YS Sharmila demands centre to reveal stand on steel plant before PM’s AP tour

On 04 Jan 2025 17:28:33

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee Chairman YS Sharmila Reddy says”The central government i

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee Chairman YS Sharmila Reddy says”The central government is undermining the rights of the people in Andhra Pradesh concerning the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. It appears to be fueling conspiracies aimed at privatizing the plant. We are calling on Prime Minister Modi, who will be visiting Visakhapatnam on the 8th of this month, as well as the coalition parties in the state, to take action.

The central government must immediately clarify that there are no plans to privatize the steel plant. An official announcement should be made confirming its merger with SAIL. Additionally, a special financial package of approximately Rs 20,000 crores should be announced to address the financial difficulties of the plant. Separate mines need to be allocated to ensure the steel plant does not face future problems. The plant must operate at its full capacity of 7 million tons.

Clarity is also required from management regarding the demands of the workers who have been protesting for 1,400 days. Furthermore, the steel plant should receive a three-year tax holiday as requested by labor unions. Prime Minister Modi should only visit Visakhapatnam after announcing the decision on the future of the steel plant”.