Newly appointed Union Steel Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday said that India's steel production will double from the current 120 million tonnes to 240 million tonnes in the next eight years. Steel plays an important role in the country's economy, he added.

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“In any country's economic development, steel makes an important contribution. Today, India is the second largest producer of steel in the world with 120 MT production. I am confident that the target that we have set to double it to 240 MT in next eight years will be done," Scindia told reporters in New Delhi, 24 hours after taking additional charge as the Steel Minister."

#Steel Minister: India to double steel production in 8 years to 240 MT pic.twitter.com/lmYlxQEND0

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“I have taken charge of the steel ministry yesterday only and I am not the one who starts lecturing without understanding the sector. I will take some time to understand the ministry and the sector. The middle and small scale industries also play a major role in the steel sector, accounting for nearly 50-52 percent production through their nearly 3,000 units,” he added.

Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he will ensure that the production of steel in the country will enhance by taking medium and small industries along with the large units. He said that steel plays a major role in industries like construction and automobiles.

When asked about his plans for the sector, Scindia said he will not comment until he discusses the matter with subject experts to understand the industry.

“I don't believe in making comments but on solid work. So far, only 24 hours are over of my taking over the charge and I am not aware of everything. Give me some time, as you have given me when I became the civil aviation minister," he said. Scindia also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders for reposing faith in him.

Scindia, who completed one year as civil aviation minister on Friday, highlighted his work in providing flight connectivity and investment in new airports. The Prime Minister will inaugurate a new airport at Deoghar in Jharkhand next week. A new flight from Kolkata to Deoghar will also be launched, he said.

With inputs from PTI

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(Edited by : Sangam Singh)