In the background of Narendra Modi-led central government’s efforts towards privatization of Visakha Steel Plant since a few years, Union Industries and Steel Minister H D Kumaraswamy has given a categorical assurance that there will be no privatization of the Plant.
As a union steel minister for the first time he visited the Plant in Visakhapatnam on Thursday and inspected the activities along with Union Minister of State for Steel Srinivasa Verma. Later he told the media that Visakha Steel Plant is helping the country’s economic development.
The Union Minister’s announcement has gained importance in the context of the opposition YCP’s campaign that the TDP-led alliance government in the state has already agreed for its privatization. Stating that many people are dependent on the Visakha Steel Plant, the Union Minister said that it is their responsibility to protect it.
He assured both Plant employees and also citizens of Visakhapatnam that there need not be worry that the plant will be closed. He said that with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the production will be done at 100 percent capacity. He promised to bring all matters related to the steel plant to the attention of Prime Minister Modi.
He said that after taking permission from the Prime Minister, there will be an official decision along with an announcement. He asked the workers to give him 2 months time saying that there is no need to worry.
On the other hand, after visiting the plant, Kumaraswamy shared his opinion in the visitor’s diary there: “After visiting this steel plant, I realized that this plant will help the economic development of the country. Many families depend on this plant for their daily needs and livelihood. It is our responsibility to protect this plant. You should not worry that this plant will close down. With his blessings and help from Prime Minister Modi, the plant will produce at 100% capacity.”
Meanwhile, recently another Union Minister Kishan Reddy made it clear that there is no progress on the Visakha Steel Plant privatization move. The workers at the plant are elated as now Union Steel Minister Kumaraswamy has also said that there is no need to worry.
