Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in consultation with Ministry of Steel has been taking steps to ensure that quality steel is produced in the country or imported from outside. In this direction, 151 BIS standards have been notified and have been covered by Quality Control Orders (QCOs) by Ministry of Steel. Steel is a de-regulated sector and the government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of the steel sector.

To enhance competitiveness of Indian steel and sustainability in the international marketthe government has taken several measures such as:-

1. Implementation of Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting 'Made in India' steel for Government procurement.
2. Launch of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of 'Specialty Steel' within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments.
3. Thrust in the Union Budget to infrastructure expansion.
4. Calibration in Basic Customs Duty on raw materials such as Ferro-Nickel and ferrous scrap imports to reduce input costs.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

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TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2151389)