Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Privatization Of Vizag Steel Plant. on 7 December, 2021
Seventeenth Loksabha > Title: Regarding privatization of Vizag Steel Plant.
SHRI M.V.V. SATYANARAYANA (VISAKHAPATNAM): Sir, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, under the dynamic leadership of Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has adopted a Resolution in the State Assembly requesting the Centre to drop the proposal of privatisation of Vizag Steel Plant. The Government of India is yet to take a decision on it. I am happy to say that this is the only steel plant in India which was awarded four-star rating in exports of steel by DGFT.
I would also like to draw the attention of the Government of India to the fact that Vizag Steel Plant has made a huge investment in OMDC, Odisha but till date no raw material has reached the plant. In spite of the fact that Vizag Steel Plant is a Navaratna company under the Ministry of Steel, no permission has been given to it to raise funds from public or private banks. This is very pathetic. I request the Government to allot iron ore mines immediately and drop the decision of privatisation.
Vizag Steel Plant has expanded its capacity without a sixth coke oven battery. But in order to produce coke, the steel plant is waiting for permission to construct the battery. I feel very sad to bring to the notice of the House that no spare parts are available for maintenance of the plant and specially in batteries. I, therefore, urge upon the Government through the august House to provide necessary assistance at the earliest possible. I urge upon the Government not to privatise the Vizag Steel Plant as it is connected with the sentiments of the people of Andhra Pradesh. Thank you.