Steel is the backbone of all industries and the basic ingredient for growth and development of a country. Traditionally, the fortunes of the steel industry have been linked to the economic cycle of the country. Per capita consumption of steel speaks volumes about the relative position of the country on the development frontier.

In India, the per capita consumption of steel stands at 27.4 kg compared to 87 kg in China and a whopping 121 kg as the world average in the year 2000 - 2001. Use of steel in large steel consuming sectors like construction is quite low in India in comparison to developed and developing countries. Moreover, steel is also completely recyclable and thus environment-friendly. Hence, a large potential exists in furthering the usage of steel in various segments.

With this view in mind, major steel producers of the nation along with the Government of India have promoted and established the Institute for Steel Development and Growth (INSDAG) at Calcutta. The Institute is registered as a "Society" in West Bengal, with its registered office at Ispat Bhavan, 40 Chowringhee Road, Kolkata 700 071. The Institute is a member-based non-profit making organisation. Its operating office is at Ispat Niketan, 52/1A, Ballygunge Circular Road, kolkata 700 019

INSDAG strives to expand the use of steel in the residential, commercial, infrastructure, industrial and rural segments of the construction industry. However, shortly it will also cover automotive, power, rail and road transportation and irrigation segments. In doing so, INSDAG organises a series of seminars and workshops which act as a platform for all connected to the steel value chain - architects, consultants, structural engineers, steel producers, cost consultants, contractors, fabricators, hardware suppliers, government agencies, specifiers etc. These seminars and workshops are not only the forum for addressing the best practices in steel usage but also focus on identifying the constraints in the usage of steel and removing the impediments. Members are entitled to participate in these programmes at a discounted fee.