As per the Public Enterprise survey 2018-19, which is the most profitable PSU in India?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding PSU Profitability: Public Enterprise Survey 2018-19

The question asks about the most profitable Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in India based on the Public Enterprise Survey for the fiscal year 2018-19. The Public Enterprise Survey is an annual report that provides a comprehensive analysis of the performance of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India.

Profitability of a company, especially a PSU, is often measured by metrics like Net Profit or Profit Before Tax (PBT). The survey reports provide data on these financial performance indicators for various CPSEs.

Analyzing Top Profitable PSUs in 2018-19

According to the Public Enterprise Survey 2018-19, several PSUs reported significant profits. To determine the most profitable one, we need to look at their reported net profits or PBT figures for that specific financial year.

Let's consider the options provided:

IOC (Indian Oil Corporation): A major Maharatna PSU in the oil and gas sector, primarily refining and marketing petroleum products.
ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation): Another Maharatna PSU in the oil and gas sector, primarily involved in exploration and production.
NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation): India's largest energy conglomerate, involved in power generation.
GAIL (Gas Authority of India Limited): A Maharatna PSU involved in natural gas processing and distribution.

Determining the Most Profitable PSU as per the Survey

Based on the data presented in the Public Enterprise Survey 2018-19, ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) emerged as the Central Public Sector Enterprise with the highest Net Profit for that particular financial year.

The survey report explicitly lists the top profit-making CPSEs. For 2018-19, ONGC's profit figure placed it at the top of this list among all CPSEs, including the other options mentioned.

Therefore, as per the Public Enterprise Survey 2018-19, ONGC was the most profitable PSU in India.

Conclusion

Based on the findings reported in the Public Enterprise Survey for the financial year 2018-19, ONGC held the position of the most profitable Public Sector Undertaking among all Central Public Sector Enterprises in India.

Top Profitable CPSEs (2018-19) - Illustrative Ranking (based on typical survey findings for that year)
Rank (by Net Profit)	CPSE Name	Sector
1	ONGC	Petroleum (Exploration & Production)
2	IOC	Petroleum (Refining & Marketing)
(Subsequent Ranks vary)	NTPC, GAIL, etc.	Power, Petroleum (Gas)

Revision Table: Key Facts about PSU Profitability Survey

Aspect	Description
What is it?	Annual Public Enterprise Survey by the Department of Public Enterprises.
What it covers?	Performance of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
Key Metric for Profitability	Net Profit or Profit Before Tax (PBT).
Most Profitable in 2018-19	ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation).

Additional Information on Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Profit

Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are companies owned by the government of India or one of its states. Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are those under the direct control of the Union Government.

The profitability of PSUs is crucial as it reflects their financial health, operational efficiency, and contribution to the national exchequer through dividends and taxes. The Public Enterprise Survey provides transparency and data on their collective and individual performance.

PSUs are categorized into Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna based on criteria like net profit, net worth, turnover, and listing status, which signifies their size and operational autonomy. Many of the top profitable PSUs, like ONGC, IOC, NTPC, and GAIL, belong to the Maharatna category.