Expansions, import curbs top on agenda, says MoS Steel

 New Delhi, June 3 : Timely completion of ongoing expansion plans in the domestic steel sector, appropriate fiscal measures to curb the threat of cheap imports, raw material security for steel firms will be top priorities, new Minster of State for steel A Sai Prathap said today.
"Major challenge of the steel ministry is to complete the expansion programme of SAIL and RINL on time. The steel ministry would also look to ensure that land acquisition and other clearances including forest and environment approval are accorded on a fast-track basis," Prathap said while assuming the charge of MoS Steel here.

The minister said to protect the interest of domestic steel producers appropriate fiscal measures to curb the threat of cheap steel import and dumping should be taken soon.

"The question of instituting the requisite fiscal measures in the context of the Indian steel industries, demand has to be immediately addressed," he said.

The steel industry is demanding the imposition of the safeguard and the anti-dumping duties to check cheap imports from countries like China. PTI