TMC delegation calls on Steel Minister over steels plant issue

New Delhi: Opposing the government's proposed move to privatise Alloy Steels Plant (ASP) in Durgapur, a delegation of Trinamool Congress parliamentarians from Lok Sabha presented a memorandum to Union Steel Minister Birender Singh on Wednesday.

During the meeting with the Union Steel Minister over the issue, the TMC MPs strongly opposed the strategic disinvestment of the ASP and offered some solutions for the revival of the steel plant that had produced a specialty low alloy steel which was a cheaper alternative to the steel used in parts of the Agni missiles which help in strengthening the government's 'Make in India' programme.

In the memorandum, Trinamool Congress MPs have suggested about effective utilisation of the resources of the Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) in close proximity, which would mutually benefit both the units.

The MPs also suggested that the land bank available with ASP could be utilised by both ASP and DSP in their expansion plan after considering both as a combined entity.

"Considering the potentiality of ASP regarding quality production, innovative challenges and at the same time advantages of close proximity to DSP, it is prudent that the synergy between ASP and DSP must be enhanced and merger of these two units can be thought of for gainful utilisation of each other's resources," the TMC delegation said.

According to a member of the TMC delegation, the Steel Minister has 'assured' them that the government would consider their proposal and may review the plan of ASP's strategic disinvestment.

Notably, the ASP caters to many important sectors and units in the country, including railways, heavy engineering and defence; through the production of 400 different grades of steel. It has served towards nation-building since 1965.

Earlier, while hitting out at the Centre for approving the strategic disinvestment of ASP, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that the TMC would protest against the decision in Parliament.