Company law

Difference between Government and Public Limited Company

Difference between government company and Public Limited Company: All you need to know

Introduction

At its core, a company is an artificial person made by law. It is a group of individuals who share a common seal, perpetual inheritance and separate legal entity.   A company has a big influence on the economy of the country, whether it is a Public Limited Company or a government company. The distinctions between a government firm and a Public Limited Company are still unclear to the public. So in this blog will explain the meaning of a government firm and a Public Limited Company with the differences between them.

Government Company

A government firm is a type of company in which the federal, state, or local governments together or individually hold at least 51% of the paid-up capital. There are several government-owned businesses; a few of them are the State Trading Corporation of India, Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited, Coal India Limited, Steel Authority of India Limited and others. India’s public sector businesses are established with two primary goals in mind:

  • To increase the equality of the nation’s inhabitants’ distribution of wealth and income.
  • To increase the pace of the country’s development

Public Limited Company

A Public Limited Company is a company whose shares are purchased and owned by the public and that’s how the company raises its funds. It enjoys all the benefits of a legal entity with Limited Liability protection. It is registered and governed as per the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. There is no maximum number of members/shareholders that can form a Company in India; however, there is a minimum of seven members is required.

Suggested Read – Amendments in Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013

Difference between a Government Company and a Public Limited Company

 

Sr. No.

Government Company

Public Limited Company

1.

A Government firm is a company whose 51% of paid-up capital is owned by the Central Government or State Government or both jointly.

A Public Limited Company is a company whose shares are owned by the public with a minimum paid-up share capital of Rs 5 lacs.

2.

On the advice of the comptroller and audit general of India (CAG), the auditor of the Government firm is appointed.

However, in a Public Company, there are members who appoint the auditor of the company.

3.

In government companies, the appointment of employees is governed by MOA and AOA.

In a Public Company, the appointment of employees is directed by the director of the company.

4.

The yearly reports and audit reports of a government firm are presented before the parliament. The state legislature is presented with the Government firm’s yearly reports if it is a state Government firm.

The annual reports of the Public Company are presented in front of the members of the company.

5.

A Government firm is not required to provide as much information as a Public Limited Company.

However, a Public Company is required to provide all the necessary information to the public.

Conclusion

Both Government Company and Public Limited Company are governed by the Companies Act, 2013. The basic difference between both of them is that the Government firm is managed/owned by the governmental bodies but the Public  Company is owned/managed by the public who buys the shares of the PLC.

Suggested Read :

LLP vs Sole Proprietorship

Nidhi Company vs NBFC Company

Public Limited Company Share Capital

Challenges of Public Limited Companies

Advantages & Disadvantages of Public Limited Company

 

Team Ebizfiling

Ebizfiling.com is a leading online platform offering end-to-end business compliance solutions for startups, SMEs, and global companies. With a presence across India and international markets including the USA, UK, and Singapore, the company specializes in company/LLP incorporation, ITR and GST filings, legal advisory, and foreign subsidiary formation. Backed by experienced professionals including CAs, CSs, and legal experts, Ebizfiling delivers accurate, timely, and regulation-compliant services trusted by thousands of businesses. The platform aims to simplify complex compliance processes through technology, personalized support, and a deep understanding of Indian and global regulatory frameworks.

Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

Important Guidelines for OPC Incorporation in India with Ebizfiling

Important Guidelines for OPC Incorporation in India with Ebizfiling Introduction At Ebizfiling, we aim to make your OPC incorporation journey…

2 days ago

Partnership Firm Incorporation in India with Ebizfiling

 Partnership Firm Incorporation in India with Ebizfiling    Introduction    At Ebizfiling, we simplify the process of Partnership Firm Incorporation in…

2 days ago

GST Registration & Amendment Rules 2025: New Forms & Process Explained

GST Registration & Amendment Rules 2025: New Forms & Process Explained  Introduction The process of GST registration and amendment of…

2 days ago

Before You Incorporate a Proprietorship in India, Read This from Ebizfiling Experts

Before You Incorporate a Proprietorship in India, Read This from Ebizfiling Experts  Starting a sole proprietorship in India is one…

2 days ago

ITR Filing Extension F.Y. 2024-25: Common Mistakes to Avoid Before the New Deadline

ITR Filing Extension F.Y. 2024-25: Common Mistakes to Avoid Before the New Deadline Introduction The CBDT has extended the due…

1 week ago

MCA Extends FY 2024-25 Annual Filing Deadline to Dec 31, 2025 (No Extra Fees)

 MCA Extends FY 2024-25 Annual Filing Deadline to Dec 31, 2025 (No Extra Fees)    Introduction  The Ministry of Corporate…

2 weeks ago