Govt issues new domestic procurement norms for 49 steel products
Steel

Govt issues new domestic procurement norms for 49 steel products

Atmanirbhar Bharat took the next incremental step yesterday, as the government mandated the use of domestically manufactured metal and alloy items. Per this directive, locally made metal products should be preferred in public projects.

Such preference will be accorded to 49 domestically manufactured iron and steel products in public contracts. These products include:

  • Pipes

  • Railway coaches

  • Railway tracks

  • Containers

  • Rolling stock

  • Wires

  • Tables and household items

  • Tanks

In essence, this means that project managers need to revise their procurement norms. The norms apply to all central schemes. 

The norms will apply to procurement exceeding Rs 5 lakh for local body projects. The government has specified minimum local value addition ranging from 20% to 50%.

“Domestic” will be interpreted on the basis of whether a company is incorporated in India.

Imports are restricted from countries that preclude Indian companies from procurement processes. This could mean a retaliation against countries like China, where Indian companies have complained of unfair treatment. While the World Trade Agreement (WTO) guidelines could see this move as restrictive, India did not sign the public procurement agreement.

Procurement managers, including public ones like the Railways, have previously argued that domestic capacity in steel items is limited. Experts have repeatedly called for domestic capacity augmentation. More immediately, steel prices have been climbing steeply. Some experts say prices will continue to rise for a few months.

Atmanirbhar Bharat took the next incremental step yesterday, as the government mandated the use of domestically manufactured metal and alloy items. Per this directive, locally made metal products should be preferred in public projects.Such preference will be accorded to 49 domestically manufactured iron and steel products in public contracts. These products include:PipesRailway coachesRailway tracksContainersRolling stockWiresTables and household itemsTanksIn essence, this means that project managers need to revise their procurement norms. The norms apply to all central schemes. The norms will apply to procurement exceeding Rs 5 lakh for local body projects. The government has specified minimum local value addition ranging from 20% to 50%.“Domestic” will be interpreted on the basis of whether a company is incorporated in India.Imports are restricted from countries that preclude Indian companies from procurement processes. This could mean a retaliation against countries like China, where Indian companies have complained of unfair treatment. While the World Trade Agreement (WTO) guidelines could see this move as restrictive, India did not sign the public procurement agreement.Procurement managers, including public ones like the Railways, have previously argued that domestic capacity in steel items is limited. Experts have repeatedly called for domestic capacity augmentation. More immediately, steel prices have been climbing steeply. Some experts say prices will continue to rise for a few months.

Next Story
Real Estate

Dharavi Rising

Dharavi, Asia’s largest informal settlement, stands on the cusp of a historic transformation. With an ambitious urban renewal project finally taking shape, millions of residents are looking ahead with hope. But delivering a project of this scale brings immense challenges – from land acquisition to rehabilitate ineligible residents outside Dharavi and rehabilitation to infrastructure development. It also requires balancing commercial goals with deep-rooted social impact. At the helm is SVR Srinivas, IAS, CEO & Officer on Special Duty, Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP), Government..

Next Story
Real Estate

MLDL Records 20.4% Growth in Pre-Sales

Mahindra Lifespace Developers Limited (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. In line with INDAS 115, the company recognises revenues using the completion of contract method. Key highlights FY25: Consolidated sales (Residential and IC&IC) of Rs 32.99 billion. Gross development value (GDV) additions in FY25 were Rs 1.81 trillion compared to Rs 440 billion in FY24 (~4x growth). Residential pre-sales of Rs 28.04 billion in FY25, reflecting 20.4% growth o..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

UCSL Delivers India's First Green Cargo Vessel to Norway

In a landmark achievement for Indian shipbuilding and the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), has delivered the first of six next-generation green cargo vessels to Norway-based Wilson Ship Management AS, Europe’s largest short-sea shipping operator. The 3,800 DWT vessel, named Wilson Eco 1, was handed over during a ceremony at New Mangalore Port. The delivery is part of a Rs 5.06 billion project supported by Norway’s green maritime funding programme, marking India's entry into the European eco-friendly ca..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?