The government today said it has constituted four task forces and expert panels to formulate strategies to augment steel consumption in the country.
It has also engaged in discussions different user ministries in order to work out implementable methods to enhance steel usage in different sectors.
"We have constituted four task forces and committees of experts... Users of steel to formulate strategies to increase steel consumption in India," Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said today.
India's per capita steel consumption at 61 kg is much lower than the global average of 208 kg.
On the scope of increasing steel consumption, the minister said the "sky is the limit. What is required is a change in the mindset".
"We need to change outlook and bring an innovative approach. A total shift in our mindset and an out of the box thinking is needed," the minister stressed.
He said that the steel ministry invited suggestions on increasing steel consumption in India and the government is working on implementable suggestions.
The minister was speaking at the regional conference themed on "Enhancing Steel Consumption in India" in Gangtok, Sikkim.
"We are in constant touch with different user ministries to ensure that steel-intensive structures are promoted through regulatory, advisory and other measures," Singh said.
Stating that the country is aiming to increase the steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes per annum, the minister said "...Demand and supply is moving together".
Singh said he would ask his ministry to discuss with state governments ways to promote steel usage, saying steel has many advantages in the long-run.
The minister said he has asked public sector units to ensure that steel reaches all parts of the country.
Earlier, the availability of steel in small quantities and required specifications was an issue but now companies with their distribution and sales channels have reached different corners of the country.
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