'No proposal for FACT merger with PSU'

Kochi, Oct 17: There is no proposal at present for merging the Fertiliser and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) with another central public sector undertaking, a union chemicals and fertilsers ministry official said today.

Talking to reporters after witnessing a presentation by top FACT management here, Addl. Secretary G S Maini said the purpose of his visit was primarily to study the present condition of the FACT.

Asked if there was any proposal to merge the FACT with the Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers (RCF) Ltd. or Krishak Bharati Cooperative Ltd. (KRIBHCO), the official said at this juncture, this was not being thought about.

With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaking in terms of ushering in a second green revolution in the country, the Centre would like to examine how FACT can contribute to this endeavour, senior FACT officials said.

Led by Chairman and Managing Director G C Gopala Pillai, the top FACT management made a presentation to the central official on the strengths and weaknesses and problems being faced by the PSU.

Switching over from Naphtha to LNG for raw material and adequate compensation for the sulphur content of the fertilisers were two major issues raised by the FACT for strengthening its bottomline.

The enhancement of capacity and future projects were also discussed, FACT officials said.

Mr Maini, who also visited the Amabalamedu and Udyogmandal plants of the FACT, will return to New Delhi later today. He is expected to submit his report to the union chemicals and fertilisers ministry shortly.

UNI