Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Lok Seva Bhawan today to deliberate on the expansion of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, was also present during the discussions.
The meeting focused on the ongoing modernisation and expansion efforts at RSP, a key asset under the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). While modernisation work is progressing smoothly, the talks emphasised expediting land acquisition for the expansion phase. Detailed deliberations were held to ensure a seamless process.
Chief Minister Majhi underscored the importance of the project, stating that it would boost Odisha’s economic growth and create employment opportunities. However, he emphasised that land acquisition would proceed only after addressing local concerns through consensus. “The state government will extend all possible cooperation, ensuring that people’s issues are resolved and land is provided on a consensual basis,” the CM assured.
As per the meeting’s outcomes, a committee headed by an Additional Chief Secretary-level officer will be formed to engage with locals and resolve all pending issues through dialogue.
Kumaraswamy expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and Minister Oram for their support in advancing the expansion. The discussions also touched upon providing land for establishing an airport in Rourkela, along with other related matters.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary (Steel and Mines) Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary to CM Shashwat Mishra, Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Pondrik, SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash, and senior SAIL officials.
This collaboration between the central and state governments highlights a concerted effort to enhance industrial infrastructure in Odisha, potentially transforming the region’s economic landscape.
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