The government has planned to inject a new lease of life into a series of state-owned industries to turn the tide of loss and transform them into profitable and modern enterprises. This is indeed a commendable move not only because it aims to add fresh life into moribund state-owned industries but also plans to encourage the production of modern-day items.

There are two advantages to this, firstly, the industries will be manufacturing items that are in demand now and, secondly, the skill level of the workforce, stuck in a proverbial pre-historic level, will be ramped up. Lethargy at state-run organisations has been going on for so long that yearly losses incurred by them are deemed natural.

However, change is in the air with BMR or balancing, modernizing and replacing. This means, out with the old and in with the new, not only in the case of technology but also for outdated business strategies. For any enterprise to flourish, an aggressive marketing plan is essential and if the government wants to turn the fortunes of cement, fertilizer, blade and sugar industries around then a proper PR approach is essential with a visible marketing policy. State-owned industries can also be made world class if the right people are hired at the top from the booming private sector. The biggest hurdle for any government enterprise is the unwillingness to allow new, sometimes revolutionary ideas to be adopted.

Such groundbreaking thoughts and ideas usually come from experts who have worked in acclaimed organisations in the private sector. The skill development of current workers is certainly a timely move, though the door should be open for specialists who can dare to set ambitious targets.

As per reports, the blade factory will be modernized to make razor blades which are the need of the time but at the same time, focus must be to manufacture locally disposable razors which are of international standard. A strategic drive with a market survey done first will give an idea as to what is the demand of the time. This same formula can be followed for other industries too. While all private companies resort to long term marketing drives, such moves are absent for government sectors. Shedding the lackadaisical ‘let it be’ attitude, a rigorous publicity can infuse the energy in lifeless industries.