The Chhattisgarh Assembly on Monday passed a government resolution by voice vote that in case of disinvestment of the Nagarnar Steel Plant, the state government will buy it.
The development came during the fifth day of the winter session of the House. Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik pledged to take up the issue with the Central government.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the BJP had proposed that like Balco, when then Chief Minister Ajit Jogi proposed to purchasing the shares, and that the Opposition's proposal is being accepted.
He said in case of disinvestment, the Chhattisgarh government will run the steel plant. It will not be given to the private sector.
Baghel further said a Central government committee has cleared the disinvestment of the Nagarnar Steel Plant. First, a demerger will take place before September 2021.
In 2017, then Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh had through a letter to the Centre raised the issue that disinvestment will have an impact in controlling Naxalism.
He said that tribes had given land to the public sector unit. Even the legal advisor of the Central government had suggested 'no' to a sale.
Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey tabled the government resolution. He said National Mineral Development Corp (NMDC) with investment of Rs 20,000 crores installed the plant with the hope that it will benefit the state.
Still, it is non-operational but the Centre has given the nod for disinvestment. The government has acquired 610 hectares of land but only 100 hectares have been transferred to NMDC.
BJP's Ajay Chandrakar objected to Choubey’s statement that Left Wing Extremism will spread if privatization takes place. He said only one industry has been given land while the Tata related land has been returned to farmers.
Shivratan Sharma (BJP) said the then BJP government had raised objection over disinvestment. The opposition will support if the plant is run by the state government.
Saurabh Singh (BJP) said the government is coming up with rebate proposals for establishing industries in Bastar. During the coal block auction, objection was raised, the Centre cancelled it. So, talks can help to open several paths.
The state can form a company and participate in the bid after requesting the Centre, he said.
Congress members also registered their concern over the disinvestment and impact on tribal villagers in Bastar region.