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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a strong appeal to states to work in close collaboration with the Centre for fast tracking the country's growth and pave the way for posterity.
Modi's remark came as fresh dose of optimism given that the rift between the Central and state governments is believed to have stalled many a developmental projects in the country despite its established federal structure.
"Between the Centre and the states, none is smaller or bigger. Both are equal stakeholders in the nation's development. The states need to work together with the Centre with a long-term vision to develop the country," Modi said at a large public gathering at Rourkela.
He was there to dedicate the Rs 12,000 crore expansion and modernisation plan of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), one of the five integrated steel plants owned by Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), to the nation.
Modi was accompanied by Odisha Governor S C Jamir, chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Union minister for tribal affairs Jual Oram, steel & mines minister Narendra Singh Tomar, minister of state for petroleum & natural gas Dharmendra Pradhan and Vishnu Deo Sai, minister of state for mines.
Under the expansion cum modernisation plan, RSP's capacity has more than doubled to 4.5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) from two mtpa. Modi visited the RSP premises where he spent 30 minutes.
He also saw the newly installed 4.3 m wide plate mill and showed keen interest in its operations and capabilities. The mill is designed to produce very high strength plates for strategic sectors like power, renewable energy, shipbuilding, defence and oil & gas.
Later, he addressed a public meeting where he spelt out steps taken by the Centre to uplift the fortunes of states like raising mineral royalty and greater devolution of financial resources. The auctioning of coal blocks would contribute hugely to the development of states, he said.
He thanked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for BJD's unconditional support for passage of Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (Amendment) Bill in parliament, particularly Rajya Sabha where NDA does not have requisite strength.
The Prime Minister said, the world was looking up to the country with optimism and he had invited investors from across the world. He underscored the need to develop the country's eastern region comprising Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
Describing Rourkela as the town that has given the country the steel of strength, Modi said, "RSP plays a key role by supplying steel for manufacture of defence equipment. Today, India has surpassed US in steel production but is still far behind China and so, a lot more needs to be done. Value addition of mineral wealth is necessary to build a strong economy."
Speaking on the occasion, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said, "The expansion and modernisation project of RSP is a historic step. This will create many employment opportunities for people."
