VISAKHAPATNAM : Asserting that there is no question of privatising the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Union Minister of Steel HD Kumaraswamy said he will prepare a note on how to revive RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited) and discuss it with the Prime Minister.
“There is a possibility of reviving the VSP and discussions will be held with the Prime Minister on how to proceed further,” he added.
The Union Minister visited the VSP on Thursday and inspected various sections of the factory and production processes along with senior officials.
He toured various places in the plant, including the coke oven department, blast furnace-3, steel melting shop-2, wire rod mill-2, etc.
He also reviewed the performance of RINL with the CMD, directors, chief vigilance officer, and senior officials.
RINL Chairman and Managing Director Atul Bhatt explained the process and salient features of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant to Kumaraswamy.
Following the inspection, the Union Minister chaired a meeting with the Steel Executives Association (SEA). SEA representatives discussed the proposed merger of SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited ) and RINL, along with concerns about promotions, PRP (performance related pay), and wages.
They informed Kumaraswamy that the losses incurred by the Steel Plant were due to the lack of iron ore and interest burdens from expansion and not because of the employees.
A detailed report on re-merger of SAIL and RINL was also presented.
Requesting for some time to address the issues, the Union Minister assured the SEA representatives that he would explore the possibilities of remerging RINL and SAIL.
Naidu committed to strengthening VSP
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu asserted that he is committed to strengthening VSP. Without naming the YSRC, he said, “A political party is spreading canards that I have agreed to the privatisation of the steel plant. VSP is a symbol of self-respect of Telugu people. We have fought against VSP’s privatisation & also brought financial assistance from the Centre for its development.
RINL plant will continue to operate at 100% capacity: Union Minister
Further, he also interacted with VSP staff and representatives of various trade unions. Kumaraswamy noted, “After visiting the RINL plant, I believe it will be helpful for the country’s GDP and support several hardworking families who firmly believe it is their responsibility to save the plant. I urge the employees not to worry about the plant’s closure. With the Prime Minister’s blessings and support, this plant will continue to operate at 100 per cent capacity.”
Joint Secretary of Ministry of Steel Sanjay Roy, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Vizag MP M Sribharat, Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivas, SAIL independent director Sagi Kasi Viswanadha Raju, RINL directors AK Bagchi (Projects), Dr SC Pandey (Personnel), Ch SRVGK Ganesh (finance), GVN Prasad (commercial), RINL chief vigilance officer Dr S Karuna Raju, CGMs, and senior officials were present.
