Autonomy package for ‘navaratnas’ being finalised
The nine Central public sector enterprises which have been identified as ‘navaratnas’ for the grant of special privileges to help them emerge as ‘global giants’ are being freed from the Public Investment Board and other such mandatory approvals in respect of their investment programmes. A comprehensive note prepared by the Ministry of Industry for approval by the Cabinet has also suggested the grant of “functional, financial, managerial and commercial” autonomy to these enterprises to help them chart out their path in the competitive global environment.
A-I talks with SI A fail
The much awaited talks between Air- India and Singapore Airlines (SIA) for a possible commercial alliance have broken down today. Airline sources in Singapore told Business Line that the two sides failed to find a meeting ground on certain issues. Fresh from its success with Air France, A-I had been seeking access to destinations in the Far East and Asia-Pacific through a code share or block space arrangement with Singapore Airlines, which has a strong presence in these regions.
Centre to launch economic census
The Centre plans to launch an economic census towards the end of the year, which will, among others, look into whether economic reforms have led to any significant increase in the ‘informal’ sector’s share in the economy. The census, the fourth in the series to be undertaken by the Department of Statistics, is expected to shed some light on the precise links between liberalisation and growth in informal sector activities. The issue assumes importance especially in the light of allegations that the reforms have caused increased “casualisation” of the labour force.