Sandeep Poundrik Takes Charge as Secretary of India's Ministry of Steel

Sandeep Poundrik, a 1993-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, has assumed the role of Secretary in India's Ministry of Steel. With significant experience in various governmental roles, he intends to advance the steel sector. India's steel production saw notable growth, reaching 144.3 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.

Sandeep Poundrik, a Bihar cadre IAS officer from the 1993 batch, has been appointed as Secretary at the Ministry of Steel, taking office at Udyog Bhawan. His appointment was greeted with enthusiasm by senior Ministry officials on Tuesday.

With a distinguished career, Poundrik previously served as Additional Chief Secretary in Bihar's Industries Department and held roles in the National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. His extensive experience spans multiple sectors.

Following his new appointment, Poundrik convened discussions with senior Ministry officials to address progress in India's steel sector. Notably, crude steel production in the country surged to 144.3 million tonnes in FY 2023-24, up from 109.14 million tonnes in 2019-20, as reported by the Joint Plant Committee.

The Ministry of Steel has emphasized market dynamics and logistics as key drivers of production growth. The government's facilitative role, through policies, aims to support the steel industry's expansion, particularly in rural areas.

Furthering these efforts, various measures have been implemented to boost steel consumption and investment, especially through the Gati-Shakti Master Plan and 'Make in India' initiatives. A focus on infrastructure development has significantly increased steel demand.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Ministry has launched a project to design Aanganwadis and houses using structural steel, promoting its use in rural housing and meeting increased consumption demands. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)