Privatisation of the Economy:

Privatisation has to be viewed in two ways: In a narrow sense, it implies the induction of private ownership in a public sector undertaking. In a broader sense, it implies the enlargement of the scope of the private sector in the growth of the economy. In the initial phase of development planning in India, more especially after the Industrial Policy of 1956, the socialisation of the economy was measured by the size of the public sector in the national economy. The greater the share of the public sector, the greater was the degree of socialisation of the economy. Under economic reforms after 1991, the main thrust is that the private sector is

considered as the engine of growth. By placing restrictions on the public sector and by reducing its role in several areas where it earlier enjoyed a monopolistic position, the new environment assigned an increasing role for the private sector. Over the years, this was bound to increase the share of the private sector in theeconomy. This is the meaning of privatisation in a broader sense. It is now accepted by one and all that economic reforms are intended to increase the role of the private sector in the process of development and the scope of the public sector will be narrowed down to providing infrastructure like roads, railways, electricity as also in providing social infrastructure in health and education. Even in economic and social infrastructure, the assistance of the private sector will be sought, but major responsibility will be that of the public sector.