Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA), a newly-formed industry body representing leading steel companies in the state, has unanimously elected former IAS officer Asit Tripathy as its president.

Tripathy, a former Chief Secretary in Odisha, is now serving as advisor at Jindal Steel. He has decades of experience in governance, policy, and industrial development.

Tripathy’s election as the President of OSPA is widely seen as a significant step towards strengthening industry-government collaboration and advancing Odisha’s position as a leading steel hub in India.

Welcoming his appointment, members of OSPA expressed confidence in Tripathy’s leadership, noting that his deep understanding of public policy, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure development will be instrumental in guiding the association.

“Odisha is at the forefront of India’s steel growth story. The OSPA will be a strong, constructive voice for the steel industry, aligned with Odisha’s long-term growth ambitions. We will work closely with the government and stakeholders to create an enabling ecosystem for responsible and inclusive industrial growth in the state,” Tripathy said.

Retired IFS SK Popli elected as Secretary General

The association has also selected SK Popli, IFS (Retd), as Secretary General. Popli, former officer of the Indian Forest Service, has held several key leadership positions in government, contributing significantly to natural resource management, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development initiatives.

Representatives of 15 leading steelmakers in Odisha — including Jindal Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Stainless, AMNS, Rungta Mines, Narbheram Steel, MGM Steel, Aarti Steel and Essar Steel — were present in the meeting, signaling industry-wide alignment amid rapid capacity expansion and inclusive industry led development.

Member companies agreed to nominate their representatives for the apex committee and sub-committees within the next few days. It was also decided that companies would submit their key operational and policy issues for collective consideration in the interest of the state.

The Odisha Steel Producers’ Association aims to serve as a unified platform for the steel industry in the state, facilitating collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and constructive dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders at a large. With Odisha accounting for over 50 per cent of India’s iron ore production and rapidly expanding its steel manufacturing capacity, the OSPA is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of the sector.