• The Union Minister of Steel spoke at The MSME Steel Conclave 2018

Mumbai, May 18, 2018 (GPN) : The Union Minister of Steel, Shri Chaudhari Birendra Singh acknowledged the contribution and the vital role of small and medium steel manufacturers in achieving India’s vision of producing 300mn tonnes by 2030, at The MSME Steel Conclave 2018 organized by the Steel Re-rollers Association of Maharashtra (SRAM) in Mumbai, today.

Shri Chaudhari Birendra Singh spoke about advancement of the sector through a comprehensive approach like introduction of high-end technology, developing scope of opportunities in government infrastructure projects, various government schemes drawn to offer support to the sector and subsidies offered. He also highlighted the role of MSME steel sector in conserving energy and natural resources.

Shri Singh also spoke about the production and consumption capacity, “I think, 70% of India’s infrastructure is still to come up. There is a provision of 6 lakh crores for infrastructure. Even if 10% goes to steel there is around 60,000 crore for the industry. Our consumption is about to increase by 2020 it would be nearing 180-185 mn tonnes. So, as your production increases India’s infrastructure consumption increases as well, there is a big opportunity for the sector.”

He also spoke about awards recognition that will be organized for the sector. “We have given recognition to the sector knowing that the ministry is to take some effective steps to increase the capacity of steel by 2030 to 300mn tonnes”.  Speaking in employment contribution, he said, “The industry offers direct employment to 5 Lakh people and indirect employment to 25 lakh individuals, which is a notable contribution to Indian economy.”

The conclave was attended by dignitaries such as, Hon’ble Dr. Aruna Sharma, Secretary Steel, Govt. of India, Shri Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, Minister of Labour & Skill Development, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Sunil Porwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Industry Department, Government of Maharashtra, Smt. Ruchika Chaudhry Govil, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Shri Yogesh Madhani – President, SRAM and Shri Kamal Gupta – General Secretary SRAM.

Dr. Aruna Sharma outlined the role of small steel manufacturers in terms of production and employment creation which is visible in GDP growth and financial stability in the Indian steel sector. She pointed out that the contribution of MSME sector is 57% in the industry. She also advised the MSME steel sector to take advantage of the skill ability and to explore benefits of varied Government schemes and incentives for upliftment of the sector.

In an effort to create a common platform for all stakeholders to deliberate on issues that affect small steel manufacturers, over 300 manufacturers from across India, government representatives, key consumers of steel, steel bodies from Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Goa and Gujarat attended the conclave.

Yogesh Mandhani, President, Steel Re-rollers Association of Maharashtra, elaborated, “The effort is to get all together and evolve solutions through discussions. Such discussions will play an important role in understanding points from all concerned. For growth of smaller steel manufacturers, it is important that a comprehensive reexamination of current protocols on steel procurement by large buyers is conducted. Other issues like steel exports, skilling, technology upgradation, availability of raw material, etc. would also be relevant for the future of industry.”

The one-day Steel Conclave discussed various issues impacting the growth of steel industry. The discussions covered key topics including steel exports, use of secondary steel in government projects, encouraging growth of steel manufacturers from SME and MSME Sectors, current policy framework by large buyers, etc.