India’s Champion CPSEs: A Roadmap to a Developed Nation by 2047
New Delhi – The Indian government is finalizing a strategic roadmap to transform Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) into “champions” capable of driving the nation towards its goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. This initiative, spearheaded by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, aims to bolster the financial strength, technological capabilities, and overall efficiency of these state-owned enterprises.
The Vision for Champion CPSEs
The core objective is to create a dynamic CPSE ecosystem that complements the government’s broader economic agenda and plays a crucial strategic role when needed. These “champion CPSEs” will be granted increased autonomy in investment decisions, international expansion aligned with national strategic goals, and the ability to recruit talent from the private sector. The plan reflects a broader effort to future-proof CPSEs, mirroring recent government interventions to support MSME champions.
Leveraging the Fourth Industrial Revolution
A key component of this transformation involves the adoption of technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The government intends to encourage CPSEs to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and 3D printing into their operations to achieve operational excellence and enhance their strategic power. According to officials, the aim is to create “modern CPSEs for a developed India in every sense.”
Key Players and Implementation
The initiative is being led by NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba, who recently convened a meeting to discuss the roadmap. In October 2025, Gauba, along with finance ministry officials, held meetings focused on five-year infrastructure plans, with subsequent sessions planned for petroleum, natural gas, telecom, science and technology, and pharmaceuticals as part of the Budget 2026 preparations. These discussions aim to align long-term projects with the budgetary framework, ensuring continuity and accountability.
Initial Candidates for Reform
The Department of Public Enterprises had previously shortlisted approximately a dozen entities for systemic and technical reforms as early as August 2024. These include Indian Rare Earths, Bharat Electronics, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Nuclear Power Corporation of India, REC, and Central Warehousing Corporation.
Current CPSE Landscape
As of March 2025, India had 475 CPSEs, with 291 actively operational according to the latest public enterprises survey.
Strategic Imperatives and Viksit Bharat@2047
This CPSE overhaul is part of a larger strategic framework outlined by NITI Aayog to achieve the “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” vision. This framework focuses on four key pillars: Economic Competitiveness and Growth, National Security and Stability, Global Partnerships and Strategic Influence, and Legal Reforms and Good Governance as detailed in a NITI Aayog working paper. A conclave on this vision was also held on February 6, 2025, bringing together key figures from NITI Aayog and the government as reported by the Press Information Bureau.