Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed confidence that there will be no more privatization problems with the financial package of Rs 11,440 crore announced by the Central Government for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He said that the people’s movements against privatization have been successful.
He assured that they will work together to take Visakhapatnam Steel forward as a strong company. He said that the Central Government announced the financial package only with collective efforts. He said, ‘Now we should work with the spirit of the movement.’
He said that till now they have been campaigning with the slogan of ‘Visakha Steel-Andhra People’s Rights’ and now they should work with the slogan of ‘Visakha Steel-Andhra People’s Sentiment’. He said that if only workers and employees work without proper management, there will be no result, therefore, an efficient management should be appointed and proper management should be done.
The Chief Minister suggested that the workers should take advantage of the Centre’s helping hand. He said that the central and state governments as well as the steel plant management and employees should behave responsibly. He made it clear that no one has the right to misuse public money.
He warned that they cannot manage the plant like this just because it is weakening, and that they cannot do as they please with the assurance of being given a package. He said that this is taxpayers’ money and it should be used efficiently.
He asked that a proper CEO be appointed for the plant and it should be operated efficiently. He said that if the steel plant is damaged, many problems will arise, and while protecting it, steps are being taken to create 20 lakh jobs.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has not collected the electricity bills and water bills of Rs. 80 crore for the past four months due to the plant being in trouble.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said that he is very happy that the Center has announced a huge package for the steel plant. He praised this as a proof of the Prime Minister’s commitment to sustain the steel industry. He said that the package is not just a number but has raised hopes in thousands of families.
He said that the steel plant is one in the process of realizing the dream of self-reliant India. He thanked PM Narendra Modi for his commitment towards the development of AP on behalf of the people of the state. He also thanked Nirmala Sitharaman and Kumaraswamy.
