Economy & Market

An Inclusive Budget

Published

1 year ago

February 12, 2025

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Harking on the ‘sabka vikas’ maxim, Union Budget 2025 presented several key industries, including infrastructure and urban development, with promising provisions, while endowing the middle class with reformative taxation. ICR brings you a special report.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2025 outlined a multi-pronged approach to achieving ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Key themes included poverty eradication, quality education, and affordable healthcare. The budget focused on tax reforms, middle-class empowerment, and national economic growth. Special attention was given to the aspirations of GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari Shakti).
Union Budget 2025 also stressed the need to expedite the pending housing projects. Together with the impetus given to infrastructure and urban development, the budget bodes well for the cement sector. We reached out to key opinion leaders from the industry to understand their reaction to the budget.

Towards sustainable growth
Arun Shukla, President and Director, JK Lakshmi Cement, applauded the focus of Union Budget 2025 on expanding infrastructure through PPP models and streamlining trade and warehousing facilities, as this will create a conducive environment for cement demand, driving sustainable growth in the industry.
Elaborating further he said, “As we continue to build a stronger future for India, the 2025 Union Budget offers a clear path forward, focusing on sustainable growth, affordable housing and infrastructure development. The completion of 50,000 dwelling units in stressed housing projects and the Rs.1.5 lakh crore allocation for infrastructure will bring much-needed relief to middle-class families, helping them move closer to homeownership while fostering rapid urbanisation. We are optimistic about the Rs 10 lakh crore asset monetisation plan, which will infuse capital into new projects, sparking innovation across key sectors.”
A media release from Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said that the cement industry is poised to leverage the opportunities presented by Union Budget 2025 by ensuring steady and sustained supplies of cement to meet the nation’s growing domestic market and infrastructure demand coupled with sustainable and innovative technologies.
Lauding the budget for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development, Neeraj Akhoury, President, CMA, and Managing Director, Shree Cement, stated, “The Budget reinforces a transformative journey towards building a resilient economy for advancing India’s development goals. The various initiatives announced by the Government balance people’s aspirations with the future requirements for the country’s economic growth. The focus on increased investments on infrastructure across states amplifies opportunities and avenues for the growth of the cement sector. We appreciate the sustained core focus on infrastructure and reiterate our commitment to being partners in the nation’s progress.”
He opined that the increased spending on large scale housing and infrastructure projects will drive demand for construction materials allowing capacity expansion and promotion of innovation in sustainable practices. “We are certain that despite challenges these measures will support the cement Industry in achieving a consistent CAGR growth rate of more than 6 per cent of installed cement capacity in the present financial year. Policy reforms in Budget 2025-26 signal a reaffirmation of the Government’s intent to augment socio economic growth across core sectors,” he added.
Calling the budget a forward-looking roadmap, Parth Jindal, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said, “It prioritises growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology. The increased investment in technology will accelerate advancements in green cement solutions, driving both sustainability and innovation within the industry. Notable allocations, including Rs.20,000 crore to foster innovation and Rs.1.5 lakh crore in 50-year interest-free loans to states for capital expenditure on infrastructure development, are expected to significantly bolster growth in the core sectors, including cement sector.
He further added, “The budget’s focus on a three-year pipeline of projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) model will incentivise private sector investment and catalyse a transformation in the infrastructure landscape. The establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for skill development, as part of the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative, will ensure that India’s emerging workforce is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy.”
Praising the Finance Minister’s efforts at prioritising sustained reforms in manufacturing, mining, power and skill development, Vivek Bhatia, MD and CEO, TKIL Industries, said, “These sectors will be key drivers of growth, infrastructure development, governance improvements and sustainable development for the country. We welcome the government’s move towards accelerating India’s manufacturing sector. Over the past decade, structural reforms have drawn global attention, and the announcement of a National Manufacturing Mission is a significant step in strengthening the Make in India initiative. This will drive clean-tech manufacturing, bolstering the ecosystem for solar cells, EV batteries, wind turbines and more.”
He added, “The `1.5 lakh crore allocation for 50-year interest-free loans is set to accelerate infrastructure development, unlocking new growth avenues for us. These strategic measures position India as a rising global manufacturing hub, seamlessly aligning with its green energy and economic ambitions. We applaud these initiatives and eagerly anticipate the forthcoming policy on critical mineral recovery, which will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable industrial growth.”
Raman Bhatia, MD, Servotech Renewable Power System, echoed the sentiments as he noted the provisions made for incentivising electricity distribution reforms. He said, “The practical approach of allowing additional borrowing for states contingent on these reforms is commendable. The inclusion of 35 additional capital goods for EV battery manufacturing is a significant boost to domestic lithium-ion battery production, a critical component for the EV sector. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on improving domestic value addition and building our ecosystem for these crucial technologies. The substantial allocation for private sector-driven R&D and innovation is another welcome move that will further accelerate progress.”

Constructing a sturdier future
Union Budget 2025 bodes well for the infrastructure and construction industries, too, which in turn directly impacts the growth of the cement sector. Emphasis on economic expansion, infrastructure growth, support for MSMEs and empowering the middle-class are several key factors that will create favourable grounds for increase in construction activities.
Lalit Parihar, Managing Director, Aaiji Group, said, “Raising the exemption limit will boost disposable income, enhancing housing affordability and driving real estate demand. Increased infrastructure spending and the Rs 1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund will transform cities into growth hubs, fostering redevelopment and strengthening water and sanitation systems. These measures aim to stimulate domestic consumption, address the economic slowdown, and create a business-friendly environment. Overall, the budget takes a decisive step toward urban transformation and sustainable economic growth.”
Speaking about the limitations of the budget, Narayan Saboo, Chairman, BigBloc Construction, pointed out, “The focus on consumption-driven growth, coupled with strategic spending, is expected to provide a much-needed push to the economy. Although we were little disappointed with no major tax reliefs for MSMEs. Overall, it is a steady and practical budget aimed at sustaining momentum without major surprises. The budget outlines a long-term path for fiscal consolidation while delivering a significant boost to individual taxpayers by raising the exemption limit. This move is expected to stimulate domestic consumption, addressing the ongoing economic slowdown.”
“The government has not clarified its plans for increased infrastructure spending and other growth-oriented expenditures. However, there is no mention of last year’s CAPEX shortfall, which is a notable omission. While the budget does not introduce any groundbreaking measures, it provides a stable framework to support MSMEs and economic activity,” he added.
While Rakesh Reddy, Director, Aparna Constructions, highlighted the `1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund and the Rs.1.5 lakh crore interest-free loan to states for infrastructure development in his reaction to the budget, he also pointed out that several key industry expectations for the real estate sector remain unaddressed. “Granting industry status to real estate, streamlining approval processes, and enhancing liquidity support for developers were essential priorities which would have gone a long way in accelerating real estate growth,” he clarified.
“We welcome the Rs.1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, which will spur housing and private sector participation. The Rs.15,000 crore SWAMIH Fund-2 will help complete 40,000 stalled units, boosting consumer confidence. Expanding UDAN’s connectivity to 120 destinations will drive tier II market growth. With policy continuity and economic expansion, this budget reinforces real estate as a key pillar of India’s $5 trillion economy journey,” stated Ashish Puravankara, Managing Director, Puravankara.
Prashant Sharma, President, NAREDCO Maharashtra, said, “The Union Budget 2025-26 has emphasised economic growth and inclusive development, but the absence of specific measures for the real estate sector is a major disappointment. While the Rs.1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund is a step in the right direction to transform cities into growth hubs, the sector was expecting direct incentives such as industry status, single-window clearances and increased tax benefits for homebuyers.”
Ravleen Sethi, Director, CareEdge Ratings, in her report stated that the ongoing consolidation in India’s cement sector is driving competition, with companies shifting focus to profitability and expansion. While the Union Budget 2025 provides some support through infrastructure spending and housing initiatives, the lower-than-expected capex allocation raises concerns. The government aims to boost private sector investment in infrastructure, but its pace of scaling up remains uncertain. Cement companies must prioritise operational efficiency and innovation to manage near-term challenges. A long-term growth outlook remains positive, but adaptability will be key in leveraging both public and private sector opportunities.
The Union Budget 2025 lays a solid foundation for economic growth, infrastructure expansion and middle-class empowerment. While it introduces key reforms and allocations to drive sustainable development, some industry expectations remain unmet. The emphasis on urban transformation, manufacturing, and green energy signals a progressive vision for Viksit Bharat. Moving forward, effective implementation will be crucial in realising the budget’s ambitious goals.

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Cement Makers Reaffirm Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Published

27 minutes ago

June 5, 2026

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World Environment Day spotlight on innovation and circularity

On World Environment Day, the Indian cement industry reiterated its commitment to supporting India’s climate ambitions through sustainable manufacturing, resource efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) said the sector remains aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitments and is accelerating efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while supporting the country’s infrastructure and development agenda.

Parth Jindal, President, CMA and Managing Director, JSW Cement, said the industry is increasingly adopting cleaner technologies, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of alternative fuels and raw materials. He also highlighted the growing importance of circular economy practices, where industrial by-products and waste streams from one sector are utilised as resources in another.

“The Indian Cement Industry is aligned to the Government’s commitments on carbon mitigation and is accelerating the adoption of cleaner technologies, resource efficiency and circular economy practices while actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) as a critical pathway for deep decarbonisation,” said Jindal.

He added that coprocessing industrial waste and by-products helps conserve natural resources, reduce disposal requirements and lower the environmental footprint across multiple sectors.

According to Jindal, sustainability is no longer limited to manufacturing processes but is increasingly influencing investment decisions, innovation strategies and long-term growth plans within the industry.

Echoing similar views, Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA and Managing Director, JK Cement, said sustainable development extends beyond emissions reduction and must also focus on responsible resource utilisation and waste minimisation.

“Sustainability in the built environment cannot be measured by emissions alone. It is equally about how efficiently we use resources, how effectively we minimise waste and how responsibly we create the infrastructure that will serve future generations,” said Singhania.

He noted that the cement industry is advancing its sustainability agenda through greater resource efficiency, increased circularity, technological innovation and continuous improvements in manufacturing practices. As a key contributor to India’s infrastructure development, the sector has a critical role to play in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, industry leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India’s climate goals while delivering the materials required for resilient, durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete

Building a Greener Future Together

Published

19 hours ago

June 4, 2026

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Environmental sustainability requires immediate action, not just long-term commitments and discussions. Recycling, circular economy practices, and technology-driven waste management can help industries reduce environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth.

Author: Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax Technology

World Environment Day serves as an important reminder that environmental sustainability can no longer remain confined to discussions, reports, or long-term commitments. The environmental challenges facing the world today demand immediate, measurable, and collective action. Across industries and communities, waste generation continues to outpace our ability to process it responsibly, placing increasing pressure on ecosystems, natural resources, public health, and the well-being of future generations.

One of the most significant shifts required today is a change in how society perceives waste. Rather than being viewed as a material to be discarded, waste must be recognised as a valuable resource that can contribute to both economic growth and environmental protection when managed through the right technologies and systems. This mindset forms the foundation of the circular economy model that countries across the world are increasingly adopting to reduce landfill dependence, recover valuable materials, and create more sustainable industrial ecosystems.

India has made meaningful progress in strengthening awareness around sustainability, recycling, and environmental responsibility over the past decade. Significant efforts are being made to formalise the recycling sector through improved infrastructure, technology adoption, policy implementation, and broader stakeholder participation. These developments are creating a stronger foundation for responsible waste management and resource recovery across the country.

However, achieving long-term environmental impact requires collaboration from all stakeholders. Industries, policymakers, technology providers, and communities must work together with greater accountability to strengthen recycling ecosystems, encourage responsible waste management practices, and create sustainable outcomes through consistent execution rather than temporary interventions.

As someone closely associated with the recycling industry, I firmly believe that technology will play a decisive role in addressing future environmental challenges. Advanced recycling systems have the potential to recover valuable resources, reduce pollution, minimise landfill burdens, and conserve energy, creating a more sustainable future for generations to come. This belief is deeply reflected in Fornnax’s motto, “Committed to Create a Green Future,” which embodies our commitment to building long-term environmental value through innovation and responsible action.

At the same time, technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change. Real progress requires intent, awareness, participation, and a shared sense of responsibility. Sustainable development can only be achieved when innovation is supported by collective action and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship.

On this World Environment Day, let us move beyond conversations and take meaningful steps towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable planet. By embracing innovation, strengthening recycling ecosystems, and acting responsibly today, we can create lasting environmental impact and secure a better future for generations to come.

Concrete

Dalmia Bharat Acquires Jaiprakash Associates Cement Assets for ₹2,850 Crore

Published

2 weeks ago

May 25, 2026

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Dalmia Cement executed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates and Adani Infra, to acquire 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) announced on May 22, 2026 that it had signed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates Limited and Adani Infra (India) Limited for the acquisition of cement plants located at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa in Uttar Pradesh. The deal was struck at an enterprise value of ₹2,850 crore and is expected to close within two weeks of execution.

The acquired assets from Jaiprakash Associates include 5.2 MnTPA of cement capacity and 3.3 MnTPA of clinker capacity. The package also covers 99 MW of thermal power capacity and railway sidings at Rewa, Chunar, and a common siding at Churk. This infrastructure gives the acquisition immediate operational utility beyond just production tonnage.

The transaction has a long backstory. Dalmia Cement had originally entered into a framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates in December 2022, covering the sale of these business assets along with a long-term clinker supply arrangement. However, before the deal could be completed, Jaiprakash Associates was admitted to insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The earlier agreements could not be consummated as a result.

In an official statement, Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat, said, “I am very excited about addition of these assets in our portfolio. This serves as a great strategic fit for Dalmia. It helps us move forward in our journey to be a pan India player and provide a strong head start to serve the high potential markets in Central region. I am optimistic that the expansion potential of these assets along with close proximity with Dalmia’s captive mines will help us create a capacity hub for the future”.

Following the approval of Adani Group’s resolution plan for Jaiprakash Associates under the IBC framework, Dalmia approached the new management to revive discussions. The fresh Business Transfer Agreement was executed to settle all pending disputes, legal proceedings, and arbitration matters arising from the original framework agreement with Jaiprakash Associates.

Expanding market reach

Dalmia added, “Our familiarity with these assets under the earlier tolling arrangement gives us a deep understanding of the facilities and helps us establish strong connect with channel partners and vendors. We believe that this will help us in faster ramp up of capacities and quicker inroads into the market. As we look forward, I am very confident that we will be able to leverage the strengths of Dalmia to operate these assets in a manner where we can maximise value creation for all our stakeholders.”

With the addition of these plants, Dalmia Bharat’s total installed cement capacity will rise to 54.7 MnTPA upon consummation. The company has further expansion projects underway at Belgaum, Pune, and Kadapa, which are expected to take overall capacity to 66.7 MnTPA by Q2 to Q3 FY28.

The Central India location of the Jaiprakash Associates plants gives Dalmia Bharat faster access to markets in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh than a greenfield build would have allowed. The company also cited debottlenecking and brownfield expansion as near-term opportunities at the acquired sites. Dalmia Bharat said the assets were expected to contribute positively to EBITDA and overall returns, given the pricing environment in the region and the company’s cost structure.