Privatisation

Employees of the Chandigarh Electricity Department called for a three-day strike, starting from February 23. The protest is against the Union Territory Government, which had announced a "power privatisation". Opposing the same, the strike has been organised, resulting in a power outage in Punjab's Capital. Reportedly, elderly people and kids are suffering as there is no electricity. The protestors demanded a solution for the issue.

The Centre may include the Central Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank in the next round of privatisation, as per the government sources. Reportedly, the two banks have been suggested by the NITI Aayog, and they are being analysed by the disinvestment and financial services departments. The sources added that "the timeline [for the privatisation of state-run banks] will depend on the legislative changes required."

The Centre is planning to divest its shares in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad airports. Besides these, under the asset monetization pipeline, the government has planned to divest 13 more airports in 2020-21. The Civil Aviation Ministry will soon apply for the approval in this regard before the Cabinet. Earlier, Adani group acquired six airports in the first disinvestment round. The government is targetting Rs 1.75 lakh crore from… read-more

CM Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government will start an anti-tobacco drive across all colleges and universities in the state from January 26. While painting anti-smoking slogans, the government would place volunteers near school displaying motivational messages. The recent orders ask every educational institution to place ‘Tobacco-free area’ sign outside the building and ‘Tobacco-Free Educational Institution’ within the premises. Earlier… read-more

The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) stated that the deadline for bidding the state-owned stakes of Bharat Petroleum has been extended till November 16. The extension came after interested bidders sought more time. Reportedly, this is the fourth time the deadline has been changed since May. Earlier, in November 2019, the Government had decided to sell its 52.98% stake in Bharat Petroleum to privatise the firm.