Cochin, Oct 11 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has asked a top trade union to give suggestions on ways to revive sick industries.

Inaugurating the 29th National Conference and Plenary Session of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) here on Saturday, Mukherjee said: “I would also like to suggest for the consideration of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) leadership whether these mechanisms or any other mechanism could be worked out for the revival of the sick industry.”

He pointed out that earnings from divestment of public sector shares are not used to meet revenue expenditure but invested in the separately managed National Investment Fund.

He also clarified that only earnings from efficient fund management are being utilized for specific public utility services.

“The government has committed that before the end of the 11th Plan, every hamlet in the country will be brought under the Integrated Child Development Services scheme to ensure nutrition to all children up to the age of 16 and pregnant women,” Mukherjee said.

Describing reports that the government was trying to privatise the public sector as malicious propaganda, Mukherjee said the Centre’s policy was to strengthen PSUs and not weaken them.

“Such propaganda is far from truth. The government’s policy was clearly spelt out in the Congress manifesto and reiterated by President Pratibha Patil in her address to the 15th session of the Lok Sabha, he added.

Hundreds of trade unionists from India and abroad are taking part in the four-day session of INTUC, which concludes on October 12. (ANI)