Question : Decline in Steel Production

(a) whether the Government is aware that steel production has registered a sharp decline during the last three years due to slow demand in the automobile and real estate sector;
(b) if so, the details of total steel production during each of the last five years;
(c) whether the Government acknowledges that the decline in steel production is wholly or partially attributed to slow down in the economy; and
(d) if so, the steps taken/being taken to boost the demand in automobile and real estate sector and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STEEL (SHRI RAM CHANDRA PRASAD SINGH)

(a)to(d): There was a reduction in production of steel during the initial months of FY 2021 mainly due to covid-19 pandemic induced disruption. However, this has been followed by a V-shaped recovery in production and the monthly production has since reached pre-Covid levels. In 2021-22, the steel production is poised to be the highest. Details of production of finished steel in India during the last five years and current year are given as follows:-

Year Finished Steel Production (in Million Ton)
2016-17 91.54
2017-18 95.01
2018-19 101.29
2019-20 102.62
2020-21 96.20
Source: Joint Plant Committee (JPC)

Government has laid special emphasis on infrastructure development through schemes like PM Gati Shakti Plan, National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), Housing for All, Jal Jeevan Mission, Bharatmala Project, Sagarmala Project, Construction of Dedicated Freight Corridor and UDAN etc. The Ministry has also been engaging stakeholders from various sectors such as Housing & Construction, Infrastructure, Urban Development, Railways, Defence, Oil & Gas, Civil Aviation, Rural Development, Agriculture, Dairying and Food Processing etc. with a view to promote usage of steel and to boost the demand in Construction / Infrastructure and Automobile sector.

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