Thiruvananthapuram: According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), 77 public sector enterprises in the state are operating at a loss. The total loss incurred by these enterprises amounts to ₹18,026.49 crore, as stated in the report. The report covers the period from 2020 to March 2023.

A total of 44 enterprises have completely collapsed. Additionally, 18 public sector enterprises have been facing the threat of closure since 1986, and the report recommends expediting the process of shutting them down.

The remarks in the report regarding KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) are quite concerning. According to the report, KSRTC has not provided records for auditing since 2016.

The CAG has also identified irregularities in KMML (Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd.). The procurement of raw materials did not adhere to standard guidelines. The purchase of materials without inviting tenders resulted in a loss of ₹23.17 crore. Moreover, contracts were awarded to ineligible parties. The CAG recommends that public tenders should be invited for procurement.