Union Steel Minister Verma tells Mittal to stop maligning India

New Delhi, July 1 (ANI): Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma on Sunday asked billionaire steel baron L N Mittal to stop "maligning" India and its government, and demanded to know why the latter was not setting up his plants in the country.

"He should stop maligning India and the Indian government. Why is he not beginning work on his projects," Verma said.

Mittal, chairman and CEO ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel company, had said in New York on June 19 "Industrialisation is an important part of every major economy's development and by risking progress... India is potentially condemning hundreds of millions to remain in poverty longer than previously anticipated."

When asked about the problems being faced by ArcelorMittal with regard to land acquisition in Jharkhand and Orissa, Verma said it is a state issue.

"In any case, Mittal never contacted me," he added.

He said the central government would extend cooperation if ArcelorMittal wants to go ahead with its India plans.

Verma said South Korean steel major Posco is now making progress in its $12 billion projects to set up 12 million tonne steel plant in Orissa.

"Those who want to go ahead, they like Posco are making progress," the minister said.

ArcelorMittal is waiting for six years to implement its 30 billion dollars worth of projects, most of them earmarked for Orissa and Jharkhand.

Mittal had recently also stated that it may take his company another five to 10 years to start India projects. (ANI)