"The issue came up for discussion at the Cabinet Committee on Disinvestment, but there is no proposal now. I have no personal opinion on this and I will abide by any decision of Cabinet on this," Mr Joshi said.

He, however, admitted that department of disinvestment (DoD) had considered disinvestment in MUL, in which Government and Suzuki Motors of Japan are equal partners, but said "DoD has not come to me with any proposal."

Asked if it had suggested `strategic status' for MUL along with four other PSUs under his ministry, Mr Joshi answered in the affirmative and said he had written to the disinvestment ministry about this.

Mr Joshi said the Government should consider giving weightage to Maruti in procuring cars for establishment and added that "there is no need to go to Cabinet for this... the Prime Minister can take a decision". The minister asserted that he was not opposed to disinvestment and that there were no differences with the Government on the sell off process.

At the same time he emphasised the need for a clear picture on disinvestment wherein CCD should spell out the names of PSUs selected for the purpose along with a proper roadmap for sale of Government equity in each case. "This process has started in the last few month and CCD is taking decisions after considering all the aspects," he added.