'Classify fertiliser sector as strategic'

A PARLIAMENTARY PANEL on fertilisers on disinvestment of PSUs has found the finance ministry's decision to classify the fertiliser sector as 'non-strategic' as 'incongruent' with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.

- SANDIP DAS

The standing committee on chemicals and fertilizers in its report tabled in Parliament has called for sustained investment in fertilizer PSUs saying it will not only enhance self-reliance, but also safeguard national interests in times of global supply disruptions.

The department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM) of the finance ministry had turned down fertiliser ministry's requests over the last several years on granting strategic status to the sector because of its role in ensuring food security.

Under the framework of the new public sector enterprise policy for Atmanirbhar Bharat in 2021, the fertilizer sector was categorised as a non-strategic sector, making it eligible for privatisation or closure.