Missing the mark: How will govt achieve divestment target for FY21

Among strategic sales, the government is already working on plans to divest Bharat Petroleum, Container Corporation, BEML, and Shipping Corporation

Even as 2020 was the best year for fundraising through the equity markets, it was a dismal one for the government's disinvestment plans. According to the data from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, only Rs 13,844 crore has been raised so far, against the target of Rs2.10 trillion for FY21.

Reduction in the government’s holding in 23 listed central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) to 75 per cent according to the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi’s) norms can contribute over Rs 18,000 crore towards the target, according to PRIME Database. Further, the government has also placed a