SEFI thanks CM for supporting Rowghat mining operations

Bhilai, Sep 20: A delegation of Steel Executives Federation of India (SEFI) led by President Narendra Kumar Banchor met Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel during his visit to Rajhara and thanked him for the successful efforts made by him to save the Rowghat iron ore mines from privatization. He expressed gratitude for extending support to the BSP management for operating the mines. SEFI President informed the Chief Minister about the efforts of SEFI against privatization and also sought his support.

RINL Visakhapatnam holds a very special place among the steel sector PSUs. The sentiments of the people of Andhra Pradesh are deeply involved in this venture, which originated from the “Visakha Ukku Andhra Hakku” mass movement. The Central Government has proposed to disinvest RINL. Many organizations and people of Andhra Pradesh, who realise the importance of PSUs in nation building, are making efforts to prevent disinvestment.

SEFI is also making efforts to stop the disinvestment of RINL. One of the main reasons for not being profitable is that RINL does not have its own iron ore mines. If RINL gets its own iron ore mines, this company can again become a profit making enterprise and it can be saved from disinvestment.

SEFI President Narendra Kumar Banchhore demanded from the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh to provide conditional allotment of iron ore mines to RINL. Banchhore said that a condition must be imposed that the allotment of iron ore mines will remain valid till the RINL remains a public sector undertaking. If the union government disinvests the company, the allotment of mines will be automatically cancelled as per the condition of the agreement.

The Chief Minister assured all possible cooperation to save the PSUs. He recollected his efforts and experiences in preventing the privatization of Rowghat iron ore mines. SEFI President Narendra Kumar Banchore, Vice President (Mines) Venugopal Devangan and Nitish Kshattri were present in the meeting.