NEW DELHI (India CSR): A total of 171 operating Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) reported net profits in the financial year 2019-20, according to the latest information shared by the Government of India in Parliament.
The information was provided by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr. Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the performance of profit-making public sector enterprises across categories such as Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna companies.
Strong Presence of Profit-Making CPSEs
Responding to a question in the lower house, the Minister informed that 171 operating CPSEs recorded net profit during FY 2019-20, reflecting the continued contribution of public sector enterprises to the Indian economy.
Central Public Sector Enterprises play a crucial role in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mining, engineering, shipping, and aviation, and remain key drivers of government revenue and national development.
Current Classification of CPSEs
Providing further details on the structure of public sector enterprises, Dr. Karad stated that the Government currently recognizes:
- 10 Maharatna CPSEs
- 14 Navratna CPSEs
- 73 Miniratna CPSEs
These classifications are granted based on financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic importance. They provide companies with greater autonomy in investment and decision-making, enabling them to expand operations and compete globally.
Strategic Disinvestment Plans Announced
The Minister also referred to the Union Budget 2021-22, which proposed strategic disinvestment of several major CPSEs as part of the government’s broader economic reforms and asset monetization strategy.
The proposed disinvestment plans included:
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) – a Maharatna CPSE
- Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) – a Navratna CPSE
- Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR) – a Navratna CPSE
- BEML Limited – a Miniratna CPSE
- Pawan Hans Limited – a Miniratna CPSE
The government had announced these strategic sales to unlock value, improve efficiency, and enhance private sector participation in key sectors of the economy.
Role of CPSEs in the Indian Economy
CPSEs continue to remain an important pillar of India’s economic framework. With hundreds of enterprises operating across diverse sectors, they contribute significantly through employment generation, infrastructure development, and revenue to the national exchequer.
The disclosure in Parliament highlights the financial resilience of a large number of public sector enterprises, even as the government pursues reforms through selective disinvestment and restructuring.
(India CSR)
