Bhubaneswar, June 16: Union steel minister Chaudhary Birendra Singh said Kalinga Nagar in Jajpur district had the potential to emerge as the steel hub of the country and the Centre would create a conducive atmosphere to give boost to steel production in India.
At present, Kalinga Nagar houses Tata's steel plant and many other steel projects.
Attending the steel consumer council meeting here in the city yesterday, Singh said: "Odisha will play a crucial role in meeting the country's goal to produce 300 million tonnes (MT) of steel by 2030. Odisha will contribute nearly 20 per cent of the total steel production in the country."
He said the new steel policy envisaged the production of crude steel of 300MT and increased the per capacity consumption of around 160kg by 2030 as against the current level of around 65kg.
To increase the consumption of domestic steel, the minister said: "We have planned to organise shows and exhibition across the country from mid-August to make people aware of the benefits of using the steel. The dealers will be asked to assist in organising the shows. We have also written to Union ministers and state governments sharing details of the policy and seeking support of respective ministry and department in its effective implementation."
Though Singh blamed the Odisha government for the South Korean steel company, Posco, backing out of its project in Paradip because of the delay in land acquisition, the state government refuted the allegations. However, Singh made it clear that the Centre would invite foreign direct investment to the country. "But, we will stress on the transfer of 100 per cent technology," he said.
He also said: "The Centre will give priority to the local companies. All tenders from central and state governments as well as the state firms, where the projects are worth more than Rs 50 crore, will get preference unless the quality or quantity is not locally available. Foreign manufacturers can also apply for these tenders if they are ensuring 15 per cent value addition in India."
