The number one slot in the RSP Executives’ Association is a place of pride which came to him on a platter. He never seriously sought it, says Bimal Kumar Bisi, who won the association election recently. As a senior executive in the level of Deputy General Manager, he has been the witness to many ups and down the steel major has experienced over the years. Bisi hails from Badgaon in Sundargarh district and is out and out a local boy. He did his graduation in mechanical engineering from REC (Now NIT) Rourkela after graduating from Government College, Rourkela with a BSc Hons. An unassuming character, he is known for his perseverance and tenacity. Never a designated leader during his school and college days, he played the role of a game changer and king maker in RSP Executive Association elections held in the past. Recently, he was elected treasurer of NITRA, the alumni association of NIT, which has members throughout the world. But defeating his rival Sudip Pal Choudhury in RSP’s Executive Association election was of a different taste. Baidyanath Mishra on behalf ofThe Pioneer talked with Bisi.
Do you look tired after that successful momentIJ
The rigours of an election can be understood only by those who have practically gone into. If I look tired then it is the responsibility which has come as a fallout of the election. The burden is to upkeep the morale of the executive fraternity and lift Rourkela Steel Plant from the present morass. We would like to see Rourkela back on the profit track during my tenure of two years. People say the morale of the executives is low at the moment but I will never admit it. It is not for the first time they are going through a period of crisis. There have been ups and downs in the history of this steel major. Not only RSP, SAIl as a whole is sick in terms of financial health only soon to be overcome.
There is also an allegation that huge investment on the modernization of the plants has led to this situation but here I differ. Modernisation is a part of an ongoing process for any organisation and for a steel plant like ours it is intrinsic. A slump in the market is related to extraneous factors. We are trying to diffuse the situation by providing a competitive edge to our products and reach the niche market. The net sales realisation of SAIl as a whole in the last 8 months showed a downward curve. Now it has shown improvement but to reach a break even stage, we require minimum one year. At this juncture our role is more or less defined. We shall ensure 100 per cent capacity utilisation and minimise the loss for the moment. We shall try for diversification of our product according to market needs besides ensuring the present product range to meet the quality requirement with a competitive edge.
How optimistic you are about RSP goalsIJ
Yes! we live on a note of optimism. New plants with huge investments are coming up. More funds are being pumped into the infrastructure sector. In Sundargarh itself big budget power plants are coming up. IB Thermal of Banharpali along with Darlipali and Bhedabahal projects have started their construction work and they will depend on us. The market slump will be over within a couple of years and RSP will be back on profit. The present CEO is dynamic and down to earth. We will work in tandem.
Are you interested in SEFI electionIJ
The election for the Steel Executive Federation of India (SEFI) is round the corner. I am in consultation with my friends, if they advise, I shall not hesitate to participate. RSP presidents have donned the mantle many a time. One more name from RSP will find place in the incumbency chart and that should be a good news for Rourkela. I profusely thank the executive fraternity of RSP which has reposed its confidence in me. Together we shall ensure RSP to sign as a jewel in the glittering crown of SAIl.