Shimla, Aug 24 - Himachal Pradesh has issued directions to cement manufacturer India Cements to commence the construction of its plant in the state so that it could become operational as per schedule, state Industries Minister Kishan Kapoor said Monday.

'We have issued directions to India Cements Ltd to begin the construction work of its Gumma cement plant (in upper Shimla) so that it could become operational within its time frame,' Kapoor informed the state assembly.

The state government had signed the memorandum of understanding with the company in this regard May 11, 2006, he said.

'State Chief Secretary Asha Swaroop recently met company officials and reviewed steps being taken by the company to begin construction,' the minister said while replying to a question.

India Cements, the largest producer of cement in southern India, was established in 1946. Its first plant was set up at Sankarnagar in Tamil Nadu in 1949.