Sun Feb 02 15:02:27 IST 2025: ## Asset Monetisation Not a Replacement for Disinvestment, Says Sitharaman
**New Delhi:** Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified on Sunday that the government’s ambitious asset monetisation plan is not a substitute for disinvestment. Speaking to NDTV, she emphasized that asset monetisation, which aims to generate ₹10 lakh crore for new infrastructure projects by 2030, involves leveraging government-owned assets without transferring ownership. The revenue generated will be reinvested, she explained.
Sitharaman confirmed that disinvestment remains on the table as a separate strategy. She highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the operational efficiency of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), stating that they will play a key role in creating further assets. The government’s plan also includes a ₹1.5 lakh crore interest-free loan scheme for states, repayable over 50 years, to encourage capital expenditure and infrastructure development. The budget further focuses on addressing urban challenges, Sitharaman added. The second Asset Monetisation Plan, launched on Saturday, will involve refining regulatory and fiscal frameworks to ensure its success.
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