: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed the need to increase steel production in the country.
Addressing a huge gathering at the Rourkela Steel Plant in Sundargarh district of Odisha, Mr. Modi said India had surpassed America in steel production, but was lagging far behind China.
Stating that India should march forward to surpass China in steel production, he said a lot more needs to be done in the field of steel production in the country.
“We have huge mineral resources. Instead of exporting raw material, we can do value addition to sell quality products in the global market,” Mr. Modi added.
The current expansion and modernisation of the Rourkela Steel Plant at a cost of Rs. 12,000 crore has increased the plant’s per annum steel production capacity from 2 million tonne to 4.5 million tonne.
Observing that the steel production is linked to the country’s defence preparedness, Mr. Modi said that India is also focusing on manufacturing warships.
Terming Rourkela as a city that unites India with people from all corners, the Prime Minister said high-quality steel manufactured in Rourkela here is being used in tanks used by the Indian Army.
Stating that the world is now looking at India again with optimism, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to develop States of Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Mr. Modi also spoke at length about the steps being taken by his government to strengthen the States, including enhancing mineral royalty and greater devolution of financial resources to States. The process of auctioning of coal blocks would contribute greatly to the development of States, he added.
With regard to the development of Rourkela, Mr. Modi announced that the Ispat General Hospital in the town will be upgraded as a super speciality hospital and a medical college.
He also promised to build a second bridge over Brahmani river for the benefit of people in Rourkela.
Mr. Modi greeted the people of Odisha as the event coincided with the foundation day of the State. Governor S.C. Jamir, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and many other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
We have huge mineral resources. Instead of exporting raw material, we can do value addition to sell quality products
Narendra Modi
Prime Minister
