Chapter 2- People as resource

1- What are the advantages of having a healthy population?

Advantages of Having a Healthy Population:
Increased Productivity: Healthy individuals are more productive at
work, leading to higher economic output and growth.
Reduced Healthcare Costs: A healthy population requires fewer
medical interventions and incurs lower healthcare expenses,
relieving the burden on healthcare systems.
Improved Quality of Life: Good health enhances overall well-being
and quality of life, leading to greater happiness and satisfaction
among individuals.
Enhanced Resilience: Healthy populations are more resilient to
disease outbreaks and other health emergencies, reducing the
impact of epidemics on society.
Longevity: Healthy individuals tend to live longer, contributing to
the demographic dividend and promoting intergenerational
stability.

2- Name the three sectors of economic activities and give one

example each.
Sectors of Economic Activities:
Primary Sector: Involves the extraction and production of raw
materials from natural resources. Example: Agriculture, mining,
forestry.
Secondary Sector: Involves the manufacturing and processing of
raw materials into finished goods. Example: Manufacturing
industries, construction.
Tertiary Sector: Involves the provision of services to individuals
and businesses. Example: Retail, education, healthcare.
3- Why are women employed in low paid work?
Reasons for Women Employed in Low-Paid Work:
Gender Discrimination: Women often face discrimination in the
labor market, leading to lower wages and limited access to high-
paying jobs.
Lack of Education and Skills: Limited educational opportunities
and skill development programs for women result in their
concentration in low-skilled and low-paid occupations.
Social Norms and Stereotypes: Societal expectations and
traditional gender roles dictate that women should prioritize
caregiving and domestic duties, limiting their participation in
higher-paying sectors.
Informal Economy: Many women work in the informal sector,
where jobs are often precarious and poorly remunerated,
contributing to their low-paid employment status.

4- Mention any five steps taken in the 10th Five Year Plan to
increase enrolment in higher education.
Steps Taken in the 10th Five Year Plan to Increase Enrollment in
Higher Education:
Expansion of Educational Infrastructure: Construction of new
universities, colleges, and educational institutions to
accommodate a growing student population.
Promotion of Equity and Access: Implementation of affirmative
action policies such as reservations and scholarships to increase
access to higher education for marginalized communities.
Enhancement of Quality: Improvement of academic standards and
infrastructure in existing higher education institutions to attract
and retain students.
Strengthening Vocational Education: Introduction of vocational
courses and skill development programs to align education with
the needs of the economy and enhance employability.
Encouragement of Distance Education: Promotion of distance
learning and online education initiatives to reach remote and
underserved areas and increase enrollment opportunities.

5- Highlight the main element of National Health Policy. Describe

any two achievements in this field.
Main Element of National Health Policy and Achievements:
Main Element: The main element of the National Health Policy is
to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services
to all citizens, focusing on preventive and promotive healthcare
measures.
Achievements: Two achievements in this field include:
Reduction in Maternal and Child Mortality Rates: Implementation
of maternal and child health programs has led to a decline in
maternal and child mortality rates, improving maternal and child
health outcomes.
Control of Infectious Diseases: Effective disease surveillance and
vaccination programs have helped control the spread of infectious
diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, reducing
disease burden and mortality rates.

6- Write the difference between disguised and seasonal

unemployment. [can also be asked as short note.
Difference between Disguised and Seasonal Unemployment:
Disguised Unemployment: Occurs when more people are engaged
in a job or occupation than required for its efficient operation,
leading to underutilization of labor without a corresponding
increase in output.
Seasonal Unemployment: Occurs when individuals are
unemployed during certain seasons or periods of the year due to
fluctuations in demand for labor associated with seasonal
industries or agricultural cycles.
7- What does unemployment mean? What types of
unemployment exist in rural and urban areas?
Unemployment and its Types:
Unemployment refers to the state of being without a job despite
being willing and able to work.
Types of Unemployment:
Rural Unemployment: Includes disguised unemployment and
seasonal unemployment prevalent in rural areas, often associated
with agricultural activities.
Urban Unemployment: Includes structural unemployment, cyclical
unemployment, and frictional unemployment prevalent in urban
areas, resulting from factors such as industrial restructuring,
economic downturns, and mismatch between job seekers and
available opportunities.

8- “Unemployment leads to a depressed economy”. Explain the

statement.
Impact of Unemployment on the Economy:
Unemployment leads to a depressed economy by reducing
consumer spending, lowering aggregate demand, and hindering
economic growth.
It results in wasted human capital and skills, leading to a loss of
productivity and innovation potential.
Unemployment increases social and economic inequalities,
exacerbating poverty and social unrest within society.
Moreover, unemployment imposes financial burdens on
governments through increased welfare spending and reduced tax
revenues, further straining public finances and hindering
government investment in key sectors.

9- Which age group is known as work force population? Also

explain major problems related to it.
Workforce Population and Major Problems:
The workforce population comprises individuals within a certain
age range (usually 15 to 64 years) who are available and willing to
work.
Major problems related to the workforce population include
unemployment, underemployment, lack of skill development
opportunities, mismatch between job requirements and available
skills, and vulnerability to economic fluctuations and technological
advancements.

Chapter 3

1- Differentiate between ‘minimum subsistence level of living

and a ‘reasonable level of living’.
The minimum subsistence level of living refers to the bare
minimum resources required for survival, such as food, shelter,
and clothing, without any consideration for quality of life or social
well-being. A reasonable level of living, on the other hand,
encompasses not only basic needs but also factors in access to
education, healthcare, sanitation, and other elements necessary
for a decent standard of living.

2- “In poor families, all suffer, but some suffer more than others”.
Explain the statement.
The statement suggests that while poverty affects all members of
a poor family, its impact is not evenly distributed. Some
individuals within the family may suffer more due to factors such
as age, gender, health conditions, or other vulnerabilities. For
instance, children and elderly members may suffer
disproportionately due to lack of access to education or
healthcare, while women may face additional hardships due to
gender discrimination.

3- Describe the poverty line in estimated in India.

The poverty line in India is typically estimated based on income
levels necessary to afford a minimum standard of living. It is
calculated by considering factors such as food expenditure, health
expenses, education costs, and other essential needs. The official
poverty line in India is periodically revised by the government
based on consumption patterns and price indices.

4- What are the main causes of poverty in India?

The main causes of poverty in India include:
Lack of education and skills leading to unemployment or low-
paying jobs.
Unequal distribution of wealth and resources.
Agricultural challenges such as landlessness, low productivity, and
lack of irrigation facilities.
Urbanization and migration leading to informal and precarious
employment.
Social factors such as caste discrimination, gender inequality, and
lack of social safety nets.

5- Describe global poverty trends.

Global poverty trends have shown progress over the years, with a
significant reduction in the number of people living in extreme
poverty. Efforts such as economic development, investment in
education and healthcare, and targeted poverty alleviation
programs have contributed to this decline. However, challenges
remain, especially in regions with persistent poverty, conflicts, and
natural disasters.
6- What is interstate disparities of poverty in India?
Interstate disparities of poverty in India refer to the uneven
distribution of poverty across different states. Some states,
particularly those with higher levels of industrialization and
economic development, have lower poverty rates compared to
less developed states. Factors contributing to interstate disparities
include varying levels of infrastructure, access to resources,
governance effectiveness, and historical disparities.

7- Name all the current government measures taken by the

government of India.
Some of the current government measures taken by the
government of India to address poverty include:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) providing employment opportunities in rural areas.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for affordable housing.
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) promoting self-
employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
National Food Security Act (NFSA) ensuring food security through
subsidized food grains.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) promoting cleanliness and
sanitation.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for targeted delivery of
subsidies and benefits.

8- “Poverty reduction is expected to mark better progress in the

next 10-15 years”. Justify the statement.
The statement suggests that poverty reduction is expected to
make better progress in the next 10-15 years due to various
factors such as:
Economic growth and development leading to increased
opportunities for employment and income generation.
Implementation of targeted poverty alleviation programs and
social welfare schemes.
Technological advancements and innovation facilitating inclusive
growth and access to resources.
Enhanced international cooperation and partnerships for
sustainable development.
Awareness and advocacy efforts leading to increased focus on
poverty reduction and social justice.

Chapter 4- Food Security In India

1- Which are the people more concern to food insecurity?

People more concerned with food insecurity are typically those
living in poverty, marginalized communities, rural areas with
limited access to resources, and regions prone to conflict or
natural disasters. Vulnerable populations such as children,
pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities
are particularly at risk of food insecurity.

2- Why is buffer stock is created by the government?

Buffer stock is created by the government to stabilize food prices,
ensure food availability during periods of scarcity, and mitigate the
impact of market fluctuations. It involves the procurement and
storage of food grains such as wheat and rice by the government
to be released into the market when needed.

3- What were the main features of National Food for Work

Programme?
The main features of the National Food for Work Programme
included providing food grains as wages for labor-intensive work,
focusing on rural development projects such as infrastructure
development, water conservation, and soil conservation, and
targeting employment generation in areas with high levels of
poverty and food insecurity.

4- Explain the three dimensions of food security?

The three dimensions of food security are:
Food availability: Sufficient quantities of food must be consistently
available through production, imports, or food assistance
programs.
Food access: Individuals and households must have adequate
resources to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet,
including income, markets, and social safety nets.
Food utilization: Food consumed must be nutritious and safe to
meet dietary needs and support overall health and well-being.

5- Explain the role of Public Distribution System in food security?

The Public Distribution System (PDS) plays a crucial role in food
security by ensuring the distribution of essential food grains at
subsidized rates to vulnerable populations. Through a network of
fair price shops, PDS provides access to staples such as rice,
wheat, and sugar to eligible households, thereby ensuring food
availability and affordability.

6- What happens to food security when there is disaster or

calamity?
During disasters or calamities, food security is often threatened
due to disruptions in food production, distribution, and access.
Shortages may occur, leading to increased food prices and limited
availability. Vulnerable populations are particularly affected, facing
hunger and malnutrition unless adequate relief measures are
implemented swiftly.

7- Explain with examples the role of co-operatives in food

security in India?
Co-operatives play a significant role in food security in India by
empowering small-scale farmers, artisans, and rural communities.
They facilitate collective action for resource pooling, access to
markets, credit facilities, and technology dissemination. For
example, dairy cooperatives like Amul have transformed the lives
of dairy farmers by providing them with fair prices for their milk
and ensuring a steady income.

8- What has our government done to provide food security to

the poor? Discuss two schemes launched by the government.
The government of India has implemented various schemes to
provide food security to the poor. Two prominent schemes are:
National Food Security Act (NFSA): Enacted in 2013, NFSA aims to
provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of the
population, including priority households and Antyodaya Anna
Yojana (AAY) households. It guarantees the right to food and seeks
to address hunger and malnutrition.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Launched in

response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY aims to provide
additional free food grains to beneficiaries of the NFSA for a
specified period. It aims to alleviate food insecurity among
vulnerable populations affected by the economic downturn
caused by the pandemic.