July 29, 2009

Govt stake sales to please market; no deficit cure

Power firm NHPC Ltd will kick off a $1.25 billion IPO next week in the first share sale by a state company since the Congress party's unexpectedly strong re-election in May spurred investor hopes for pro-market reforms.

Despite opposition from labour groups and leftist parties, the government is forecast by some watchers to offload roughly $5 billion a year in state shares, which could hearten a bond market worried about fiscal responsibility but do little to address a yawning deficit and $90 billion borrowing plan.

Uncertainty over how stake sale proceeds can be used also clouds the outlook for any benefit to government finances.

Source url: http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-41415320090730