THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
APRIL 7, 2026
Emphasising the rapid
expansion of the steel sector under the state’s progressive policy framework,
Indian Steel Association (ISA) President and Member of Parliament Naveen Jindal
on Tuesday said Odisha’s mining policy and transparent auction process have set
a national benchmark, enabling the state to generate the highest revenue while
fostering industrial growth. He underlined the need to further scale up iron
ore production and ensure priority allocation of the mineral to Odisha-based steel
industries to sustain the momentum of expansion and investment.
A high-level
delegation of the Indian Steel Association, led by Jindal, met Chief Minister
Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan to deliberate on key challenges and
emerging opportunities for strengthening Odisha’s position as a leading steel
manufacturing hub in India. The delegation appreciated the state government’s
consistent support, robust infrastructure development and investor-friendly
approach that has helped accelerate industrialisation across Odisha.
During the meeting,
the ISA highlighted the critical importance of ensuring adequate raw material
availability to support the state’s ambitious vision of achieving 100 million
tonnes per annum (MTPA) steel production capacity by 2030. The delegation urged
the state government and the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) to prioritise iron
ore allocation for industries operating within Odisha so that capacity
expansion plans can progress without disruption. It also recommended the creation
of a dedicated Task Force to develop a comprehensive logistics and
infrastructure roadmap capable of supporting the targeted growth of the steel
sector.
Jindal noted that
steel plants in Odisha are expanding rapidly, backed by improved connectivity,
policy stability and proactive governance. He expressed gratitude to the Chief
Minister for assuring that industries in the state would not face any shortage
of iron ore, reinforcing investor confidence and long-term planning. He also
stated that the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan provides a
strong cushion for the national economy against global uncertainties, including
evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
Chief Minister Majhi
reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening industrial growth
by ensuring adequate raw material availability, streamlined coordination among
departments and continued infrastructure expansion. Senior officials present in
the meeting assured proactive support to address industry concerns and
facilitate faster decision-making for upcoming investments.
The meeting was
attended by senior government officials including Chief Secretary Anu Garg,
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary (Steel & Mines)
Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma,
Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, OMC Chairman
Girish S.N. and OMC Managing Director Sudhansu Mohan Samal. The ISA delegation
comprised leading industry figures such as Tata Steel Managing Director T. V.
Narendran, ISA Secretary-General Alok Sahay, Tata Steel Vice-President
(Corporate Services) D. B. Sundar Ramam, JSW Steel President Anil Singh, JSW
BPSL’s Arun Maheshwari, AMNS Director Alok Mehta, Jindal Stainless Chief Business
Officer Shashibhushan Upadhyay and other representatives from major steel
companies operating in Odisha.
