In which year did the government no fy the New Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Policy for Atma Nirbhar Bharat, that provides overall guidance on strategic disinvestment, and intends to minimise the presence of Government in PSEs across all sectors of economy?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (B) 2021

• The Government of India notified the New Public Sector Enterprise (PSE) Policy in 2021 as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Initiative).

• The policy provides a clear framework for strategic disinvestment and aims to minimise the presence of the Government in PSEs across all sectors, including non-strategic sectors.

• The objective is to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and professionalism in public sector undertakings by encouraging private sector participation.

• The policy was announced in the Union Budget 2021–22 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

• It classifies PSEs into:

  • Strategic sectors: Where a "bare minimum" presence of PSEs will be maintained.

  • Non-strategic sectors: Where PSEs will be privatised or closed.

• Strategic sectors include:

  • Atomic energy, space & defence

  • Transport & telecommunications

  • Power, petroleum, coal & other minerals

  • Banking, insurance & financial services

• The policy is aligned with the Disinvestment & Privatisation roadmap of the Government.

• The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the disinvestment strategy.

• The new PSE Policy complements other major reforms like the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) and Asset Monetisation Programme.

• The goal is to create a more dynamic and private sector-led economy, reducing the financial burden of loss-making PSEs.

• Major examples of strategic disinvestment post-2021 include Air India, LIC IPO, and announcements related to BPCL and Shipping Corporation of India.