Class 10 Economics Q&A Chapter ‘Sectors of the Indian Economy’

‘Sectors of the Indian Chapter from Economics’ Class 10 NCERT Textbook Exercise Question & Answers: Click here for more Resources.

NCERT Textbook Questions (Sectors of the Indian Economy)

Q.1 Fill in the blanks using the correct option given in the bracket

Answer:

(i) Employment in the service sector has not increased to the same extent as production. (has/has not)
(ii) Workers in the tertiary sector do not produce goods. (tertiary/agriculture)
(iii) Most of the workers in the organised sector enjoy job security. (organised/unorganised)
(iv) A large proportion of labourers in India are working in the unorganised sector. (large/small)
(v) Cotton is a natural product and cloth is a manufactured product. (natural/manufactured)
(vi) The activities in primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors are interdependent. (independent/interdependent)

Q.2 Choose the most appropriate answer

(i) The sectors are classified into public and private sector on the basis of:
(a) employment conditions
(b) the nature of economic activity
(c) ownership of enterprises
(d) number of workers employed in the enterprise

Ans. (c) Ownership of enterprises

(ii) Production of a commodity, mostly through the natural process, is an activity in _____ sector.
(a) primary
(b) secondary
(c) tertiary
(d) information technology

Ans. (a) primary

(iii) GDP is the total value of _____ produced during a particular year.
(a) all goods and services
(b) all final goods and services
(c) all intermediate goods and services
(d) all intermediate and final goods and services

Ans. (b) All final goods and services

(iv) In terms of GDP, the share of the tertiary sector in 2013-14 is _____.
(a) between 20 to 30 per cent
(b) between 30 to 40 per cent
(c) between 50 to 60 per cent
(d) 70 per cent

Ans. (c) between 50 to 60 per cent

Q.3 Match the following

Answer:
(i) (d)
(ii) (c)
(iii) (e)
(iv) (a)
(v) (b)

Q.4 Find the odd one out and explain why

(i) Tourist Guide, Dhobi, Tailor, Potter
Ans: Tourist Guide is the odd one because they are often educated, while the others typically do not require formal education.

(ii) Teacher, Doctor, Vegetable Vendor, Lawyer
Ans: Vegetable Vendor is the odd one because they are often illiterate and do not require formal education, while the others are literate and require professional qualifications.

(iii) Postman, Cobbler, Soldier, Police Constable
Ans: Cobbler is the odd one because they belong to the private sector, while the others work in the public sector.

(iv) MTNL, Indian Railways, Air India, Jet Airways, All India Radio
Ans: Jet Airways is the odd one because it is a private undertaking, while the rest are government undertakings.

Q5. A research scholar looked at the working people in the city of Surat and found the following.

Complete the table. What is the percentage of workers in the unorganised sector in this city?

Answer:

Solution:

• Total percentage of workers in the organised sector = 15% + 15% = 30%
• Total percentage of workers in the unorganised sector = 20% + 50% = 70%

Thus, 70% of workers in Surat are employed in the unorganised sector.

Q.6 Do you think the classification of economic activities into primary, secondary, and tertiary is useful? Explain how.

Ans: Yes, the classification of economic activities into primary, secondary, and tertiary is useful because:

1. Understanding Economic Contributions: It helps analyze the share of each sector in GDP and employment.
2. Policy Formulation: Governments can plan sector-specific interventions to boost development and address challenges.
3. Interdependence: It highlights how different sectors depend on each other for growth.
4. Sectoral Growth Trends: Helps track changes in economic patterns, such as the growth of the tertiary sector in India.

Q.7 For each of the sectors that we came across in this chapter, why should one focus on employment and GDP? Could there be other issues which should be examined? Discuss.

Ans:

• Primary Sector: Focus on employment is crucial as it employs a large population but contributes less to GDP, indicating underemployment.
• Secondary Sector: Focus on GDP is important as industrialization boosts overall economic development and creates jobs.
• Tertiary Sector: Focus on both employment and GDP is vital due to its significant contribution to GDP and potential to generate high-skill jobs.

Other Issues to Examine:

1. Working Conditions: Particularly in the unorganised sector.
2. Sustainability: Ensuring economic growth does not harm the environment.
3. Income Disparity: Reducing income inequality among workers in different sectors.
4. Skill Development: Providing training to transition workers from primary to secondary and tertiary sectors.

Q.8 Make a long list of all kinds of work that you find adults around you doing for a living. In what way can you classify them? Explain your choice.

Ans:
Examples of Work:

1. Farmers, fishermen, dairy workers, miners.
2. Factory workers, construction workers, carpenters, potters.
3. Teachers, doctors, shopkeepers, drivers, IT professionals.

Classification:

1. Primary Sector: Farmers, fishermen, miners (use natural resources).
2. Secondary Sector: Factory workers, construction workers, potters (manufacturing).
3. Tertiary Sector: Teachers, doctors, shopkeepers, IT professionals (services).

This classification is based on the nature of work and helps understand the contribution of each sector to the economy.

Q.9 How is the tertiary sector different from other sectors? Illustrate with a few examples.

Ans:

• The tertiary sector provides services rather than goods, unlike the primary and secondary sectors that deal with production.
• Examples:
  • Transportation (e.g., trucks carrying goods).
  • Banking (e.g., loans to businesses).
  • Healthcare (e.g., doctors treating patients).
  • Education (e.g., schools and teachers).

Tertiary activities act as a support system for the primary and secondary sectors.

Q.10 What do you understand by disguised unemployment? Explain with an example each from the urban and rural areas.

Ans:
Disguised unemployment refers to a situation where more people are employed than required, and some workers do not contribute significantly to productivity.

• Rural Example: In a small farm, five family members work on the field, but only three are needed. The extra two are underemployed.
• Urban Example: A small shop employs three workers, but the shop’s tasks could be managed by just one person.

Q.11 Distinguish between open unemployment and disguised unemployment.

Q.12 “Tertiary sector is not playing any significant role in the development of Indian economy.” Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Ans: I disagree with the statement. The tertiary sector plays a significant role in the development of the Indian economy:

1. GDP Contribution: The tertiary sector is the largest contributor to GDP, surpassing the primary and secondary sectors.
2. Service Growth: Services like IT, healthcare, and banking have shown exponential growth.
3. Employment Opportunities: Though employment generation in the sector is slower, it provides high-skill job opportunities.
4. Support to Other Sectors: It supports primary and secondary sectors through transport, trade, and communication.

Thus, the tertiary sector is integral to India’s economic growth and development.

Q.13 Service sector in India employs two different kinds of people. Who are these?

Ans:

1. Highly Skilled Workers: These include professionals like IT workers, software engineers, teachers, doctors, and managers. They are well-paid and work in organised environments.
2. Low-Skilled Workers: These include casual labourers such as street vendors, rickshaw pullers, repair workers, and daily wage earners. They are often poorly paid and work in unorganised conditions.

Q.14 Workers are exploited in the unorganised sector. Do you agree with this view? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Ans: Yes, workers in the unorganised sector face exploitation due to:

1. Low Wages: They are often paid less than the minimum wage.
2. No Job Security: Employment is irregular, and workers can be terminated without notice.
3. Poor Working Conditions: They lack access to basic facilities like clean drinking water, safe work environments, and healthcare.
4. Lack of Benefits: They do not receive paid leave, overtime pay, or retirement benefits.

Examples: Daily wage workers and small-scale artisans often face these issues.

Q.15 How are the activities in the economy classified on the basis of employment conditions?

Ans: Economic activities are classified into:

1. Organised Sector:
   • Regular employment with formal contracts.
   • Workers receive benefits such as paid leaves, medical benefits, and pensions.
   • Examples: Government jobs, corporate offices.
2. Unorganised Sector:
   • Irregular employment, often without formal contracts.
   • Workers lack social security and are prone to exploitation.
   • Examples: Street vendors, casual labourers.

Q.16 Compare the employment conditions prevailing in the organised and unorganised sectors.

Answer:

Q.17 Explain the objective of implementing the MGNREGA 2005.

Ans:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005 aims to:

1. Provide Employment: Guarantee 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households.
2. Ensure Livelihood: Support rural workers with sustainable income opportunities.
3. Reduce Poverty: Alleviate rural poverty by creating jobs in public works projects.
4. Promote Rural Development: Build durable assets like roads, irrigation facilities, and ponds.
5. Empower Women and Marginalised Groups: Increase their participation in the workforce.

Q.18 Using examples from your area, compare and contrast the activities and functions of private and public sectors.

Ans:

Q.19 Discuss and fill the following table giving one example each from your area.

Answer:

Q.20 Give a few examples of public sector activities and explain why the government has taken them up.

Ans: Examples of public sector activities include:

1. Healthcare: Government hospitals provide affordable healthcare services, especially to the poor.
2. Education: Government schools offer free or subsidized education to ensure literacy and skill development.
3. Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads, bridges, dams, and irrigation facilities promotes economic growth.
4. Railways: Ensures affordable transportation for both passengers and goods.
5. Public Distribution System (PDS): Supplies essential commodities like rice and wheat at subsidized rates to ensure food security.

The government takes up these activities because they require significant investment, do not guarantee immediate profit, and are essential for the welfare of society.

Q.21 Explain how the public sector contributes to the economic development of a nation.

Ans: The public sector plays a key role in economic development by:

1. Infrastructure Development: Builds essential facilities like roads, railways, and dams to support other sectors.
2. Employment Generation: Provides jobs in government offices, public works, and state-owned enterprises.
3. Social Welfare: Ensures access to healthcare, education, and basic amenities for the underprivileged.
4. Supporting Industries: Supplies affordable inputs like electricity and water to industries.
5. Economic Stability: Prevents monopolies by regulating key industries like defense and telecommunications.
6. Reducing Income Inequality: Provides subsidies and social programs to bridge the gap between rich and poor.

Q.22 The workers in the unorganised sector need protection on the following issues: wages, safety, and health. Explain with examples.

Ans: Workers in the unorganised sector face numerous challenges:

1. Wages:
   • Problem: Low and irregular wages.
   • Example: Daily wage labourers often do not earn the minimum wage.
   • Solution: Government must enforce minimum wage laws and provide social security schemes.
2. Safety:
   • Problem: Unsafe working environments with no protective equipment.
   • Example: Construction workers often face accidents due to lack of safety measures.
   • Solution: Implement strict safety regulations and provide safety training.
3. Health:
   • Problem: No access to healthcare or compensation for injuries.
   • Example: Workers in small factories face health issues due to exposure to chemicals.
   • Solution: Employers should provide healthcare benefits and regular medical check-ups.

Q.23 A study in Ahmedabad found that out of 15,00,000 workers in the city, 11,00,000 worked in the unorganised sector. The total income of the city in this year (1997-1998) was Rs 60,000 million. Out of this, Rs 32,000 million was generated in the organised sector. Present this data as a table. What kind of ways should be thought of for generating more employment in the city?

Answer:

Ways to Generate More Employment:

1. Promote Small-Scale Industries: Encourage cottage and small industries through financial support.
2. Skill Development: Provide vocational training to enhance workers’ employability.
3. Improve Infrastructure: Develop roads, power supply, and transport to support industries and services.
4. Encourage Startups: Provide incentives and subsidies to new businesses.
5. Support Unorganised Sector: Protect workers’ rights through better wages, safety, and health measures.
6. Focus on Tourism and IT: Develop these sectors to create a wide range of job opportunities.

Q. 24. The following table gives the GDP in Rupees (Crores) by the three sectors:

(i) Calculate the share of the three sectors in GDP for 2000 and 2013.
(ii) Show the data as a bar diagram similar to Graph 2 in the chapter.
(iii) What conclusions can we draw from the bar graph?

Answer:

(i) Share of the three sectors in GDP for 2000 and 2013

• 2000:
  • Primary Sector: 22.22%
  • Secondary Sector: 20.73%
  • Tertiary Sector: 57.05%
• 2013:
  • Primary Sector: 13.94%
  • Secondary Sector: 18.7%
  • Tertiary Sector: 67.36%

(ii) Bar Diagram

The bar diagram above illustrates the percentage share of each sector in GDP for the years 2000 and 2013.

(iii) Conclusions from the Bar Graph

1. Decline in Primary Sector: The share of the primary sector in GDP decreased significantly from 22.22% in 2000 to 13.94% in 2013.
2. Increase in Tertiary Sector: The tertiary sector’s share rose from 57.05% to 67.36%, highlighting its growing importance in the Indian economy.
3. Stagnation in Secondary Sector: The secondary sector saw a marginal increase in its share, from 20.73% to 18.7%, indicating slower growth compared to the tertiary sector.
4. Shift in Economic Focus: The data reflects India’s transition toward a service-dominated economy.