Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Meeting with UPPC Leaders on Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Privatization Issue

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met with leaders of the Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee (UPPC) at the TD’s Mangalagiri office to discuss the privatization issue surrounding the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP). During the meeting, committee leader Varasala Srinivasa Rao expressed the UPPC’s apprehension over the central government’s proposal to potentially privatize or close the steel plant due to significant financial losses totaling around 5,000 crore caused by insufficient working capital and reduced production.

Srinivasa Rao proposed a potential solution by suggesting the merger of the VSP with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) under a single ministry. Additionally, the union leaders urged Chief Minister Naidu to collaborate with the Union Ministry of Steel to secure vital resources and spare parts from NMDC for the immediate revival of the plant.

Assuring the leaders, Chief Minister Naidu stated that if the workers displayed dedication and the plant operated profitably, he would advocate for its preservation. He pledged to assess management performance, rectify any deficiencies, and communicate these concerns to the central government, specifically to the Prime Minister.

Key figures present at the meeting included D. Adinarayana and Mantri Rajasekhar, prominent leaders of the porata committee. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also emphasized taking decisive action against negligent officials and committed to reforming the system within 100 days.

During his visit to the Telugu Desam Party head office in Mangalagiri, Chief Minister Naidu received numerous complaints from the public, demonstrating a commitment to addressing people’s concerns directly.