BHEL, GAIL may get Maharatna status soon

Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Praful Patel said his ministry is is considering granting Maharatna status to BHEL and GAIL.

The status of 'Maharatna' will provide greater financial and operational freedom to public sector companies.

"I have no hesitation in saying that companies like Bhel and Gail were looked at closely and in the days to come we will go to the Cabinet to seek further freedom (by seeking Maharatna status for them)," Patel said.

He was speaking at a function jointly organised by the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE).

"There is definitely a move within the ministry to see that more companies are brought into the ambit of Maharatna status", he added.

At present, there are five Maharatna companies – ONGC, Indian Oil, SAIL, NTPC and CIL-- and 15 Navratna companies, including BHEL, GAIL and NMDC.

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