Stop maligning India, Steel Minister asks LN Mittal

New Delhi, Jul 1: Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma today said NRI billionaire

should stop "maligning"

and its government, asking why the steel baron was not setting up his plants in the country.

"He should stop maligning India and the Indian government. Why is he not beginning work on his projects," Verma told PTI.

Mittal, Chairman and CEO of world's largest steel company, ArcelorMittal, had said in New York on June 19, "Industrialisation is an important part of every major economy's development and by risking progress... India is potentially condemning hundreds of millions to remain in poverty longer than previously anticipated".

When asked about the problems being faced by ArcelorMittal with regard to land acquisition in Jharkhand and Orissa, the Steel Minister said, it is a state issue. "In any case, Mittal never contacted me," he remarked.

He said the Central Government would extend cooperation if ArcelorMittal wants to go ahead with its India plans. Verma said South Korean steel major Posco is now making progress in its USD 12 billion projects to set up 12 million tonne steel plant in Orissa.

"Those who want to go ahead, they like Posco are making progress," the Minister said. ArcelorMittal is waiting for six years to implement its USD 30 billion projects mostly in Orissa and Jharkhand states.

Mittal had recently also stated that it may take his company another five to 10 years to start India projects. "We continue to experience difficulties in India. My belief is that the Indian projects may not see the light for five to 10 years," he had said in May.

PTI