A glittering ceremony in the national capital on Monday acknowledged the contribution of the country’s public sector enterprises (PSEs). The Union finance minister showered praise on the PSEs while conferring them with the India Pride Awards instituted by the Dainik Bhaskar Group.
“It is commendable that the PSEs have come a long way despite the fact that these undertakings had to start operations at a time when the economy had a very low level of savings and investment, weak industrial base and near absence of infrastructure,” Pranab Mukherjee said.
The awards were given in three categories — centre, state and special — for sectors like banking, infrastructure, transport and corporate social responsibility. State Bank of India chairman OP Bhatt was conferred with the lifetime achievement award. While ONGC chairman RS Sharma accepted the gold award on behalf of his firm in the corporate social responsibility segment, Coal India Ltd won the silver.
Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd bagged the state award in recognition of corporate social responsibility. The award for India image enhancement and creating a global brand went to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd won the gold in the oil and gas sector whereas the honour in the transport segment went to the Shipping Corporation of India. The best service brand was bagged by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd in the special award segment. The gold went to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation in the consumer industry.
