With reference to the editorial, "Reforming the public sector" (August 18), as there is a political angle to the issue, reform is easier said than done.
In the past, governments have interfered with the day-to-day operations of public sector undertakings (PSU). Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, there has been real change in the way several of PSUs are functioning or how they are being held accountable.
But yes, if divestment in companies is delayed in the way it was in the case of IDBI, it's the government's coffers that will keep bleeding for no fault of the exchequer.
The government should not become emotional or sensitive about sick companies. It should allow for their privatisation and let them be run professionally. The government also needs to re-evaluate its strategy, for example, with respect to Air India: whether it needs to be present in the aviation sector through the state-owned carrier, or let it be run by a private company. These are difficult questions the government will have to answer.
Bal Govind Noida
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