Chaudhary Birender Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Steel, stressed that intelligent use of land is required for augmentation of steel capacity. To achieve production capacity of 300 million tons, the steel industry would require 91,000 acres of land. Non-cultivable land should be used for setting up new capacities. He was speaking at CII's seminar Steeling India 2017.
Mr Singh emphasized that the Make In India programme will drive growth of the steel sector. Steel companies should project steel as a preferred alternative to other materials, he suggested. The Minister also stressed promoting Research and Development for developing home-grown technology for special and auto grade steel. This would also help the utilities to be cost-effective and globally competitive. He advised that the government would bring in 100 per cent quality regime and 33 products covering 75% of total steel production have been brought under BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) quality norms.
Dr Aruna Sharma, Secretary, Ministry of Steel said that steel producers should offer ready-to-use steel and it is imperative that they supply customized products. She added that Varanasi would be re-built to give it a new look, and offers good opportunities for steel industry.
Dr. Sharma said the output target enshrined in the National Steel Policy will be achieved as right policies are in place to enable the sector to achieve its full potential.
Mr P Madhusudan, Chairman CII National Committee on Steel and CMD Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, said that to enhance the output of technologically advanced products, CII would encourage its members to have strategic joint ventures for transfer of technology for production of automotive steel and other special steels with global leaders. He highlighted raw material as a key concern for the industry, and requested the Ministry for a roadmap.
Mr Seshagiri Rao MVS, Co-Chairman, CII National Committee on Steel and Joint MD, JSW Steel Limited said that the domestic steel sector is poised to grow further and become the second largest producer in the world.
New Delhi
29 August, 2017