The Hindu Business Line : `Profit-making PSUs will not be privatised'

THE State Government's policy thinking is more or less aligned with that of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government a the Centre vis-à-vis its stated opposition against privatisation of profit-making public sector undertakings.

The Industries Minister, Mr P.K. Kunhalikkutty, reiterated this in the State Assembly on Thursday while replying to questions. Even in the case of sick units, the State Government's declared intention is to try and revitalise them.

According to the Minister, the State Government has not taken a final decision on the recommendations put forward by the Enterprises Reforms Committee (ERC) set up with the specific purpose of examining the state of affairs in the various public sector units in the State. The ERC had suggested privatisation of 10 PSUs.

Replying to another question, Mr Kunhalikkutty said the Centre had promised that the fertiliser major Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) would be retailed in the public sector. The State Government would be willing to extend all possible assistance to the Centre in this regard.

On Transformers and Electricals Kerala Ltd (Telk), a State Government undertaking, Mr Kunhalikkutty said the company would need to tie up with a private sector partner if only to acclimatise itself with modern technology. This was sought to be achieved through support and cooperation of the employees. In any case, the company would continue to function in the public sector.

Help to farmers: The Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, told the House that the State Government was willing to go to any extent in protecting the interests of the farmers ravaged both by successive natural calamities and a severe financial crisis.

Replying to a Calling Attention motion, Mr Antony said the State Government had already requested the Centre to write off farm loans of up to Rs 50,000.

The issue had also been raised at the State-Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC) meeting held here the other day. Apart from this, the State Government had volunteered to declare a one-year moratorium on farm loans and reschedule and restructure existing loan commitments.

Revenue recoveries up: The Revenue Minister, Mr K.M. Mani, informed the House that revenue recoveries had gone up by 70 per cent and land revenue collections by 65 per cent during the last three years.

Five thousand employees of the Revenue Department were given special training at the Institute of Land Management with a view to improving their efficiency levels.

Functioning of the Survey Department received a boost with progressive computerisation. A new school would be set up this year for giving advanced training to employees of the department.

All village offices functioning from own buildings would be networked. Only 68 out of the 1453 village offices did not have own buildings.

The Minister, who also looks after the Housing portfolio, announced a series of schemes for the weaker sections of the society.

More Stories on : PSU | Disinvestment | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page