UPSC Prelims 2008 Q98: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
Which of the following are the public sector undertakings of the Government of India?
1. Balmer Lawrie and Company Ltd.
2. Dredging Corporation of India
3. Educational Consultants of India Ltd.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Checking which are Government of India PSUs
Among these three entities, we need to verify their status as central Public Sector Undertakings.
| Entity | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Balmer Lawrie and Company Ltd. | Correct | A genuine Central Public Sector Undertaking |
| 2. Dredging Corporation of India | Correct | Also a genuine Central Public Sector Undertaking |
| 3. Educational Consultants India Ltd. | Correct | Also a genuine Central Public Sector Undertaking |
PSU status confirmed:
| Entity | Status |
|---|---|
| Balmer Lawrie, Dredging Corporation, Educational Consultants India | All genuine PSUs of the Government of India |
| Ownership | Central Government |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Entity 3 (Educational Consultants India) is also a genuine PSU, so '1 and 2 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Entity 1 (Balmer Lawrie) is also a genuine PSU, so '2 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (c) Incorrect. Entity 2 (Dredging Corporation) is also a genuine PSU, so '1 and 3 only' wrongly excludes it.
- (d) CORRECT. All three — Balmer Lawrie, Dredging Corporation of India, and Educational Consultants India Ltd. — are genuine Government of India PSUs.
Key point
Balmer Lawrie and Company Ltd., Dredging Corporation of India, AND Educational Consultants India Ltd. are all genuine Public Sector Undertakings of the Government of India.
Remember
Balmer Lawrie and Company Ltd., Dredging Corporation of India, and Educational Consultants India Ltd. are all PSUs of the Government of India.
Common mistakes
- Not recognising less-famous PSUs (like Educational Consultants India) as genuine government undertakings.
- Assuming only well-known large PSUs (like ONGC, SAIL) qualify, missing smaller specialized ones.
- Confusing PSUs with private companies that have similar-sounding names.
Exam tip
All three listed entities — Balmer Lawrie, Dredging Corporation, Educational Consultants India — are genuine, if less famous, Government of India PSUs.
Sources
- Department of Public Enterprises, Government of India — Public Enterprises Survey 2006–07
- Department of Public Enterprises — List of Central Public Sector Enterprises