Need to implement MOUs in steel sector: Centre

Bhubaneswar, Aug 9: With the Indian steel sector facing hurdles in implementing projects, the Centre has asked states to implement the MoUs entered into for projects in the sector.

"Concerned states are basking in the glory of these MoUs with hardly any effort on their part to see that these are translated into reality. Not a single large greenfield steel plant has seen light of the day," a confidential concept paper titled ''Ultra Mega Steel Plants: Need of the Hour'' said.

The concept paper prepared by the steel ministry was circulated among Orissa government officials during an inter ministerial Group meeting here on August 5.

Though more than 160 MoUs -- 45 in Orissa and 57 each in Jharkhand and Chhatishgarh -- were signed by the three states in the last three years, even mega steel projects of the size of 10 to 12 million tonne capacity were not implemented, it said.

Some of the MoUs signed for setting up ultra mega steel plants at investments of Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore, were also not implemented, it observed.

Of the MoUs signed in Orissa, two were projects mooted by Posco-India and ArcelorMittal of 12 mtpa capacity with each having been identified as Ultra Mega Steel Plants.

"These two projects have not been implemented though five years have already passed since the MoU was signed," an official said.

PTI