Govt’s Proposed National Steel Policy to Drive Technology, Green Transition, Provide Targeted Support for Small Steel Producers

New Delhi, Sep 29 (KNN) The government will release the proposed National Steel Policy in the public domain within about a week for stakeholder consultation, setting out a long-term roadmap for India's steel sector up to 2047, according to Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Poundrik said, “This National Steel Policy is being formulated with a vision to bring India to Viksit Bharat target in 2047. In about a week, we will put this policy into public domain for consultation and for comments from stakeholders,” ANI reported.

Policy To Address Technology And Decarbonisation

The Secretary noted that the steel sector has changed significantly over the past decade, with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, technology upgrades, decarbonisation and sustainability emerging as key policy priorities.

He said, “There were many issues which were not there in 2017 with that much of focus. For example, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and technology upgradation.”

“There are certain new issues and then course correction, especially in terms of capacity, consumption, etcetera. So that's why we are bringing a new policy so that we have a road map for the next two decades up to 2047,” Poundrik added, as quoted by ANI.

The existing 2017 policy had envisaged crude steelmaking capacity of 300 million tonnes per annum by 2030-31. India's crude steel capacity stood at around 222.7 million tonnes annually as of July 2026, according to the latest detailed data released by the Steel Ministry.

Focus On Domestic Steelmakers

The proposed policy is also expected to include measures to address imports of cheap and sub-standard steel, including the use of safeguard and anti-dumping measures, while improving the competitiveness of domestic producers.

The government is also proposing a Rs 5,000 crore Viksit Bharat Ispat scheme for small steel producers. Under the proposed scheme, incentives would be linked to production and reductions in carbon emissions. The proposal is expected to be placed before the competent authority for approval.

MSMEs To Face Technology And Green Transition

For smaller steel producers, the proposed policy could provide targeted support for technology upgrades and emissions reduction as the industry moves towards lower-carbon production.

Poundrik said reducing emissions would require better technology and raw materials, along with greater use of renewable energy. The government is also working on measures to promote green steel, including incentives for smaller producers and carbon-reduction requirements for larger steelmakers.

(KNN Bureau)