New Delhi: Losses of 97 public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the country had increased by almost 34 percent in fiscal 2001-2002, Subodh Mohite, Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, told the Rajya Sabha on July 28.

In a written reply to the Upper House of the Parliament, Mohite said losses had climbed from Rs 45, 527 crore in 1999-2000 to Rs 60, 996 crore in 01-02, a 33.98 per cent jump.

At the end of March 2002, Mohite said there were 42 loss-making Central public sector undertakings, whose accumulated losses exceeded their investments. At that time, the total investment of the Central government was Rs 143, 205 crore.

ANI