July 03, 2012

Concept And Meaning Of Public Enterprises

Public enterprises are business organizations established, owned, managed and controlled by government. The government ownership can range from 51% to 100% of shares. They are established to provide essential goods and services to public at reasonable price.


Public enterprises can be engaged in manufacturing, marketing, public utilities, financial and other activities. They are guided by service motive. But they also make profit. They can be autonomous or semi-autonomous . They have separate legal entity.

     Also Read:
Types Of Public Enterprises

The main points in the concept of public enterprises are:

* Public enterprises are established, owned, managed and controlled by government.

* Public enterprises have autonomy or semi-autonomy in functioning.

* Public enterprises have service motive to promote social welfare.

* Public enterprises have public accountability.

* Public enterprises have separate legal entity.