin owners are selling the C grade bricks at the rate of A grade bricks at various places. 
About two months back administration had directed the Police to take action against the illegal selling and number of trucks were detained after a special crackdown was launched. Most of them were selling B and C grade bricks at Rs 8,000 to 10,000 per thousand, but much higher than the rates fixed by district administration. 
“The owners are adhering to Section 13 of the J&K Brick-kilns (Regulation) Act-2010 which has laid specific norms and resorting to several malpractices like overcharging and manufacturing poor quality bricks”, alleged Nadeem Qadri, who runs a NGO. 
When contacted Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma said, “We are looking into the issue but the interests of people will be taken into account. So far no decision has been taken and we will hold talks with the association”. 
Janakraj Mahajan, president of the Brick Kiln Owners Association, Jammu, said it has become necessary as they are facing great losses. 
“Prices of raw material have shot up and we are bearing heavy losses.Administration should take immediate steps to announce new rates”, Mahajan said.

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