The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today said, his government is committed to a strong public sector in the country. Speaking in New Delhi after giving away Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE) awards, Dr Singh said, both public and private sectors need to work together and complement each other to meet the demands of rapidly growing economy.

The Prime minister said, the country needs huge amounts of investment, both public and private, particularly in the area of infrastructure. Dr Singh expressed happiness that Central Public Sector Undertakings have committed to investment plans amounting over one lakh, 40 thousand crore rupees in the coming year. He urged the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)to embark upon ambitious plans of expansion to make the target of 12 to 14 per cent growth in the manufacturing sector a reality.

Dr Singh reiterated his government's stand to be supportive of those public sector enterprises which need assistance to become viable again. He also said to stay competitive in these times of rapid change, the CPSEs need to focus on good corporate governance, strategic planning and quality control.

Earlier, the Prime minister presented awards to many PSUs including Steel Authority of India Limited and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited for excellence and outstanding contribution to public sector management 2009-10.