Dun & Bradstreet is pleased to release the inaugural edition of its premium publication, ‘India’s Top PSUs 2008’. The public sector is an important constituent of the Indian economy, and was a major instrument in driving industrial growth, economic development and equitable distribution of wealth in post-independence India. Designed to reduce the concentration of economic power and ensure wider distribution of the nation’s wealth, public sector enterprises had the support of the government to aid India in emerging as an egalitarian society.

Public sector enterprises experienced rapid growth in the decades between 1960 and 1990, contributed significantly to the national product and revenues, generated large scale employment and emerged as national assets that assumed commanding heights of the economy. India embarked on a wide range of economic reforms at the beginning of the 1990s, which brought about certain fundamental changes in the way the public sector enterprises were organized and conducted their business. Profitability and productivity emerged as significant aspects of performance along with equity and commitment to the society. Access to the financial markets made these enterprises more independent and proactive, while globalisation provided increasing opportunities to expand in domestic and international markets. This wide range of reforms helped to streamline the functioning of the public sector enterprises, which brought in more responsibility and accountability.

Reforms, and the resulting change and innovation have proved beneficial for the public sector enterprises, aiding them in meeting and sometimes, staying ahead of the competition, as also to lay foundation for a strong and sustainable future. Public sector enterprises have shown admirable resilience in absorbing the impact of economic reforms and are better prepared to face newer challenges arising from a competitive environment.

India’s Top PSUs 2008 is an endeavour to capture the essence of growth and performance of the public sector in India and provide the leading players there-in the unique advantage of the D&B’s global footprint in disseminating vital and useful information about them to a wider audience.

We are sure that this publication will serve as an authoritative and useful ready reference tool for business leaders globally.

India’s Top PSUs 2008 is a valuable publication for understanding the public sector enterprises in India, as also providing important information on the leading players. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and look forward to receiving your suggestions.

Dr Manoj Vaish
President & CEO - India
Dun & Bradstreet