Visakhapatnam Steel Plant CMD Sets Three-Month Revival Target

M N V S Prabhakar, the newly appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, has set an ambitious target to bring the plant back to stable operations within three months.

Soon after assuming office, Mr. Prabhakar held meetings with officials and department heads and announced a series of strict measures to improve productivity, discipline and operational efficiency at the plant.

Declaring that he was prepared to work up to 18 hours a day during the revival phase, the CMD urged employees to display greater commitment and suggested 12-hour work shifts to accelerate recovery efforts.

He clarified that the proposed measures should not be viewed as harassment, but as necessary steps to strengthen the plant and improve performance.

As part of the new monitoring system, Mr. Prabhakar directed department heads to sanction leave only in cases of illness. He also announced daily review meetings at 6 a.m., 3.30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to assess operations and resolve issues without delay.

The CMD also focused on the functioning of contract agencies operating inside the steel plant. Referring to the removal of more than 5,000 contract workers last year, he said several departments were still relying on outsourced agencies for manpower.

Expressing concern over workers gathering near the main gate before the end of duty hours, Mr. Prabhakar instructed employees to remain in their respective departments until shifts concluded. He further ordered closure of the main gate at 8.45 a.m. and directed all workers to report by 8.30 a.m.

Mr. Prabhakar also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of nearly 2,000 contract workers and asked department heads to review their work and take suitable action wherever required.

Warning against negligence and indiscipline, the CMD said personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force would carry out regular inspections and strict action would follow any lapses or violations.