Steel Ministry mandates sector-wide data reporting under new policy push, penalties for non-compliance

Last week, the Steel Ministry issued a notification based on the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 whereby it mandated comprehensive data collection from the iron and steel sector
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ANINDITO MUKHERJEE

India’s Steel Ministry is seeking detailed market information – from mills and other producers, exporters/importers and other participants – to implement more data-driven policy interventions.

The directive targets a broad swath of informants—producers, traders, exporters, importers, and industry associations—tasking them with providing detailed statistics on prices, production, installed capacity, inventory, input consumption, exports, imports, sales, logistics, infrastructure, and even the social and environmental impacts of steel production.

“Statistics relating to prices, production, installed capacity, inventory, consumption of inputs, exports, imports, sales, logistics, infrastructure and any other economic, social, environmental aspects of iron and steel production or manufacturing shall be as per the requirement of the Ministry for the purpose of analysis, monitoring, policy formulation and publication of data,” the notification specified.

Last week, the Ministry issued a notification based on the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 whereby it mandated comprehensive data collection from the iron and steel sector.

This move, superseding a prior directive from June 2024, signals the government’s intensified focus on harnessing data to shape policy, monitor performance, and drive economic growth.

“It is basically legitimising data collection on Steel mainly by the Joint Plant Committee, a Ministry body,” said an official.

A notice shall be issued by the statistics officer to informants, indicating therein the date by which, and the format and the manner in which, the information is required to be furnished including submission of information in electronic form, it has been specified.

Standardisation likely

Over the year, JPC data reporting patterns have changed. For instance port related import and export data have been discontinued.

Also in view of ongoing imposition of CBAM, and mills adopting greener steel-making processes, there has been a need to bring-in more specific data collection requirements.

At the helm of this operation is the Statistics Division of the Ministry of Steel, with the Deputy Director in New Delhi designated as both the statistics and adjudicating officer.

Oversight extends to the Deputy Director General, who serves as the appellate authority, ensuring accountability.

The Joint Plant Committee in Kolkata, a long-standing industry body, acts as the primary agency, coordinating data collection and ensuring compliance.

Prescribed format

Informants must submit data in prescribed formats, often in English – it specifically mentions, at intervals specified by the statistics officer—daily, monthly, or annually, depending on the metric.

Authorised inspectors will verify submissions, scrutinise business records, and seek clarifications on-site.

In fact the notification refers to Collection of Statistics Rules, 2024 too, which actually lays downs stringent penalties for non-compliance.

Individuals or entities failing to produce books of account, vouchers, documents, or other business records, or neglecting or refusing to provide required particulars in information schedules, returns, or inquiries, are liable to a penalty of ₹1 lakh, up from the previous penalty of ₹5,000. Subsequent convictions for this or any other contravention under the Act or Rules, or any other requirement imposed under the Act, could lead to penalties extending to ₹5,000 per day for each day the contravention continues.

This initiative reflects a broader global trend: governments leveraging data to navigate complex economic landscapes.

For India, where steel is a backbone of development, the stakes are high. The data will fuel policy formulation, optimise resource allocation, and enhance environmental sustainability—critical as the nation balances growth with green commitments.

Yet, challenges loom.

Small-scale producers may struggle with compliance costs, and data accuracy hinges on robust verification.