India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
In the dynamic landscape of India’s Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), there exists a notable classification system that categorizes these entities based on their financial prowess, operational autonomy, and global footprint. Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna are the prominent categories that delineate the hierarchy among Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Understanding these distinctions is pivotal, especially for stakeholders, investors, and those aspiring to engage with these entities.
Table of Contents
Maharatna Companies: Pioneers of Autonomy and Influence
Maharatna CPSEs, a designation introduced in 2009, epitomize the zenith of the PSU hierarchy. With a mere 13 entities holding this prestigious title, Maharatna companies command substantial power, autonomy, and global influence. To qualify as a Maharatna CPSE, stringent criteria must be met:
- Financial Performance: An annual turnover of at least Rs. 25,000 crores, a net worth of Rs. 15,000 crores, and a net profit of Rs. 5,000 crores over the past three years are prerequisites.
- Global Operations: These entities must demonstrate a significant international presence, reflecting their global outreach and impact.
Operational autonomy is a hallmark of Maharatna CPSEs. They enjoy unparalleled freedom in decision-making, particularly regarding investments, joint ventures, and strategic expansions. With a board composition comprising functional and non-official directors, these companies operate as bastions of innovation and enterprise.
Navigating Navratna Companies: Empowering Growth and Autonomy
Navratna CPSEs, comprising 16 distinguished entities, represent a tier below Maharatna companies yet wield substantial influence and operational autonomy. To attain Navratna status, CPSEs must fulfill the following criteria:
- Financial Metrics: A minimum annual turnover of Rs. 6,000 crores, a net worth of Rs. 2,000 crores, and a net profit of Rs. 1,000 crores over the past three years.
- Operational Autonomy: Navratna CPSEs are empowered with significant operational freedom, allowing for strategic investments and expansion initiatives.
The composition of their boards, with a blend of functional and non-official directors, underscores a commitment to governance and excellence.
Miniratna CPSEs: Nurturing Potential with Moderate Autonomy
Within the spectrum of CPSEs, Miniratna entities are further classified into two categories, each with its distinct characteristics:
Miniratna Category-1
Miniratna Category-1 CPSEs, numbering 57, exemplify sustained profitability and positive net worth over the past three years. While they possess a moderate degree of operational autonomy, adherence to government guidelines remains imperative.
Miniratna Category-2
In contrast, Miniratna Category-2 CPSEs, numbering 11, display continuous profitability despite potentially grappling with a negative net worth. These entities, though subject to certain limitations and government oversight, contribute significantly to India’s economic landscape.
Unveiling the Titans: Maharatna, Navratna & Miniratna Companies
Maharatna CPSEs
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Coal India Limited
- GAIL India Limited
- Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL)
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
- NTPC Limited
- Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC)
- Power Finance Corporation
- Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
- Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC)
- Oil India Ltd
Navratna CPSEs
- Bharat Electronics Limited
- Container Corporation of India Limited
- Engineers India Limited
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL)
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
- National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC)
- Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLCIL)
- NMDC Limited
- Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)
- Shipping Corporation of India Limited
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- ONGC Videsh Ltd
- Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited
- IRCON International Limited
- RITES Limited
Miniratna I CPSEs
- Airports Authority of India
- Antrix Corporation Limited
- Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited
- Bharat Coking Coal Limited
- Bharat Dynamics Limited
- BEML Limited
- Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
- Braithwaite & Company Limited
- Bridge & Roof Company (India) Limited
- Central Warehousing Corporation
- Central Coalfields Limited
- Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited
- Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited
- Cochin Shipyard Limited
- Cotton Corporation of India Ltd.
- EdCIL (India) Limited
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited
- Goa Shipyard Limited
- Hindustan Copper Limited
- Hindustan Steelworks Construction Limited
- HLL Lifecare Limited
- Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited
- Housing & Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO)
- HSCC (India) Limited
- India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC)
- Indian Rare Earths Limited
- Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC)
- Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC)
- Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)
- India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO)
- KIOCL Limited
- Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
- Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
- MOIL Limited
- Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemical Limited (MRPL)
- Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited
- Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)
- MMTC Limited
- MSTC Limited
- National Fertilizers Limited (NFL)
- National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC)
- National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC)
- National Seeds Corporation
- NHPC Limited
- Northern Coalfields Limited
- North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO)
- Numaligarh Refinery Limited
- Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited
- Projects & Development India Limited (PDIL)
- Railtel Corporation of India Limited
- SJVN Limited
- Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL)
- South Eastern Coalfields Limited
- Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL)
- THDC India Limited
- Western Coalfields Limited
- WAPCOS Limited
Miniratna II CPSEs
- Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India
- Bharat Pumps & Compressors Limited
- Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL)
- Engineering Projects (India) Limited
- FCI Aravali Gypsum & Minerals India Limited
- Ferro Scrap Nigam Limited
- HMT (International) Limited
- Indian Medicines & Pharmaceuticals Corporation Limited (IMPCL)
- MECON Limited
- National Film Development Corporation Limited (NFDC)
- Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Limited (REIL)
In summary, the categorization of Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna CPSEs underscores the multifaceted nature of India’s public sector. These entities, with their distinct characteristics and contributions, form the bedrock of the nation’s economic resilience and growth trajectory.