Pawan Hans disinvestment process in final lap: Centre
AVIATION & AIRPORTS

Pawan Hans disinvestment process in final lap: Centre

The government has received financial proposals for the sale of its stake in ailing helicopter operator Pawan Hans, driving the divestment process to the final stage.

The financial tenders for Pawan Hans disinvestment have been obtained by the transaction advisor. The process now proceeds to the last stage.

The government is marketing its total 51% stake in Pawan Hans. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which owns the remaining 49%, has additionally proposed its entire shareholding in the firm for sale along with the government stake.

Installed in 1985, Pawan Hans has a fleet of more than 40 helicopters and over 900 employees, less than half of them in permanent positions. It renders helicopter services for the exploration activities of ONGC and to India's northeast.

For 2019-20, the firm recorded a net loss of Rs 28 crore, less than Rs 69 crore in the last year. As of March 31, 2020, its approved capital reached Rs 560 crore and paid-up share capital touched Rs 557 crore.

In 2018, the government floated tenders to sell its share in Pawan Hans. But, the process was revoked after ONGC decided to sell its 49% stake in the firm along with the government. In 2019, a second attempt was made to sell the firm, but it failed to get an investor response.

In 2020, the government improved the terms, lowering the minimum net worth for potential bidders and the lock-in period of investment and letting the successful bidder sell assets after a year. Previously, the sale terms permitted the successful bidder assets two years after procurement.

Additionally, a shift in shareholding among consortium partners was approved, given the lead investor owns a minimum of 26% stake and other members own at least 10% each. The lock-in period for investment was additionally decreased to one year from three years previously.

Image Source

The government has received financial proposals for the sale of its stake in ailing helicopter operator Pawan Hans, driving the divestment process to the final stage. The financial tenders for Pawan Hans disinvestment have been obtained by the transaction advisor. The process now proceeds to the last stage. The government is marketing its total 51% stake in Pawan Hans. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which owns the remaining 49%, has additionally proposed its entire shareholding in the firm for sale along with the government stake. Installed in 1985, Pawan Hans has a fleet of more than 40 helicopters and over 900 employees, less than half of them in permanent positions. It renders helicopter services for the exploration activities of ONGC and to India's northeast. For 2019-20, the firm recorded a net loss of Rs 28 crore, less than Rs 69 crore in the last year. As of March 31, 2020, its approved capital reached Rs 560 crore and paid-up share capital touched Rs 557 crore. In 2018, the government floated tenders to sell its share in Pawan Hans. But, the process was revoked after ONGC decided to sell its 49% stake in the firm along with the government. In 2019, a second attempt was made to sell the firm, but it failed to get an investor response. In 2020, the government improved the terms, lowering the minimum net worth for potential bidders and the lock-in period of investment and letting the successful bidder sell assets after a year. Previously, the sale terms permitted the successful bidder assets two years after procurement. Additionally, a shift in shareholding among consortium partners was approved, given the lead investor owns a minimum of 26% stake and other members own at least 10% each. The lock-in period for investment was additionally decreased to one year from three years previously. Image Source

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Aadhaar Authentications Cross 27 Billion in FY25

Aadhaar authentication transactions surged past 27.07 billion in FY 2024–25, including 2.47 billion in March alone, reflecting its growing adoption across sectors such as banking, finance, telecom, and public service delivery. Since its inception, the cumulative number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has exceeded 148 billion.The Unique Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) AI/ML-based face authentication technology is also witnessing a sharp rise in usage. In March 2025 alone, over 150 million face authentication transactions were recorded. This biometric modality is now used ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

IEPFA Holds Preparatory Meet for 'Niveshak Shivir' Initiative

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, hosted a preparatory meeting on April 28, 2025, with Nodal Officers from stakeholder companies via video conference. The session, chaired by IEPFA CEO Smt. Anita Shah Akella, focused on finalising operational plans for the upcoming ""Niveshak Shivir"" initiative—a joint effort between IEPFA and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).""Niveshak Shivir"" aims to improve investor services and streamline the claims process by reaching out to cities with a high nu..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India, France Sign Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets for Navy

India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy, comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets. The deal also includes training systems, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics, along with additional equipment for the Indian Air Force’s existing Rafale fleet.The IGA was signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The agreement, along with supply protocols for aircraft and weapons, was exchanged in the..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?