The government is always on the look out for getting funds out of PSUs, in addition trying the PSUs to become loss making. Air India is one special example for the above. BSNL, which had more than Rs. 35,000 crore cash balance has been made a loss making company within 5 to 6 years. This policy is being implemented in other PSUs also.

There are more than two dozen companies which together have a cash surplus of more than Rs. 1,80,000 crore like ONGC, HPCL, BPCL, CIL etc. In addition to disinvestment, the government is trying to get the cash surplus to be reduced and get it for the government. One proposal is to direct the PSUs to buy back the shares. The government is trying other strategies also.

Government is seriously considering all options. The trade unions should be alert and vigilant to foil such anti-PSU plans.