Which of the following is a common reason for public ownership of a business?

• A. To avoid wasteful duplication
• B. To maintain control of strategic industries
• C. To save jobs
• D. To fill gaps left by private sector

Answer: (B)

Public ownership is typically used when the government wants to keep direct control over essential, strategically important industries—areas that are crucial for national security, infrastructure, and the day-to-day functioning of the country. By owning and directing these firms, the state can plan investments, set prices, and ensure reliable, universal provision of services like energy, transport, water, or defense-related activities, rather than leaving critical decisions to private profit motives. That protective, strategic control is why this is the best fit.

The other ideas can happen in some contexts, but they aren’t the primary, most consistent motive. For example, public ownership isn’t mainly about avoiding duplicate investment, saving jobs, or filling gaps left by private firms; these can be side effects or secondary goals, whereas maintaining control of strategic industries is the core reason governments nationalize or own key businesses.