Taking lessons from last year’s failed attempt to privatise Air India, the government has, this time round, decided to share the actual “sale and purchase agreement (SPA)” privately with prospective bidders at the EoI (expression of interest) stage itself to help them take long-term view of the various liabilities and accordingly plan their funding for the deal.
The fresh EoI, being prepared under the supervision of a home minister Amit Shah-led ministerial panel, would be out later this month. Among other tweaks, the government may take over additional debt from Air India and offer to completely exit the national carrier.
