New Delhi, December 23: The Cabinet on Thursday approved the introduction of “Maharatna” category for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
The CPSEs has to meet certain eligibility criteria to be considered for Maharatna status, a release issued by the government said.
All the existing Navratna public sector undertakings, which are listed on Indian stock exchange, with minimum prescribed public shareholding under SEBI regulations are eligible for the status.
Also the company must have an average annual turnover of more than Rs 25,000 crore during the last 3 years. Others conditions include: An average annual net worth of more than Rs 15,000 crore during the last 3 years, an average annual net profit after tax of more than Rs 5,000 crore during the last 3 years, should have significant global presence/international operations.
“The introduction of the above scheme will not entail any additional expenditure on the part of the government,” the release said.
Enhanced powers to Maharatna CPSEs
The Boards of Maharatna CPSEs in addition to exercising all powers to Navratna CPSEs, will exercise enhanced powers in the area of investment in joint ventures/subsidiaries and creation of below Board level posts.
The Boards of Maharatna CPSEs will have powers to make equity investment to establish financial joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries in India or abroad. These companies can undertake mergers & acquisitions, in India or abroad, subject to a ceiling of 15% of the net worth of the concerned CPSE in one project, limited to an absolute ceiling of Rs 5,000 crore (Rs.1000 crore for Navratna CPSEs).
The overall ceiling on such equity investments and mergers and acquisitions in all projects put together will not exceed 30% of the net worth of the concerned CPSEs. In addition, the Boards of Maharatna CPSEs will have powers to create below Board level posts up to E-9 level.
“The main objective of the Maharatna Scheme is to empower mega CPSEs to expand their operations and emerge as global giants,” the release said.
The Government had introduced the Navratna scheme, in 1977, to identify Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that had comparative advantages and to support them in their drive to become global giants. The current criteria for grant of Navratna status are size neutral. Over the years, some of the Navratna companies have grown very big and have considerably larger operations than their peers. It was felt that these CPSEs which are at the higher end of the Navratna category and have potential to become Indian Multinational Companies (MNCs), can be recognized as a separate class, i.e. ‘Maharatna’. The proposed higher category will act as an incentive for other Navratna companies, provide brand value and facilitate delegation of enhanced powers to CPSEs.
—-Agencies