Sanjay Ladiwala, has been actively involved in various activities of the association for the last 28 years. Presently serving as the Chairman of the Cement Stockists and Dealers Association of Bombay, he speaks at length about the role played by the association in the present business scenario:Please comment on the role of the AssociationThe importance of the Association can be gauged from the fact that we have 200 members, the largest in the country. Mumbai is a huge market for the consumption of cement. Hence, as an industry trade body, we take an active interest in ensuring that market fundamentals remain smooth and business interests of our members are not compromised. We primarily act as mediators between the manufacturers, traders and dealers for disseminating of information and ensuring that disputes of a general nature are solved amicably among the concerned parties. The concerned issues may be commercial and legal in nature. Though our interaction with the Government has reduced after the decontrol of the cement industry, we do interact with the concerned departments from time to time.What are the different activities organised by the Association?We organize seminars regularly in order to apprise our members on the latest changes, statutory and organizational, in the cement industry and keep them upto date with the latest developments. When Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced, we had organized workshops by bringing in experts on the subject for informing our members on the implications on the trade due to the introduction of the tax. Further, we ensure that the association proves to be a platform for traders of different companies to come on a common forum, exchange notes and their business expertise. We also organize informal get togethers of our members.What are your expectations from the cement manufacturers?We expect the manufacturers to provide uniformity in terms and conditions. Cost structures should be revised and the trader should be given a fair return on his investment. The rise in input costs such as transport, freight and inflation coupled with high rates of interests by banks have pressured the margins of the members. Formal representations highlighting the grievances of the dealers are made by us from time to time to the manufacturers’ fraternity.What are your expectations from the budget?The government needs to streamline excise duty without affecting income. As per government regulations, excise duty is related to the sale price. It should be related to the per unit per bag charge. Guidelines which have been formed to evaluate excise duty need to be reassessed. The collection mechanism needs to be simplified. The present taxation system results in unnecessary paperwork.Do you have tie-ups with other associations?Though we do not have any formal tie-ups with cement associations from other states, we do actively interact with them. There is a constant exchange of ideas and expertise on various aspects of the business. We interact at great length with the association in Pune due to the close proximity of the city with Mumbai.What suggestions would you give for strengthening the association?The association should have a wider geographical coverage. This will prove beneficial to traders located in far flung areas. A statewide body can be established which will be active in Tier 1 and Tier II cities which are emerging on the growth path and have tremendous business potential.What is the most preferred cement grade in Mumbai?OPC 53 is the most preferred cement in the city in today’s times as it is the fastest setting cement. Ideally, slag cement is the best alternative in the city as it is resistant to corrosion from sea and sub soil. However, it does not find preference from buyers as it has the slowest setting timeline.