Indus Valley Times

Majhi assures adequate supply to state-based industries
By Nalini Sahu

Bhubaneswar, April 8: A high-level delegation from the Indian Steel Association (ISA), led by its president and Lok Sabha member Naveen Jindal, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the state’s steel sector.

Senior officials present at the meeting included Chief Secretary Anu Garg; Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Steel and Mines) Deoranjan Kumar Singh; Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra; and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) Chairman Girish S.N. along with Managing Director Sudhansu Mohan Samal.

The delegation highlighted Odisha’s pivotal role as a leading steel-producing state and appreciated the government’s continued support to the sector. It proposed measures to enhance iron ore availability for industries operating within the state and urged OMC to prioritise allocation for local steel producers.

To meet Odisha’s ambitious target of achieving 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel production capacity by 2030, the ISA also sought fiscal incentives to attract fresh investments. Additionally, it recommended the formation of a dedicated task force to develop a comprehensive logistics and infrastructure roadmap to support the projected capacity expansion.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Jindal said the state is witnessing rapid growth in steel production under the leadership of the Chief Minister, supported by robust infrastructure development. He described Odisha’s mining policy and auction process as among the best in the country, contributing significantly to state revenue.

“We emphasised the need to scale up iron ore production to sustain the sector’s growth and requested priority allocation for Odisha-based industries. I am thankful to the Chief Minister for assuring that there will be no shortage of iron ore,” Jindal said.

Responding to queries on the Middle East situation and its potential economic impact, he said the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative provides strong insulation against global uncertainties.

Officials present at the meeting assured coordinated efforts across departments to address industry concerns effectively.

The ISA delegation included senior industry representatives such as Tata Steel Managing Director T.V. Narendran, ISA Secretary General Alok Sahay, JSW Steel President Anil Singh, and other executives from leading steel companies operating in Odisha.

Photograph: ISA president and Lok Sabha member Naveen Jindal (second from right) presents a bouquet to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, as officials look on.