| "We have conveyed this to the finance ministry. It is now up to that ministry to decide," Deb told reporters when asked to comment on the government's 10.24 per cent stake in Maruti that would be left after the current round of disinvestment. |
| The process of sale of 8 per cent of shares in the company by the government has reached a final stage. Tomorrow is the last day for submitting financial bids by public sector financial institutions for the stake. The bids are to be opened on January 12. |
| As many as 36 public sector financial institutions, banks and insurance companies, have submitted expressions of interest for the Maruti shares. |
| Deb did not say when the sale process would be completed. |
| "We will try to get over with the process as early as possible," he said adding that there was a sense of urgency to complete the sale so that funds could be raised for social sector programmes like Bharat Nirman. |
| Asked if the government intended to sell its minority stake in other PSUs during the current financial year, he said, "Some other PSUs are being discussed. They will be non-navratnas but profit-making companies. The government will disinvest a small percentage which does not affect its shareholding ratio". |
| The minister said the disinvestment department in the finance ministry would consult concerned ministries regarding the disinvestment of PSUs. |
| "Nothing will be thrust upon anybody," he said. |
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