India: Himachal Pradesh state revokes Jaiprakash MoU

The state cabinet of Himachal Pradesh (HP) has revoked the cement license granted to Jaiprakash Associates for a 2Mta cement plant for failing to get construction of the project off the ground, according to local press reports.

The project was allotted to Jaiprakash in 2006. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on 1 February 2007 between the cement producer and Virbahadra Singh, the (then) chief minister of the state to establish the plant in Chamba district.

Jaiprakash has since unable to start the project as it has not obtained the necessary approvals, including environmental clearance, forcing the government to cancel the project, the Times of India reports.
 
The newspaper noted that in May last year, the state cabinet also issued notices to Harish Cements, Lafarge India Pvt Ltd, India Cements for failing to set up cement plants despite receiving government approval years ago and MoUs being signed.

Accordingly, these other three firms have been issued with show cause notices. Their replies have been examined and to the state government for requisite action, sources said. After finding the reply submitted by Jaiprakash unsatisfactory, the cabinet on Wednesday decided to cancel the MoU.