Question : ECONOMY MEASURES IN PSUS

(a) whether the Government had issued instructions to all the Public Sector Undertakings under its control to effect economy in their operations;

(b) if so, the details of achievements made by the Public Sector Undertakings during the last two years;

(c) whether the Government are satisfied with the quantum of saving made by several major oil sector undertakings; and

(d) if not, the further steps taken to issue fresh guidelines/instructions to those PSUs stressing the need for more savings in non-plan expenditure?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) The net savings achieved during the period from October 1997 to September 1999 have been Rs.276.33 crores.

(c) & (d) The process of cost control measures to effect economy in operations of Public Sector Undertakings is a continuous one. As a result of these measures, the savings have increased. As the Oil Public Sector Undertakings are looking for new opportunities for business developments after the opening up of the oil sector, the expenditure has increased on exploring new opportunities, enhancing existing opportunities and for creation of infrastructure and new facilities in order to increase the market share. The Government have, however, again advised all Public Sector Undertakings to maximize savings in order to be cost-competitive.