Unprivileged Eyes On Downstream Aluminium

The versatile metal is anticipating prominence writes R K Jain - Sr. Vice President-Corporate Affairs, Jindal Aluminium Limited

- R K Jain

In everyday life, one finds aluminium being used in many applications, starting from consumer appliances, construction, automobiles, and packaging to space vehicles and more. As a versatile metal offering positive efficiency, safety, and durability, aluminium is not just the fastest growing metal but also brilliantly caters to present-day requirements and complex engineering demands. But unlike other worthy metals, the Indian downstream aluminium sector has long awaited its due or recognition. The lack of a policy framework has resulted in largescale imports of downstream aluminium at prices that domestic manufacturers cannot compete with.

Presently the downstream aluminium sector in India has around 2,500 players with a processing capacity of 3.9 million tonnes. It comprises both large and mid-size firms and a much more significant number of smaller and unorganised players. The industry has time and again voiced the need for a policy-driven focus by the government. The sector will primarily benefit from a policy that focuses on the entire spectrum and offers a level playing field.

Policy Recognition