The Hindu Business Line : Steel ministry to talk to states to expedite clearances

NEW DELHI: Concerned over the delays in setting up of steel projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore proposed by players such as Posco, ArcelorMittal and domestic firms JSW and Tata, the government on Sunday said it would hold discussions with respective stat es to remove hurdles.

Global steel giants ArcelorMittal and Posco, who have proposed to set up three plants of 12 million tonnes each with a combined investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, are facing inordinate delays in acquiring land and environment and mining approvals to give s hape to their plans.

In an exclusive interview, the Steel Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh said he would work to remove hurdles in the path of private and PSU steel producers alike.

“Different companies have different problems. I think our responsibility is to solve the problems. I am minister for Steel not only for Public sector but of the entire sector,” he said.

The minister said he would hold meetings with his state counterparts to expedite such clearances and would also look for a speedy environment clearance from the centre.

“If they won't be able to get land in time, leases in time then the entire process of setting up plants will be delayed. I will take up the matters with the state governments regarding granting of leases whether in public sector or private sector and I w ill also see that the entire process is expedited,” he added. – PTI

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