“Steel is not what we make rather we are the Steel and we have Steely Resolve” says Mr. Alok Verma DIC to RSP collective
A grand ceremony was organised on 1st April, 2025 to mark the Annual Performance Review and Award function of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP). Mr. Alok Verma, Director In-Charge (DIC), RSP presided over the function organised at Gopabandhu Auditorium of the Learning and Development Department. Mr. Tarun Misra, ED (HR), Mr. Biswaranjan Palai, ED (Works), Mr. Anil Kumar, ED (MM), Mr. M P Singh, ED (Mines) and Mr. Sudip Pal Chowdhury, ED (Projects) were present on the dais. Chief General Managers and a huge number of senior officers and employees of the Plant were present on the occasion. Notably, the mega annual event held at the beginning of a New Financial Year, every year celebrates the accomplishments of the Steel Plant in the previous fiscal, felicitates the individual employees and Departments for their contributions and firms up the targets for the new financial.
Extending warm wishes to all on the occasion of Odisha Diwas, the Director In-Charge encouraged the RSP collective to set new benchmarks and make the plant’s flag fly higher among the major steelmakers in the country. Speaking on the prevailing market conditions, the DIC acknowledged the challenges posed by the declining Net Sales Realization (NSR), which has impacted the steel business across the country. “We cannot change the global market trends, but we can certainly refine our internal efficiencies. The focus should be on improving operational efficiency, cutting down costs, and minimizing wasteful expenditures to remain competitive in the industry,” he emphasized.
Mr. Verma commended every department and production unit for their relentless pursuit of excellence, unique approaches, and innovative strides in enhancing productivity. He specifically appreciated the significant contributions of female employees in major departments, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in shaping the plant’s success. The DIC also touched upon key strategic aspects, including the execution of upcoming projects, refining contract management, and optimizing resource allocation. He stressed the importance of fostering resourcefulness in every activity to ensure sustainable growth and competitiveness.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Verma urged the workforce to set clear milestones and follow a structured path toward achieving them. “If you want to move forward and bring about meaningful change, take the first step today,” he said, inspiring the RSP team to remain proactive and committed to excellence.
Earlier, the DIC accompanied by the dignitaries lighted the ceremonial lamp and inaugurated the programme. The programme commenced with the mellifluous rendition of ‘Bande Utkal Janani’ by a team of employees led by Mr. Jyotirmaya Acharya.
Mr. Palai made an elaborate presentation on the performance of the plant in 2024-25 and highlighted the commendable achievements of RSP in several areas. He also outlined the targets for the 2025-26 financial year. Mr. M P Singh presented the performance and achievements of Odisha Group of Mines in 2024-25 and the set targets for the new fiscal.
The Director In-Charge along with other dignitaries presented around 100 awards to more than 300 employees for individual as well as departmental achievements. The New Plate Mill Department bagged the Champion of the Year Trophy for its stupendous performance while Sintering Plant – III was the Runners Up.
Mr. Alok Verma also released the Annual Business Plan booklet. Mr. Ramakrushna Patra, CGM (Quality) & Chairman (Organising Committees) welcomed the gathering, while Mr. P K Sahoo, CGM (HR-L&D) proposed a formal vote of thanks. Mr. Shams Gazali, Deputy Manager (SPP) and Ms. Prangya P Nath, Assistant Manager (Safety) anchored the event.
