Suggesting a major shift in functioning of the state-owned firms,Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Praful Patel wonders whether PSUs should continue with businesses,ranging from salt to scooters. "Within the Ministry of Heavy Industry somebody (public sector unit) is making tea,somebody is making salt and somebody scooter. Should we continue with this business or we should go for paradigm shift?" Patel queried in an interview. Asserting he was happy with his new portfolio after elevation to the Cabinet rank,Patel said there was also a case for privatising the companies which have remained closed. "There is absolute case for such companies(closed ones) to be privatised." Pitching for greater flexibility and operational freedom for the PSUs,Patel said his ministry would be framing new set of rules in the near future. "Within a span of six months to one year we have to come out with a new guideline," he said. The minister said if the PSUs have to face global competition,they must be given more flexibility. "If you were to regulate them with the old theory,policies,they will have more difficulty in future to live up to international challenges," Patel said. Asked whether he enjoys the support of the Prime Minister for his plan,he said,"The Prime Minister has given this responsibility (of the new ministry) and I am sure he expects me to come up with fresh ideas". Discussing about his previous assignment as Civil Aviation Minister for seven years,Patel said he always maintained that an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for Air India must be explored. About the problems in the merger of the Indian Airlines and Air India,he said,it was well intentioned but was "not well implemented." Placing responsibility for the problems related to merger with the Air India management,he disagreed that he should also take the blame. "No,you are stretching it too far," he said.
