By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, January 7, 2016 : The NITI Aayog on Thursday discussed with the steel and mines industry bodies in Odisha on various issues and problems they face in making of steel in the state.

India has set an ambitious target of producing 300 million ton of steel by 2025. NITI Aayog is keen for the immediate solution of the problems faced by the steel producers in the state and if required, it would initiate policy changes be made to achieve the goal.

“We took a firsthand appraisal of Odisha steel industry and discussed how to reach India producing about 300 mt in 2025. We discussed what changes we should make in plan and policies so that in a cost effective manner we are able to reach that goal,” NITI Aayog member V.K. Saraswat told reporters here.

Several issues including mining, coal, transport, capital cost and duties structure were discussed with the industries and state government officials.

“There are several issues which are responsible for present production rate. All of them have to be looked at in a cohesive manner to make sure that we are in a position to sail through when the entire world is going through a slump as per the steel market,” he said.

On the issue of dumping of cheap steel products in the country, Saraswat said the steel industries have to ensure that their produces are competitive in market.

He said the steel industries and mining bodies mentioned their problems including transportation and non-availability of raw materials.

All Odisha Steel Federation (AOSF) representative P.L. Kandoi said they raised issues pertaining to pricing and availability of minerals.