When was the cement industry in India totally decontrolled?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) 1989

Explanation:

• The cement industry in India was totally decontrolled on 1 March 1989.

• Prior to this, the government regulated price and distribution under the Cement Control Order, 1956.

• In 1982, partial decontrol was introduced through a dual pricing system (levy and free market cement).

• The 1989 reform removed all price and distribution controls, allowing market forces to determine supply and prices.

• This led to increased production, reduced shortages, and growth of the cement sector.

Information Booster:

• The cement industry was delicensed in 1991 as part of the New Economic Policy reforms.

• Decontrol helped India become one of the largest cement producers globally.

Additional Knowledge:

1982 (Option a)

• Marked partial decontrol of the cement industry.

• Introduced dual pricing system.

• Not complete decontrol.

1991 (Option b)

• Year of industrial delicensing under LPG reforms.

• Cement industry licensing requirement removed.

• Decontrol had already happened earlier.