CM Raman expresses concern over condition of steel sector

     Raipur, September 04, 2015: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today expressed concern over the condition of the mini steel plants in the state.

     Expressing concern, the Chief Minister told reporters several steps have been taken to decrease the input cost of the steel plants.

     The National Mineral Development Corporation has decreased the price of iron ore and steps are being taken to make other inputs cheaper, he said.

     However, Singh said the increase in input cost was not confined to Chhattisgarh alone. It was a national phenomenon.

     The matter would also be discussed in the next cabinet, Singh said.

    Only two days back, the steel industries had gone for indefinite breakdown strike since September 1 and the Re-rolling Association and the Sponge Iron Association also joined them subsequently opposing the increase in power tariff.

      Due to the breakdown strike, over 200 mini steel plants and 185 re-rolling mills have been closed down.

     Industry sources said due to the strike the state government was incurring a revenue loss of Rs 10 crore per day, whereas lakhs of industrial workers facing a severe crisis.

     Ashok Surana, President Chhattisgarh Mini Steel Plant Association said they had several rounds of unsuccessful talks with the state Industry Minister Amar Agrawal, his officials and power regulatory commission.