Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday advocated handing over the Nagarnar Steel Plant in Bastar to public sector giant Steel Authority of India (SAIL) if the National Mineral Development Corp was unable to run it.
Talking to reporters, Baghel said the Chhattisgarh government was also willing to run the plant instead of letting it fall in private hands.
Replying to a query, Baghel said the Centre had formulated such a plan that the state government could not participate in the bid if it was announced.
SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in the state has experienced engineers and in case NMDC fails to run the plant, it must be handover to SAIL, he said.
Four to five private companies have recently visited the plant and as per sources the Union government was soon going to open the bid, Baghel said.
The sentiments of the people in Bastar were attached to the plant and they have provided land to NMDC anticipating that it will generate employment for local youths, Baghel said.
"We are with the Bastar people and will make every possible effort to prevent the plant from going into private hands," he added.