By NSB.News
New Delhi: As India deepens its integration with the global economy through free trade agreements and strategic partnerships, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) must be prepared to compete not only domestically but also on the international stage, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr P K Mishra, said on Friday.
Addressing an event, Mishra noted that globalisation, rapid technological change and economic reforms have, over time, transformed both the global and domestic economic landscape. He observed that debates over public versus private sector dominance have gradually given way to a more integrated approach, where competitiveness, efficiency and innovation have become central.
“In this changing context, expectations from PSUs have also evolved, requiring them to operate with greater agility while continuing to serve national priorities,” he said.
Mishra was speaking at the inaugural session of the second batch of DAKSH (Development of Aspiration, Knowledge, Succession and Harmony), a flagship leadership development programme for senior executives of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), held at the SCOPE Convention Centre. The programme is jointly organised by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) under the larger Mission Karmayogi framework.
He said that public sector enterprises in several major economies continue to play a strategic role in economic development, particularly during times of uncertainty. Recalling India’s post-independence journey, Mishra highlighted the foundational role played by PSUs in building the country’s industrial and infrastructure base, laying the groundwork for economic growth, financial stability and national self-reliance.
For several decades, he said, public sector enterprises formed the backbone of India’s development strategy. Referring to the Public Sector Enterprise Policy of 2021, Mishra noted that CPSEs have been classified into strategic and non-strategic sectors.
While acknowledging the expanding role of private enterprises, he stressed that public sector enterprises remain essential in strategic areas such as energy, defence, infrastructure and finance, where long-term national interests, stability and resilience are critical. He added that PSUs also play a balancing role in markets that are not always perfect and where public goods and national security considerations are involved.
Highlighting the growing importance of technology and innovation, Mishra said CPSEs must remain technology-oriented and innovation-driven. He referred to India’s globally recognised digital public infrastructure (DPI), including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), improved technology adoption in public sector banking and advancements in clean energy.