THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ROURKELA, JULY 15, 2026

Reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the local industrial ecosystem, SAIL-run Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) has reaffirmed its focus on boosting procurement from Local Micro and Small Enterprises (LMSEs), with purchase orders to Odisha-based units surging to ₹133.46 crore during 2025-26 from just ₹12.23 crore in 1984-85.

The commitment was reiterated during the 58th Sub-Plant Level Advisory Committee (Sub-PLAC) meeting, held at the SAMADHAN Conference Hall on Tuesday. Chaired by Executive Director (Material Management) Anil Kumar, the meeting brought together officials from the District Industries Centre (DIC), Government of Odisha, the MSME-Development Institute, Government of India, representatives of leading industry bodies, including the District Small Scale Industries Association (DSSIA), Rourkela Chamber of Commerce & Industries (RCCI), Odisha Assembly of Small and Medium Enterprises (OASME) and Odisha Young Entrepreneurs Association (OYEA), along with senior RSP officials.

Welcoming the participants, Chief General Manager (Material Management) T. Vinod highlighted RSP's sustained efforts to promote Odisha-based small industries through increased procurement and collaborative engagement. He said the steady rise in purchase orders over the decades reflects the steel plant's long-term commitment to nurturing local enterprises and supporting regional industrial development.

District Industries Centre General Manager Smruti Ranjan Routray, appreciated RSP's collaborative approach towards MSME development and acknowledged the support extended by the steel plant, local industry associations and the Chamber of Commerce. He stressed the need to encourage emerging enterprises so that they can actively participate in RSP's procurement ecosystem and benefit from expanding business opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, RSP Executive Director (MM) Anil Kumar reaffirmed RSP's unwavering commitment to the growth of Local Micro and Small Enterprises, particularly those based in Odisha. He said the Material Management Department has introduced several pioneering initiatives to strengthen the MSME sector and described the Sub-PLAC as an effective platform for resolving industry concerns, fostering partnerships and ensuring mutual growth between the steel plant and the local business community.

Representatives of RCCI, OASME, DSSIA and OYEA raised key agenda points relating to procurement and industry participation, which were discussed in detail. Senior RSP officials responded to the suggestions and queries, underlining the organisation's commitment to maintaining a transparent and industry-friendly procurement framework.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further deepen collaboration between RSP and the local MSME sector, paving the way for stronger regional industrial growth, enhanced business opportunities and inclusive economic development in Odisha.