Bhubaneswar, June 4: Steel companies operating in Odisha today urged the state government to ensure the availability of iron ore and chrome to facilitate smooth running of their plants.

A delegation of the Indian Steel Association today met chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati and apprised him of the challenges before the industry and sought the government's support to address them through appropriate administrative and legislative measures.

The delegation, which included Tata Steel MD T.V. Narendran, Jindal Steel & Power chairman Naveen Jindal and secretary general of Indian Steel Association Sanak Mishra, said the steel industry in Odisha was going through a tough time with major players incurring huge losses due to various problems, especially non-availability of raw material. They sought state's support to resolve the problems.

"We are hoping for immediate and sustainable solutions," said Naveen Jindal.

This was the first meeting of the Indian Steel Association with the state government.

"During the next meeting, issue-wise discussion with the government will be held at the highest level," said Tata Steel's T.V. Narendran.

Secretary-general of the association and former managing director of Rourkela Steel Plant Sanak Mishra said the Indian Steel Association would remain in touch with the state government.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Jindal said: "Steel companies have invested more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the state generating about one lakh jobs and have consistently contributed to the growth of the state.

The delegation members said that the main problem was the availability of iron ore and chrome. This increases the cost of production, which was not helping the domestic steel industry. The association members requested for enhancement of production of iron ore by Odisha Mining Corporation and merchant miners. They demanded that the mining corporation allocate iron ore and chrome to the steel plants, which have signed MoUs with the state government, on a priority basis.

Drawing the attention of the state government to the high transportation charges by local road transporters who have formed a cartel, the delegates urged the government to expedite implementation of its decision for the e-auction of road transportation contracts that would rationalise the transportation rates and make steel production in Odisha more competitive. Official sources said the chief secretary assured to fulfil the policy commitments within the framework of MMDR Act.