HomeNewsEconomyPolicyCabinet allows PSU boards to suggest disinvestment, closure of subsidiaries, units

Cabinet allows PSU boards to suggest disinvestment, closure of subsidiaries, units

As per the Cabinet decision, the Alternative Mechanism will review the process of disinvestment and closure of units undertaken by PSUs.

May 18, 2022 / 14:42 IST
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File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a Union Cabinet meeting. (Image: PIB)
File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing a Union Cabinet meeting. (Image: PIB)

The Union Cabinet on May 18 approved a proposal to allow the board of directors of public sector undertakings (PSU) to recommend and undertake the disinvestment or closure of their subsidiaries, units, or stakes in joint ventures (JV).

Until now, while the boards could make equity investments to set up financial JVs and wholly-owned subsidiaries and undertake mergers and acquisitions subject to certain conditions. They largely had no control over the disinvestment and closure of their subsidiaries, units, or JV stakes.

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"In line with the spirit of the new PSE (public sector enterprise) policy, 2021 to minimise the presence of government PSEs and for functional requirement, further delegation in this matter has been provided through this decision," the government said in a statement.

As per the public sector enterprises policy announced in 2021, central PSUs will maintain a minimal presence in four strategic sectors—atomic energy, space and defence; transport and telecommunications; power, petroleum, coal and other minerals; and banking insurance and financial services.
In other sectors, central PSUs will be privatised, merged, or considered for closure.

The cabinet on May 18 made the Alternative Mechanism responsible for reviewing the process of disinvestment and closure of units undertaken by PSUs.

The Alternative Mechanism comprises Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Moneycontrol News
first published: May 18, 2022 02:12 pm

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