KT Rama Rao, IT Minister and industries, requested the Central Government to stop its discriminatory approach towards Telangana and take initiatives to establish a steel plant at Bayyaram at the earliest.

The IT Minister voiced his concern that at Bayyaram, high-quality iron ore is available. Due to the lack of commitment of the Central Government, it has delayed setting up a steel plant.

He said that in the AP Reorganisation Act 2014, establishing a steel plant in Bayyaram was promised. However, the Centre did not take any steps regarding this matter even after seven-and-a-half years.

In a letter addressed to Ramachandra Prasad Singh, Union Steel Minister, Mr Rama Rao informed that despite the commitment given by the Central Government, the Centre had placed the proposed steel factory aside.

He said that along with many promises made to Telangana as part of bifurcation, the Centre is deliberately denying the State its due.

The report of the Geological Survey of India confirmed that there is a 300 million metric tonne (mmt) iron ore reserve in Bayyaram. However, the Centre kept saying that there is no quality ore.

The State also asked for allotment of mines at Bailadilla, around 180 km away, which could easily be transported via railway line or slurry pipeline.

The Minister revealed that MECON Limited examined Khammam and surrounding areas and confirmed the possibilities of setting up a pelletisation plant in the area.

The Central Government agencies such as National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) were ready to set up the steel plant, but the Centre remained indifferent.

The Centre also established Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for building steel plants in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. During the same time, it also allotted massive funds for modernising existing plants in Rourkela and other places.

He claimed that the Central Government also tried to dilute the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

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