rch 21, 2002

    The power plants of Durgapur, and Rourkela Steel Plants of the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) have been converted into joint venture companies in the year 2000-01 with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The power plant of the Bokaro Steel Plant was converted into a joint venture during 2001-02 with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The total capital gains to SAIL from these sales works out to Rs.647 crore.

    The amount so mobilised by SAIL from the disinvestment of these power plants has been utilised for meeting operation requirements, including debt servicing. The joint ventures were formed in pursuance of the business and financial restructuring of SAIL.

    This information was given by the Minister for Steel Shri B.K.Tripathy in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.