Detailed Summary
Privatisation refers to the transfer of ownership or management of state enterprises from the government to the private sector. This process can occur either through the complete withdrawal of the government from public sector companies or through outright sale of these entities to private investors. The primary objectives of privatisation include improving financial discipline, facilitating modernisation, and optimising the performance of public sector units (PSUs) by leveraging private expertise and capital.
The Indian government has implemented a strategy known as disinvestment, where it sells a part of the equity of state-owned enterprises to the public, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of these entities. This process has included granting special statuses to certain PSUs, categorizing them as 'maharatnas', 'navratnas', and 'miniratnas' based on their performance. This status allows them greater autonomy and operational freedom, encouraging better performance within a liberalized market environment.
Ongoing debates around privatisation suggest it can lead to greater foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow while also raising concerns regarding job security and equity in employment opportunities. The chapter ends with a reflection on the challenges facing privatised entities and the implications of such reforms on broader economic conditions.