UNION Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H D Kumaraswamy, lauded Bhilai Steel Plant’s (BSP) consistent performance and significant contributions to the Central Government’s exchequer. The Minister praised BSP’s strong standing among other steel plants in India. Kumaraswamy emphasised that BSP’s Blast Furnace-8 and other Modex Units, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, are operating at full capacity, driving the plant’s ever-increasing production. He expressed confidence in BSP’s ability to surpass its previous best performance. Addressing concerns about the proposed privatisation of certain Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), including Ferro Scrap Nigam Limited (FSNL), the Minister assured that any decisions would be made in the best interests of the common people and the nation. Regarding the ongoing operations of BIT in Bhilai House Campus despite the contract’s expiration and the increasing encroachment in the township, Kumaraswamy acknowledged the concerns raised by associations, trade unions, and other organisations. He promised that these issues would be addressed promptly. The Minister recognised the challenges faced by BSP’s township and indicated that management-level measures, in co-ordination with relevant agencies, would be implemented to improve living conditions and surroundings. The Union Minister was accompanied by SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash and senior officials 

 

 

UNION Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, H D Kumaraswamy, visited SAILBSP. He was accompanied by Amarendu Prakash, ChairmanSAIL; Anirban Dasgupta, Director I/c (SAIL-BSP), Anjani Kumar, ED (Works) and Senior Officers of the Plant welcomed H D Kumaraswamy, and Amarendu Prakash, upon arrival at BSP H D Kumaraswamy also took part in Vishwakarma Puja at the Plant. It is worth mentioning that this was Kumaraswamy’s maiden visit to BSP after assuming his office as Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel. Also, it was the first time that Amarendu Prakash visited BSP after taking charge as Chairman-SAIL on May 31, 2023. At the outset Union Minister Kumaraswamy and Chairman-SAIL Amarendu Prakash reached the Safety Excellence Centre, where they were briefed about necessary safety instructions for visiting the Plant. During the Plant visit, Union Minister took keen interest in operations at Modex Units, including Battery 7 and 8 of Coke Oven and Coal Chemicals Department, Blast Furnace8, Steel Melting Shop-3, and Universal Rail Mill. He witnessed the production of hot metal at B F-8, production of crude steel at SMS-3, rolling of the world’s longest 130- metre rail at URM. Vijay Baghel, Member of Parliament (Durg) was also present at URM.

 

This was followed by visit to Ispat Bhawan where during an interaction with a cross-section of Senior Officials, an Overview Presentation on highlights of the performance, process of steel production, and Application of BSP’s products in projects of National Importance, CSR & HRD Initiatives, Employee Engagement Initiatives and other areas was made. Union Minister Kumaraswamy, interacted at length with Chairman-SAIL Amarendu Prakash, Director I/c of SAIL-BSP Anirban Dasgupta, S Mukhopadhyay, ED (Projects), AK Chakraborty, ED (MM), Pawan Kumar, ED (HR), BK Giri, ED (Mines), DN Karan, Acting ED (F&A and Senior Officials on different aspects of current performance, as well as about plans for the future.

 

Kumaraswamy, in his address to Senior Management, stated that He is satisfied to see the progress achieved by SAIL-BSP in the Steel Sector as regards its performance, products, and homely working atmosphere. BSP is not only producing high-quality steel but also contributing amply to the growth and development of the nation and the entire Chhattisgarh Region. Chairman-SAIL Amarendu Prakash apprised the Union Minister about various Awards and Accolades earned by BSP Employees in national and international Quality Circles and stated that BSP is the Flagship Unit of SAIL. Bhilai being a cosmopolitan city is like a Mini India with people from various regions of the country living in harmony with each other, added Amarendu Prakash. Anirban Dasgupta, Director I/c (SAIL-BSP), in his address, stated that the Safety Circles as initiated by SAILBhilai Steel Plant are also working efficiently in line with Quality Circles. Besides safety it focuses on quality, productivity, motivation, and Communication, said Dasgupta. Union Minister Kumaraswamy was given Guard of Honour by CISF Jawans at Bhilai Niwas, before his departure for Raipur Airport. Pratibha Agrawal, DIG (CISF), and Vijay Baghel, MP (Durg) was also present during the Guard of Honour Ceremony at Bhilai Niwas.