The Odisha government has decided to form a task force, headed by the chief secretary, for setting up a mega steel plant in Keonjhar, the home district of the chief minister, officials said.

The decision was taken during a meeting where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the industrial scenario in the state.

Though the Keonjhar district is abundant with raw materials like iron ore, power and water, the area does not have a steel plant.

Notably, Majhi hails from Keonjhar district and it is his priority to set up a major steel facility in the area, an official said.

The task force will be headed by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, which will expedite the process of holding talks with investors for the proposed steel plant in Keonjhar district.