FinMin to prepare cabinet note on framework of ETF for CPSEs

21 Feb 2013 Evaluate

With a view to attract investment and also to support government's disinvestment drive, the finance ministry will prepare a Cabinet note on framework of the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) for state-owned companies. The nodal department for carrying out PSU stake sale - Department of Disinvestment (DoD), will finalize the cabinet note after appointment of asset management companies (AMCs) to handle PSU ETF.

The final composition of PSU ETF will be decided only after discussion of AMCs and meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on disinvestment. The composition of ETF and weightage of the shares of individual PSU in the index would be decided by the EGoM. The Cabinet note would also seek approval of various administrative ministries about the proposed fund.

Setting up of PSU ETF is expected to give a push to the government's disinvestment programme. The government is also expected to raise the disinvestment target to Rs 40,000 crore in 2013-14 from Rs 30,000 crore in the current fiscal. Further, the PSU ETF will serve as an additional device for the government to monetize its shareholdings in those Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that eventually form part of the ETF basket.

Various issues were raised by the AMCs relating to cost structure and non-compete activities, at the pre-bid meeting of the AMCs and the DoD officials. It is also reported that for making easier for the AMCs to bid for managing the ETF, the DoD is expected to relax some of the rules.

Earlier in January, the DoD had invited proposals from mutual funds with at least five years experience and having equity assets of over Rs 2,500 crore for managing the ETF. The fund houses would be responsible for conducting roadshows for the share-sale via ETF. The PSU ETF would comprise shares of various profitable state-owned companies.

ETFs were introduced in India in 2001 and gold ETFs dominate ETF market in India. Currently, there are 33 ETFs having AUM of close to Rs 11,500 crore and held by 6.2 lakh investors.

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