The number of industries reserved for public sector was reduced from 17 (as per 1956 policy) to only 8 industries viz. Arms and Ammunition, Atomic Energy, Coal, Mineral Oil,  Mining of Iron Ore, Manganese Ore, Gold, Silver, Mining of Copper, Lead, Zinc, Atomic Minerals and Railways.

Industrial Policy of 1991: Industries Reserved for Public Sector

The Industrial Policy of 1991 marked a significant shift in India's economic policies, moving towards liberalization and opening up the economy to private sector participation. However, there were still certain industries that were reserved exclusively for the public sector.

Number of Industries Reserved
- The Industrial Policy of 1991 reserved a total of 8 industries exclusively for the Public Sector.

Reasons for Reserving Industries
- The rationale behind reserving certain industries for the Public Sector was to maintain strategic control over key sectors of the economy.
- Industries such as defense production, atomic energy, and railways were considered crucial for national security and development, hence reserved for the Public Sector.

Impact of Reservation
- While reservation of industries for the Public Sector ensured government control and influence in key sectors, it also led to inefficiency, lack of competition, and slower growth in those industries.
- Over time, the reservation policy was gradually relaxed to encourage private sector participation and boost overall economic growth.

Conclusion
The reservation of 8 industries for the Public Sector under the Industrial Policy of 1991 played a significant role in shaping India's economic landscape. It highlighted the balance between government control and private sector participation in driving economic growth and development.