Steel manufacturers ask for govt support for expansion projects

Steel manufacturers have requested the government for assistance in creating demand on Monday, in addition to addressing other issues such as logistics and expedited clearances for capacity expansion. Steel Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh met with members of the apex industry body Indian Steel Association (ISA) at his office here, according to the Ministry of Steel. The meeting was attended by ISA President and SAIL Chairperson Soma Mondal, CEO AMNS India Dilip Oommen, Tata Steel CEO T V Narendran, JSW Steel Chairman Sajjan Jindal, and JSPL Chairman Naveen Jindal. The ministry said during the meeting, steel makers discussed issues such as creating steel demand, notifying PLI scheme rules, notifying the National Mineral Index, logistics and freight issues, and obtaining quick clearances for capacity expansion, among other things. The minister assured them that they would receive full support in resolving the issues. Singh also advised the steel industry to increase demand by raising awareness of steel's use in projects such as housing, domestic gas, and water pipelines. Singh directed ministry officials to hold a meeting with industry representatives to address their concerns. The Ministry of Steel is a government of India executive branch agency in charge of formulating all policies relating to steel production, distribution, and pricing in India. As of July 2021, the ministry is led by Ramchandra Prasad Singh, a cabinet minister, and assisted by Faggan Singh Kulaste, a Minister of State. Image SourceAlso read: Ministry of Steel urges CPSEs to raise capex, streamline project ops