Consensus needed for Posco project: Pradhan

Noting that lack of cohesion among stake holders delayed the proposed mega steel plant by Posco in Odisha, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today said a consensus was needed for implementation of the country's largest FDI project.
"Everyone wants Posco. Odisha government wants it as also some people in the society. However, some people opposed it and triggered confusion by giving it a different colour and the country's largest FDI is yet to materialise so far," Pradhan said.
It is necessary to arrive at a consensus among different sections in the society to pave way for setting up of the Rs 52,000 crore mega steel project near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district, he said.

The union minister was speaking after inaugurating third national exhibition-cum-seminar organised by Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (UCCI) here, showcasing the growth of trade and industry in Odisha.
Stating that Odisha has the potential to become the logistic hub of the country, he said the state government and the Centre should make efforts in this direction.
On 'Make in India' campaign by the NDA government, he said unlike states Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh and North-East, Odisha is a natural place due to its natural resources, hard working and reliable people for which there needs to be a consensus.

"These are state's USP and for this 3 C - clarity, consistency and certainity (in policy making) is needed", he said.

Pradhan said Odisha is the only state with potential for setting up an ultra mega power project and could earn Rs 10,000 to 15,000 crore annually from these projects.
Odisha can be described a natural choice for setting up of one of the UMPPs proposed by the Centre, he said.
The primary objective of the five-day expo was to provide an effective platform to member companies and other corporate entities, banks, financial institutions and PSUs to showcase their products, services, technologies and schemes.

The valedictory ceremony is likely to be graced by Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.