Speaking at the ‘India Steel 2025’ conference, Chhattisgarh Commerce and Industries Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan on 24th April, 2025 articulated the state’s pivotal role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious goal of 300 million tonnes of steel production by 2030. The conference, held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (NESCO) in Mumbai from April 24th to 26th, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering virtually, and Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma was also present.
New Industrial Policy Focuses on Core Sectors, Including Steel:
Minister Dewangan highlighted that Chhattisgarh has formulated a new industrial policy with a strong emphasis on core sectors such as steel. He reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the steel industry and extended an invitation to industrialists to actively participate in the state’s ongoing progress.
Chhattisgarh: The Steel Capital of India:
Highlighting the state’s strategic advantages, the Minister proudly referred to Chhattisgarh as the “Steel Capital of India”, noting that it holds 18% of the nation’s iron ore reserves. “The iron ore from Bailadila is among the finest in the world in terms of quality,” he said. He also underlined the state’s commitment to green technology adoption and sustainable industrial practices.
Incentives and Ease of Doing Business:
Sharing key features of Chhattisgarh’s new industrial policy, Minister Dewangan announced incentives and concessions of up to 15 percent for sponge iron and steel units. He emphasized that the steel sector is a primary beneficiary of the state’s streamlined single-window system, focus on ease of doing business, and commitment to swift business processes.
To foster the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the vicinity of the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar, Minister Dewangan announced the development of a new industrial area spanning 118 acres. He also highlighted the success of recent investment summits held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Raipur, which have resulted in investment proposals exceeding Rs 4.5 lakh crore. The implementation of these proposals is proceeding rapidly, with the recent foundation-stone laying ceremony of a semiconductor plant serving as a testament to this progress. Minister Dewangan stated that the new industrial policy has positioned Chhattisgarh among the top 10 states in attracting the highest levels of investment.
Collaboration and Dialogue with Investors:
The conference also saw the participation of key senior officials from Chhattisgarh, including Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Subodh Singh, Secretary of the Industry Department Rajat Kumar, Director Prabhat Malik, and Managing Director of CSIDC Abhishek Agrawal.
Minister Dewangan actively engaged in direct dialogue with investors and industrialists during a dedicated roundtable meeting. Discussions centered on the significant investment potential within Chhattisgarh, encompassing topics such as the development of industrial clusters, robust logistical support, the efficient single-window clearance system, a favourable workforce, and supportive state policies.