NEW DELHI, May 8 -- The government's decision to allow industries to partially resume operations is a much appreciated move, especially for the construction and building material industry which employs nearly 50 million people and contributes to about 8% of the country's GDP. In fact, the move has come at a right time as any further delay would have pushed the sector into a deep slump requiring few years to return to near normalcy.
Prior to the lockdown, the building materials industry was witnessing a steady growth. The sector was expected to register a 5% to 10% growth this fiscal. Initiatives like housing for all, setting up of dedicated freight corridors, metro rail projects; AMRUT, smart Cities and upgradation of roadways was fuelling...