BHUBANESWAR: In a significant development which is likely to strengthen industry-government collaboration and advance Odisha’s position as a leading steel hub in India, the newly formed Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA) today unanimously elected former IAS officer Asit Tripathy as its President.
The decision of this newly formed industry body representing leading steel companies in the state to opt for such a highly respected administrator with decades of experience in governance, policy, and industrial development is hailed by experts as a very timely strategic move which will help propel the growth momentum of the steel production in Odisha.
Tripathy, a former chief secretary of Odisha is currently serving as Advisor at Jindal Steel.
Welcoming his appointment, members of OSPA expressed confidence in his leadership, noting that his deep understanding of public policy, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development will be instrumental in guiding the association.
Speaking on the occasion, Tripathy said: “Odisha is at the forefront of India’s steel growth story. OSPA will be a strong, constructive voice for the steel industry, aligned with Odisha’s long-term growth ambitions. We will work closely with the Government and stakeholders to create an enabling ecosystem for responsible and inclusive industrial growth in the state”.
OSPA has also selected SK Popli, IFS (Retd) as its Secretary General. Popli, former officer of the Indian Forest Service, has held several key leadership positions in government, contributing significantly to natural resource management, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development initiatives.
Representatives of 15 leading steelmakers in Odisha — including Jindal Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Stainless, AMNS, Rungta Mines, Narbheram Steel, MGM Steel, Aarti Steel and Essar Steel — were present in the meeting, signalling industry-wide alignment amid rapid capacity expansion and inclusive industry led development.
Member companies agreed to nominate their representatives for the Apex Committee and sub-committees within the next few days. It was also decided that companies would submit their key operational and policy issues for collective consideration in the interest of the State.
The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association aims to serve as a unified platform for the steel industry in the state, facilitating collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and constructive dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders at large.
With Odisha accounting for over 50% of India’s iron ore production and rapidly expanding its steel manufacturing capacity, OSPA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the sector.
