Question : Promotion of Steel Sector

(a) whether the Government has any plans to develop and diversify the steel companies under the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and also to encourage the private players in this field and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the domestic steel industry is facing acute shortage of iron ore and processed steel;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the corrective steps being taken to meet the growing need of high quality iron ore and processed steel in the domestic market;

(d) whether the Government proposes to formulate any exclusive policy or norms for used and reprocessed iron from scraps for domestic industry; and

(e) if so, the details thereof along with the Government stand thereon?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL (SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a) Government has given “in-principle” approval for strategic disinvestment of Visvesvararya Steel Plant (VISP), Salem Steel Plant and Alloy Steel Plant, Durgapur of SAIL in order to bring technology, new management practices, funds for optimum development of business potential and growth of these Plants. Further, under diversification plan, SAIL and Arcelor Mittal signed an MoU on May 22, 2015 to explore the possibility of setting up an automotive steel manufacturing facility through a Joint Venture (JV), in India.

(b) There is no acute shortage of iron ore and processed steel in the country.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) No, Madam.

(e) Does not arise.

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