The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri NarendraModi has given approval for partial modification of the CCEA’s decision dated October, 2016 by allowing all eligible Central Public Sector Enterprises (EPSEs) and private sector entities to participate in the bidding for the strategic disinvestment of Engineering Projects (India) Limited (EPIL).

Earlier CCEA in its meeting held on October, 2016had given in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment of 100% shareholding of Government of India in EPIL through merger with a similarly placed CPSE. The modification would promote competition in the bidding process and may result in higher yield to the Government of India.

Impact:

The proposed strategic disinvestment of EPIL would unlock resources to be used to finance the social sector/developmental programmes of the Government benefiting the public. It is also expected that the successful strategic buyer will bring in funds, technology or/and new management practices for the optimum development of business and growth of the company, which may generate more employment opportunities.

Strategic disinvestment broadened to allow all eligible public and private bidders, aiming to boost competition and yield. Approval is granted for a partial modification to the CCEA decision on strategic disinvestment of Engineering Projects (India) Limited by allowing all eligible Central Public Sector Enterprises and private sector entities to participate in bidding, replacing the earlier plan of merger with a similarly placed CPSE to broaden competition and potentially increase yield to the Government.