Context:

• The Ministry of Defence has approved the grant of Miniratna Category-I status to Yantra India Limited (YIL).

Key Highlights:

• YIL has successfully transformed from a government organization into a profit-making corporate entity within just four years.
• With this status, the Board of YIL can now approve capital expenditure (CapEx) up to ₹500 crore for new projects and modernization without prior government approval.
• The company’s sales increased from ₹956.32 crore in the second half of FY 2021-22 to ₹3,108.79 crore in FY 2024-25.
• During the same period, exports rose from zero to ₹321.77 crore.

Major products manufactured by YIL include:

• • Carbon fibre composites
  • Ammunition assembly products
  • Components for armoured vehicles
  • Artillery guns
  • Parts for Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)

• In May 2025, the Defence Minister had approved Miniratna Category-I status for three other DPSUs:

• • Munitions India Limited
  • Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited
  • India Optel Limited

Miniratna Status in India

• Miniratna status is granted to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) that have a consistent profit record and positive net worth.
• This status provides greater financial and operational autonomy, reducing government intervention in key decisions.

Miniratna Category-I

• Eligibility:

• • The company must have earned profits for the last three consecutive years, and
  • Must have achieved pre-tax profit of ₹30 crore or more in at least one of those three years.
• Autonomy:
  • The Board can approve capital expenditure up to ₹500 crore or an amount equal to net worth (whichever is lower) without government approval.

Miniratna Category-II

• Eligibility:
  • Profitable for the last three consecutive years, and
  • Must have a positive net worth.
• Autonomy:
  • Companies can invest up to ₹300 crore or 50% of net worth (whichever is lower) without prior government approval.

About Yantra India Limited (YIL)

• Established: 15 October 2021
• Origin: Formed after the restructuring of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)
• Nature: Defence sector CPSE of the Government of India
• Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Defence
• Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra