Steel Ministry launches skill development push; capacity seen at 300 million tonnes by 2030

The Ministry of Steel has taken a significant step towards strengthening India’s industrial workforce by launching skill development training programmes at the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology in Mandi Gobindgarh. The initiative is aimed at equipping ITI students and shop floor workers from the secondary steel sector with practical, industry-relevant skills that match evolving manufacturing requirements.

Speaking at the launch, Secretary Sandeep Poundrik highlighted the rapid growth trajectory of India’s steel industry, stating that production capacity is expected to rise from around 200 million tonnes to nearly 300 million tonnes by 2030. This expansion is set to unlock substantial employment opportunities across the value chain. He explained that every one million tonnes of steel production requires approximately 1,500 to 2,000 workers, indicating strong job creation potential as capacity increases.

However, the Secretary also pointed out a key challenge faced by the industry, which is the shortage of skilled manpower. He stressed the need to move beyond theoretical learning and focus more on hands-on training to ensure that students and workers are better prepared for real-world industrial demands. Industry associations have been encouraged to actively participate by sponsoring training courses under formal agreements with NISST.

The programme has already received encouraging support from industry stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to workforce development. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader vision of creating a skilled and future-ready workforce capable of supporting industrial growth and innovation.

In addition to the training launch, green steel certifications were awarded to select companies for adopting environmentally sustainable practices. This highlights the sector’s parallel focus on sustainability alongside capacity expansion, reinforcing India’s commitment to building a modern, efficient and environmentally responsible steel industry.