Question : Rail Tariff for Steel Goods

(a) whether the Government has given any thought on its domestic policies that are reportedly hurting the domestic steel producers;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the extent to which the railway freight policy and clean energy cess is impacting the steel sector in the country;

(d) whether any consultations have been held with Ministry of Railways to change tariff classification of Steel goods at par with coal; and

(e) if so, the details and the outcome thereof?

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

(a)&(b): Government policies have been supportive of the development and growth of the steel industry. The Government has come out with National Steel Policy 2017, Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products Policy and amendment in GFR 2017 to include Life Cycle Cost Analysis to enhance the usage of steel.

(c) The railway freight policy impacts the steel industry in terms of transportation costs of steel and its raw materials. In so far as the clean energy cess is concerned, the same has been repealed.

(d)&(e): Ministry of Railways has been apprised of the issues related with freight classification of iron ore and a Joint Task Force has been constituted to look into such issues.

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