C Apok Jamir and Johny G Rengma during the ‘Consumer’s Meet’ at Little Hut, Chümoukedima on April 13. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | April 13
The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) since 2010, is back in Nagaland after nearly two decades.
It announced its arrival in the State, more specifically in the market, by organising a ‘Consumer’s Meet’ – an awareness programme, here at Little Hut, Chümoukedima on April 13.
As the company’s famous tagline asserts, while ‘there’s little bit of SAIL’ in everybody’s life, the company was ‘missing in action’ in Nagaland from 2003 after it closed down an office and a warehouse, in operation since 1983.
While an NSTFDC official at the meet attributed the closure to the then existing unfavorable political scenario in the State, a company executive clarified that it was closed due to ‘operating expenses and company losses.’
The meet on Wednesday was organised by SAIL Branch Sale Office, Guwahati while the while the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC), under the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs facilitated the process.
Chairing the event, the NSTFDC Director, Johny G Rengma said that ‘SAIL is back in Nagaland’ after 25 years of absence, while attributing the same to adverse activities related with the political conflict.
However, he expressed happiness that it is back due to the improved law and order situation, while maintaining that a state-owned enterprise cannot discriminate any states, and that it is the policy of the Government of India to give equal importance to every region.
He also informed that all the bridges for the Manipur Railway project are being built with material from SAIL, and added: “National property should be sustainable and long lasting.”
Speaking on the occasion, former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and ex State Legislator, C Apok Jamir noted that the SAIL has been involved in nation-building, since it started out as Hindustan Steel Limited (HSL) in 1954.
In every aspect of our life – whether social or political, steel has always been associated with us for the progress of the country, state as well as our own social life, including domestic life, he noted.
Even in a country’s perspective, on a large scale, on defense, automobile, space, and so on, steel has given impetus to growth of the nation, he added.
Given that SAIL is one of the biggest steel companies in India, he implied that it was pivotal in enabling the developmental path, he said.
Vital role in aid of society
With more focus on North-East States via ‘Look East’ and later ‘Act East’ Policy of the GoI, he noted that SAIL can play a major role in the Government’s initiative.
He also called upon SAIL to work in activities related to social and welfare aspects, as well as sustaining and protecting the eco-system in the region.
With the right sprit and impetus, the SAIL can play a vital role in the aid of the society and the state, Apok further noted.
Giving a consumers’ perspective, prominent businessman TK Angami noted that SAIL product was then ‘very popular’ but marketing stopped abruptly after sometime.
However, he also noted with happiness that it is back in Nagaland and the people could have easy access to one of the ‘best quality of steel.’
Ren James, another consumer, also called for expanding distribution beyond Dimapur and Chümoukedima.
Meanwhile, SAIL marketing head in the North-East, Pankaj Kumar, in his presentation reiterated that SAIL gives emphasis on nation building infrastructure and supplies 80-90% of material used with quality as its strength.
While local products may be available, at lower prices, the product from SAIL is ‘unmatched’ as its production process start from source to end-uses, he said.
In Nagaland, he informed SAIL is involved in 15 national highway projects in Nagaland having a length of about 266 km involving cost of around Rs 4,127 crore.
Other projects included Solar Power Projects, Rail-line Network and Kohima Smart City.
During an interaction after the formal programme, the officials were asked on whether if SAIL would leave once again due to “extortion.”
To this end, Kumar clarified that it close down the office due to ‘operating and company losses.’
Rengma chipped in that the considerably improved law and order situation convinced the GoI while there is assurance and confidence of the State Government law and order machinery
On the question of whether an office would be open, Kumar said that there is possibility, but it is a strategic decision which he cannot make.
However, we are now operating from Guwahati and supply materials from there to all corners of the region offering competitive and reasonable price, he added.
It was also informed that Toiwa Renewable Energy Inc has been chosen as the stockist of SAIL for Nagaland.
Apok also noted that political situation and business environment in Nagaland have definitely improved as affirmed by the SAIL’s reentry.
