Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2024 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO):
- IDCO was established as a statutory corporation by the Government of Odisha in 1981.
- It serves as the nodal agency for providing industrial infrastructure and land for industrial and infrastructure projects across the state.
- The corporation’s objectives include the development of industrial estates, IT parks and other industrial complexes.
- IDCO’s functions do not include land acquisition or the creation of a land bank for major and mega projects.
- The corporation facilitates private-sector participation and provides project construction services.
Which of the statements given above is NOT correct?
Tap an option to check your answer.
Show answer & explanation
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (B) 4 only
Correct Answer: (B) — Statement 4 only is incorrect
Statement 1 — CORRECT
IDCO was established as a statutory corporation by the Government of Odisha in 1981 under the IDCO Act. It functions under the Department of Industries and operates as the primary industrial infrastructure agency of the state.
Statement 2 — CORRECT
IDCO serves as the nodal agency for providing industrial infrastructure, land allocation, and facilitation services for industrial and infrastructure projects across Odisha. It acts as the single-point interface between investors and the state government for land-related requirements.
Statement 3 — CORRECT
IDCO’s mandate includes development of industrial estates, flatted factory complexes, IT parks, export promotion industrial parks, food processing parks, and other specialized industrial complexes across the state to attract domestic and foreign investment.
Statement 4 — INCORRECT
Contrary to what the statement claims, land acquisition and creation of a land bank are very much core functions of IDCO. It actively acquires land, maintains a land bank, and allocates plots for major, mega, and ultra-mega industrial projects. This is one of its most critical roles in facilitating industrial investment in Odisha.
Statement 5 — CORRECT
IDCO actively facilitates private sector participation through joint ventures and public-private partnerships, and also provides project construction and infrastructure development services to both government and private entities.
