Economy : Industry And Infrastructure

Q 23 / 28

UPSC CSE Prelims 2002

With reference to the Public Sector Undertakings in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation of India Limited is the largest non-oil importer of the country
  2. Project and Equipment Corporation of India Limited is under the Ministry of Industry
  3. One of the objectives of Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited is to enforce quality control and compulsory pre-shipment inspection of various exportable commodities

Which of these statements is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (a):

Statement 1 is correct. Minerals and Metals Trading Corporation of India Limited (MMTC Ltd.) is a prominent public sector trading enterprise in India. It is recognized as a major non-oil importer and exporter of various commodities, including minerals, metals, and agricultural products, significantly contributing to the country's foreign exchange earnings.

Incorrect Options:

  • Statement 2 is incorrect. The Project and Equipment Corporation of India Limited (PEC) functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, not solely the Ministry of Industry.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect. The primary objective of the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC) is to promote exports by providing credit risk insurance and guarantee services to Indian exporters against non-payment risks. The responsibility for enforcing quality control and compulsory pre-shipment inspection of exportable commodities lies with the Export Inspection Council (EIC), not ECGC.
SOURCEIndia Year Book 2002, Chapter 19: Industry