Dun & Bradstreet India is pleased to release the second edition of its premium publication, ‘India’s Top PSUs 2009’. The public sector is an important constituent of the Indian economy, and has been a major instrument in driving industrial growth, economic development, employment generation and equitable distribution of wealth in post-independence India. Designed to reduce regional imbalances, low employment and inequalities of income, PSUs have played a significant role in country’s overall economic development.

During 1960-1990, public sector enterprises experienced robust growth, generated large scale employment and emerged as national assets. However, in the early 1990’s the economic liberalisation in India brought about certain fundamental changes in the way public sector enterprises were organised and conducted their business. Profitability and productivity emerged as significant aspects of performance along with equity and commitment to the society.

Contrary to initial expectations, reforms, and the resulting change and innovation have proved beneficial for public sector enterprises, aiding them in meeting and sometimes, staying ahead of the competition. Public sector enterprises have shown admirable resilience in absorbing the impact of economic reforms and are now better prepared to face challenges arising from a competitive environment.

As the Indian economy grows, PSUs will continue to play an important role in critical sectors like power, transportation and manufacturing to name a few. For instance, the total public sector outlay (both Centre and States including their PSUs) during the 11th Five Year Plan is estimated at Rs 36,447.2 bn, of which the share of Centre (including PSUs) is expected to be around 59%. Further, during the 11th Five Year Plan, it is expected that the total public investment on infrastructure development will reach Rs 14,365.6 bn which will provide a crucial impetus to the slowing economy in the present scenario of an economic slowdown.

‘India’s Top PSUs 2009’ is an endeavour to capture the essence of growth and performance of the public sector in India, and providing the leading players the unique advantage of D&B’s global footprint in disseminating vital and useful information about these companies to a wide audience.

We expect ‘India’s Top PSUs 2009’ to be a valuable publication for understanding public sector enterprises in India and we are sure that this publication will serve as an authoritative and useful ready reference tool for business leaders globally. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and I look forward to receiving your suggestions.

Dr Manoj Vaish
President & CEO - India
Dun & Bradstreet