Chennai: Union Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Disinvestment Arun Shourie on January 30 defended the Centre's recent decision to privatise oil PSUs (public sector undertakings) Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and said it would not affect the people in any way.

Speaking to reporters at the Meenambakkam airport on arrival from New Delhi on January 30 night, the minister, answering a question, said it was the prerogative of the Prime Minister to effect any changes in the portfolios of ministers.

Asked to comment on BSNL's decision to increase the rental for basic telephone services and reduce the duration of the call, he avoided a direct answer but said some years ago, people had to wait for a telephone connection for several years but the situation had changed drastically now.

Shourie is in Chennai to participate in a function in the city on January 31.

PTI