Recently, NITI Aayog, the apex planning body in the country, has given a reform roadmap for state-owned units. Reportedly, NITI Aayog has recommended winding up of 26 loss making public sector units (PSUs) as soon as possible. Further, it has also suggested searching for strategic buyers for some companies like Cement Corporation of India (CCI) and Air India.
Positive news indeed, as these companies are surviving on the hard earned money of the taxpayers. For instance, the Union Budget 2016-17 allocated Rs 250 billion to recapitalize the public sector banks. Further, the government has already poured up to Rs 222.8 billion to keep Air India running. Now, where does this money come from? From us who are burdened with indirect as well as direct taxes.
In certain cases the government is planning to revive some of the public sector units and then go for stake sale in order to fetch a better value. However, in this process they are throwing good money after bad. Vivek Kaul recently wrote an article stating how it is impossible to turnaround companies like Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd (MTNL). Here is his take on the same:
The other example is Air India which has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 346.8 billion between 2010-11 and 2015-16. There has been many times wherein the government has re-capitalized Air India. However, all the money has gone down the drain and the strategy has not worked. Hence, in most of the cases the restructuring has not worked and it's high time the government sells off the un-profitable ventures.
The sale of PSUs will surely attract agitation from the employee unions. However, India is at a stage wherein it cannot afford the unproductivity at public sector enterprises being subsidised by the government. Further, every rupee that goes towards sustaining these companies is taken away from something else. Hence, the decision to sell the PSUs needs to be taken sooner rather than later as the decision is inevitable.
For information on how to pick stocks that have the potential to deliver big returns, download our special report now!
Read the latest Market Commentary
Equitymaster requests your view! Post a comment on "Niti Aayog: Dispose Loss Making PSUs". Click here!
Comments are moderated by Equitymaster, in accordance with the Terms of Use, and may not appear
on this article until they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.
In the meantime, you may want to share this article with your friends!