Govt speeds up PSUs stake sale

India's cabinet approved a plan to speed up the sale of stakes in state-owned companies as the government aims to make nationalised companies more responsive to markets as well as cutting the fiscal deficit.

The cabinet will allow state-run companies to appoint investment bankers and other intermediaries at the same time as they seek cabinet approval for stake sales, allowing IPOs to proceed more quickly when market conditions allow.

Previously companies had to wait for cabinet approval before moving ahead with preparations, causing delays that have already sparked problems with valuations as market dip.