e :
(a) whether it is a fact that the Union Government have planned to sell
out the profit earning unit of National Fertilizer Limited at Bathinda;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any measures have been taken to protect the interest of the
workers;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the number of workers and officers likely to be affected by this sale;
and
(f) the amount the Government is expecting by this sale?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS (DR. CHHATTRA PAL SINGH)
(a) to (e): As per policy of the Government to bring down its equity in the
non-strategic PSUs to 26% or lower, it has been decided to disinvest 51%
out of the GOI held equity of 97.64% in the National Fertilizers Limited
(NFL), which inter-alia also include its Bathinda Unit, to a strategic buyer
alongwith transfer of management control while fully protecting the interest
of the workers. The Government has also decided to offer upto 2% of the
shares of the company under ESPS out of its balance shareholding. The
total manpower strength of NFL as on 31.7.2003 is 5003.
(f): The price bids have not yet been invited.