The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) of India welcomes the Union Budget 2025-26, presented by the Honourable Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman on 1 February. The CMA believes the Budget presents a commendable vision for India's development through strategic investments in people, economy, and innovation.
Mr Neeraj Akhoury, president of the CMA and managing director, Shree Cement Ltd, stated, “CMA hails the Union Budget, announced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its comprehensive focus on holistic and inclusive development. 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 Nation’s progress.
“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 six 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."
The Cement Industry plays a vital role in creating direct and indirect employment across various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and construction, thereby supporting millions of livelihoods. Additionally, the industry remains a key contributor to the government exchequer through taxes, duties, and levies, strengthening the country’s fiscal framework.
Mr Parth Jindal, CMA vice president and managing director, JSW Cement Ltd, said, “The Budget presented by F4inance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman is a forward-looking roadmap that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s cement industry, in line with the country’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. 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 INR200,000m (US$2.29m) to foster innovation and INR150bn 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. Additionally, 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.”
In light of the recent Budget announcements, which prioritise infrastructure expansion and affordable housing, the cement industry is poised to leverage these opportunities 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. With a strong commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the cement industry will continue to drive India's progress and economic resilience.
