Steel is an important indicator to analyze the economic development of a country. The steel industry is highly scientific and technology oriented. Technological advancement is very important for the overall health of the steel industry.
Indian Steel Industry
During Ancient Period
The history of iron and steel making in India goes back by several centuries. It dates to 480 BC when archers in India used arrows tipped with steel. The iron pillar of Dhar near Indore in Madhya Pradesh dates back to about 321 AD, the iron pillar of Kutab Minar near Delhi dates back to about 400 AD and the iron beams of Sun temple of Konark in Orissa dates back to 13th century. These pillars are a testimony to ancient India's expertise in the making of steel.
Before Independence
The roots of the Indian Steel industry in modern times can be traced to the year 1874, when a company called Bengal Iron works at Kulti near Asansol in West Bengal produced iron. One of the most important landmarks in the history of Indian steel industry was the commencement of the Tata Iron and Steel Company at Jamshedpur in the state of Bihar in 1907.The other prominent steel manufacturers before independence were Indian Iron and Steel Company (1922),Mysore Iron and Steel Works(1923) and Steel Corporation of Bengal (1937).
After Independence
India found it difficult to sustain development in steel sector after independence on its own due to the lack of technological development. The high cost of developing technology in this sector proved to be a major hindrance. That's when the government decided to go for synergy with other countries for technology transfer. Some of the prominent steel plant set up then was in Rourkela in collaboration with West Germany and in Bokaro in collaboration with Russia. These steel plants came under the purview of public sector enterprises.
Post Liberalization
The post liberalization scenario in the Indian Steel industry has witnessed a monumental shift. Some of the salient features are:
