ET reported that proposals to sell some of government stakes in state run firms Bharat Heavy Electricals, and National Aluminium Co Ltd are at various stages of consideration before the government approves them.

Mr Pranab Mukherjee finance minister said that there are proposals to divest a 5% stake in BHEL and to sell a 10% government stake in NALCO.

The government is in the midst of a program to raise about USD 8.9 billion through share sales in public sector firms including ONGC and SAIL this fiscal year (April-March) to cut its fiscal deficit and generate funds for schemes for the poor.

Mr Mukherjee also said the government has approved selling the entire stakes in loss making state run firms Central Water Transport Corp, Scooters India Ltd and Tyre Corp of India to a strategic partner.

(Sourced from ET)