Addressing a Conference on ‘Demand for Steel in India: The End User Perspective’ organized by CII in Lucknow today.
He said, in order to increase supply of steel to rural consumers companies like SAIL and RINL have set up 521 and more than 100 Rural Dealers respectively in remote parts of the state.
The Minister said that due to the Government’s efforts, India has become the second best in terms of growth amongst top ten steel producing countries in the world and a Net Exporter of steel during 2013-14.
Shri Verma also touched upon factors like demand in rural markets, logistics and adoption of new technologies during his address. He complimented CII for organizing the event and recognizing the contribution of the industry to the progress of the country.
Taking into account the slow growth in industrial activity in Uttar Pradesh, Government of India has initiated steps to boost steel demand and development.
Steel Processing Units (SPUs) have been set up in remote parts of the state like Gonda, Jhansi, Barabanki, Kaiserganj, Bahraich, Mirzapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur and Ambedkar Nagar.
Moreover, a one of its kind forged wheel plant is also coming up in Rae Bareli and two Power Plants of 500 Mega Watt each are being set up at Jagdishpur and Gonda.
These units will help in increasing the supply of specific varieties of steel products to industrial users and the public at large.
The Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri S. Abbasi, officials of the Steel Public Sector Undertaking and representatives of CII and delegates from the industry were also present on the occasion.
