Best-Before Dates for Specialised Cement Can Strengthen Quality Awareness: Aparna Reddy in Mint

Aparna Reddy, Executive Director, Aparna Enterprises Limited (AEL), was quoted in Mint on a government proposal to mandate a three-month shelf life for specialised cement.

According to the report by Dhirendra Kumar, India’s consumer affairs ministry plans to mandate a three-month shelf life for specialised cement, along with shorter testing timelines and more detailed batch and product information, two government officials involved in the process said. Specialised cement is used in applications that require enhanced performance or durability, such as dams and bridges. The report noted that a “best before” date on cement bags would make it easier for buyers to assess by when the product should be used, and that the ministry will move ahead after consultations with stakeholders, including cement manufacturers and infrastructure developers.

Commenting on the proposal, Aparna Reddy said, “From an industry perspective, such a system can strengthen quality awareness and build greater confidence among end-users. It also provides an opportunity for manufacturers and the broader construction ecosystem to adopt better storage, distribution and stock-rotation practices.”

The article was published on livemint.com on September 15, 2026, and appeared in the print edition of Mint on September 16, 2026.