Steel Advisory Board

The Steel Advisory Board is the strategic think‑tank of the Steel Consumer Forum (SCF), created to guide policy, provide expert recommendations and align the interests of steel consumers, industry and government. It works to ensure that decisions on steel supply, quality, pricing and sustainability reflect real‑world ground realities and long‑term national priorities.

Purpose and Role

The core purpose of the Steel Advisory Board is to provide structured, expert advice on all major issues affecting India’s iron and steel value chain.​

Key roles include:

  • Advising on supply, availability, quality and market trends of iron and steel at the national level.​

  • Recommending measures to protect steel consumers from unfair practices, supply shocks and quality risks.​

  • Supporting SCF’s mission to de‑risk, digitize, decarbonize and globalize the sector while keeping it consumer‑centric.

Through periodic meetings and consultations, the Board converts industry and consumer feedback into actionable guidance for SCF and relevant authorities.​

Composition and Expertise

The Steel Advisory Board brings together experienced stakeholders from across the ecosystem.

It typically includes:

  • Representatives of steel consumers (infrastructure, construction, MSMEs, engineering, automotive and other user sectors)

  • Representatives of producers, traders and logistics providers

  • Experts in metallurgy, standards, environment, digitalisation and finance

  • Legal and policy specialists familiar with consumer protection and industrial regulation

This mix ensures that the Board’s advice balances consumer interests, industrial viability and regulatory requirements.

Key Functions of the Steel Advisory Board​

The Steel Advisory Board focuses on a few high‑impact functional areas.​

  • Policy and Regulation Advice

    • Recommends policy measures on pricing, import/export, standards and domestic preference that affect consumers and industry.

    • Suggests reforms to strengthen quality control, prevent substandard steel and support fair trade.

  • Market, Demand and Logistics Insight

    • Reviews demand–supply trends, regional imbalances and sector‑wise needs.

    • Advises on improving logistics, reducing bottlenecks and lowering hidden costs that impact end‑users.​

  • Quality, Safety and Sustainability Guidance

    • Works closely with bodies like the Iron & Steel Assessment Board to upgrade quality and safety benchmarks.

    • Encourages adoption of low‑emission, resource‑efficient practices and alignment with global sustainability expectations.

  • Consumer Protection and Grievance Insights

    • Analyses patterns in consumer complaints, disputes and legal issues flagged through SCF mechanisms.​

    • Recommends systemic fixes and awareness campaigns to reduce recurrence of such issues.

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Interface with National Committee and State Bodies

The Steel Advisory Board works closely with the Steel Consumer National Committee and State Executive Committees.

It:

  • Submits recommendations that shape national strategy, standards, and priority action areas.

  • Provides guidance to state bodies on emerging risks, best practices and sector‑specific opportunities.

  • Acts as a continuous feedback channel between industry/user segments and SCF’s decision‑making structures.​

By playing this connector role, the Board helps ensure that SCF’s policies are practical, forward‑looking and firmly rooted in on‑ground realities for steel consumers across India.