Shourie defends HPCL, BPCL sell-off

CHENNAI: Union Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Disinvestment Arun Shourie on Thursday defended the Centre''s recent decision to privatise oil PSUs HPCL and BPCL and said it would not affect the people in any way.
Speaking to newsmen at the Meenambakkam airport here on arrival from New Delhi on Thursday night, the Minister, answering a question, said it was the prerogative of the Prime Minister to effect any changes in the portfolios of ministers.
Asked to comment on BSNL''s decision to increase the rental for basic telephone services and reduce the duration of the call, he avoided a direct answer but said some years ago, people had to wait for a telephone connection for several years but the situation had changed drastically now.
Shourie is here to participate in a function in the city on Friday.