In a significant policy shift, the Centre has postponed the privatisation of two public sector banks (PSBs), according to sources. This decision comes amidst indications that the government is reassessing its approach to merging PSBs in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25). The disinvestment pipeline, as per sources, will be influenced by the prevailing market conditions.
Government Strategy on Divestment
Earlier on Wednesday, Finance Secretary TV Somanathan stated that the government will avoid pre-announcing its divestment plans for FY25 to ensure the optimal valuation of public companies. The Union Budget, for the second consecutive year, omitted any mention of ‘disinvestment’, highlighting the Modi 3.0 Government’s focus on enhancing the value of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) rather than reducing its equity holdings.
Disinvestment Targets and Budget Allocation
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has set a disinvestment target of Rs 50,000 crore for 2024-25. However, the Interim Budget presented in February revised the disinvestment estimate for 2023-24 down to Rs 30,000 crore. The Interim Budget for FY2025 included a general category named ‘Miscellaneous Capital Receipts’ under capital receipts, which did not specifically mention ‘disinvestment’. This category comprises receipts from managing equity investments and public assets through various mechanisms.
Asset Monetization Focus
The government aims to generate Rs 50,000 crore from disinvestment and asset monetization in the current fiscal year, according to DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey. At a press conference following the Union Budget presentation, Pandey emphasized, “Our focus is on value creation.” This Rs 50,000 crore target under ‘Miscellaneous Capital Receipts’ encompasses various types of receipts, including disinvestment and asset monetization.
Market Analysis and Reports
In a pre-Budget report, SBI Research suggested that the government should establish a clear policy on PSB disinvestment. The report stressed the importance of a concrete roadmap to attract capital and boost confidence in financial institutions. Additionally, a recent report from CareEdge Ratings highlighted a substantial disinvestment capacity of approximately Rs 11.5 trillion, based on current market capitalizations. This figure assumes the government maintains a minimum 51 percent stake in the public enterprises.
Conclusion
The decision to stay the privatisation of PSBs reflects the government’s strategic shift towards maximizing the value of its public sector enterprises rather than immediate divestment. With a significant disinvestment target and a focus on market conditions, the Centre’s approach aims to balance fiscal goals with market stability and investor confidence.
