Is the government plans to privatize more PSU companies in this fiscal year?

The government is still well short of the divestment target for the year of Rs.175,000 crore even after considering LIC IPO and BPCL sale. Hence, government may invite financial bids to privatise 5-6 public sector undertakings between Dec-21 and Jan-22. The nodal divesting agency, DIPAM, is keen to close all these transactions in the current fiscal year itself.

If successful, this will mark the first such privatization after 19 years. The five PSUs that DIPAM proposes to privatize include BEML, Shipping Corporation of India, Pawan Hans, Central Electronics and Nilachal Ispat. This will be over and above the proposed privatization of BPCL, where the government plans to sell its 52.38% stake. The BPCL sale is currently undergoing due diligence.