Which of the following sets of financial criteria must a Navratna company meet over the last three years to be eligible for the grant of Maharatna status?

Solution

To be eligible for Maharatna status, a company does not simply "open" as one; it must be an existing Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) that climbs the regulatory ladder. The Department of Public Enterprises lays out specific quantitative and qualitative benchmarks. Note: Option C correctly identifies these specific thresholds.   Other Essential Criteria Financials alone aren't enough. The company must also meet these institutional requirements:

• Existing Status: It must already hold Navratna status.
• Stock Exchange Listing: It must be listed on the Indian stock exchange with the prescribed public shareholding under SEBI regulations.
• Global Presence: It should have a significant global presence or international operations.

Why does Maharatna status matter? Once a company is designated as a Maharatna, its Board gains enhanced financial autonomy. For instance, they can invest up to ₹5,000 crore in a single project (or 15% of their net worth) without needing prior government approval. This allows large-scale PSUs like ONGC, NTPC, or Indian Oil to compete more effectively on a global stage.