1. Development

Content Structure

1. NCERT Solutions
2. Extra Questions and Answers
- 2A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 2B. Very Short Type Questions and Answers
- 2C. Short Answer-type Questions
- 2D. Case/Source-based Questions and Answers
- 2E. Long Questions and Answers

1. NCERT Solutions

1. Development of a country can generally be determined by:
(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above

Ans: (iv) All the above

2. Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India?
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan

Ans: (ii) Sri Lanka

3. Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000, Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000

Ans: (iv) Rs 6000

Calculation:
Average income = Rs 5000
Number of families = 4
Therefore, total income of all four families:
5000 × 4 = Rs 20,000
Income of three families:
4000 + 7000 + 3000 = Rs 14,000
Income of the fourth family:
20,000 − 14,000 = Rs 6,000
Therefore, the correct answer is (iv) Rs 6000.

4. What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?
Ans: The World Bank mainly uses per capita income to classify different countries. Per capita income is calculated by dividing the total income of a country by its total population. It gives an idea of the average income of a person. However, per capita income has some limitations. It does not tell us how income is distributed among people. A country may have a high average income, but most people may still be poor while a few people are very rich. It also does not tell us about people’s health, education, security, freedom and other important aspects of life. Therefore, per capita income is useful, but it is not a complete measure of development.

5. In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development different from the one used by the World Bank?
Ans: The World Bank mainly uses per capita income as a criterion for comparing countries. It focuses mainly on the economic condition of people. The UNDP uses a broader approach to measure development. Its Human Development Report compares countries on the basis of educational levels, health status and per capita income. Therefore, the UNDP considers both income and important social indicators. This difference is important because income alone cannot show the complete well-being of people. Health and education are also necessary for a good quality of life. Thus, the UNDP gives a broader picture of human development than the World Bank’s income-based comparison.

6. Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your own examples related to development.
Ans: We use averages because they help us compare different countries or groups of people. For example, per capita income is the average income of a country and is calculated by dividing total income by total population. It helps us compare countries with different population sizes. However, averages have limitations. They do not show how income is distributed among people. For example, suppose two families have a total income of ₹20,000. One family may have ₹10,000 and ₹10,000, while another may have ₹18,000 and ₹2,000. Their average income is the same, but their living conditions are very different. Therefore, averages are useful for comparison but do not show inequalities.

7. Kerala, with lower per capita income has a better human development ranking than Haryana. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
Ans: No, I do not agree completely. Per capita income is an important criterion because it tells us about the average income of people and helps us compare different states. Higher income gives people greater ability to buy goods and services. However, per capita income alone is not enough to measure development. Kerala has a lower per capita income than Haryana but performs better in some important indicators such as Infant Mortality Rate, literacy and school attendance. This shows that health and education are also important. Therefore, per capita income should be used as one criterion, but it should be considered along with health, education and other indicators to understand the overall level of development.

8. Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now?
Ans: At present, people in India use different sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity, firewood, solar energy and wind energy. Coal and petroleum are important sources, but they are limited and can create environmental problems. Fifty years from now, India may depend more on renewable and cleaner sources of energy. Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower and other renewable sources may become more important. Greater use of such sources can reduce dependence on limited resources like coal and crude oil. It can also help reduce environmental degradation. Therefore, future energy use should be planned in a way that supports sustainable development.

9. Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
Ans: Sustainability is important because natural resources are limited and can be exhausted if they are used carelessly. Development should not satisfy only the needs of the present generation. It should also consider the needs of future generations. The overuse of groundwater is an example. Groundwater is a renewable resource, but it can still be overused if people take out more water than is naturally replenished. Similarly, crude oil is a non-renewable resource with a limited stock. Environmental degradation is also a common concern because its effects do not respect national or state boundaries. Therefore, development must be planned carefully so that natural resources remain available for the future.

10. “The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person.” How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? Discuss.
Ans: The statement means that the Earth has enough natural resources to meet the basic needs of people if resources are used wisely and fairly. However, unlimited use of resources by some people can create shortages and environmental problems. Development requires natural resources such as water, land, forests, minerals and energy. If these resources are used excessively for unnecessary consumption, they may become scarce or exhausted. This can create problems for both present and future generations. Therefore, development should not be based on unlimited use of natural resources. We should use resources carefully, avoid unnecessary wastage and think about the needs of future generations. This idea is closely connected with sustainable development.

11. List a few examples of environmental degradation that you may have observed around you.
Ans: Environmental degradation means damage to the natural environment and its resources. Some common examples that can be observed around us are:

Air pollution caused by vehicles and factories.
Water pollution caused by waste and harmful substances.
Cutting of trees for construction and other activities.
Plastic waste on roads and in water bodies.
Soil pollution caused by harmful chemicals and waste.
Lowering of groundwater levels due to excessive use of water.
Noise pollution caused by vehicles and machines.
Burning of garbage, which causes air pollution.

These examples show that development can cause environmental problems when natural resources are not used carefully.

12. For each of the items given in Table 1.6, find out which country is at the top and which is at the bottom.
Ans: According to the Table 1.6 data used in the chapter, the comparison is made using indicators such as GNI per capita, life expectancy, mean years of schooling and HDI rank.

Indicator	Country at the top	Country at the bottom
GNI per capita	Sri Lanka	Myanmar
Life expectancy at birth	Sri Lanka	Myanmar
Mean years of schooling	Sri Lanka	Pakistan
HDI Rank	Sri Lanka	Pakistan

Explanation:

GNI per capita: Sri Lanka has the highest GNI per capita among the countries given in the table, while Myanmar has the lowest.
Life expectancy: Sri Lanka has the highest life expectancy, while Myanmar has the lowest.
Mean years of schooling: Sri Lanka has the highest average years of schooling, while Pakistan has the lowest.
HDI Rank: Sri Lanka has the best HDI rank. In HDI ranking, a lower rank number means better performance. Pakistan has the lowest position among the countries listed in the current table.

13. The following table shows the proportion of adults (aged 15–49 years) whose BMI is below normal (BMI <18.5 kg/m²) in India. It is based on a survey of various states for the year 2019–21.

State	Male (%)	Female (%)
Kerala	8.5	10
Karnataka	17	21
Madhya Pradesh	28	28
All States	20	23

(i) Compare the nutritional level of people in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
Ans: The nutritional level of people in Kerala is better than in Madhya Pradesh according to the given data. In Kerala, 8.5% of adult males and 10% of adult females have a BMI below the normal level. In Madhya Pradesh, the figures are much higher, with 28% of both males and females below the normal BMI level. A lower percentage of people with below-normal BMI indicates a better nutritional condition. Therefore, Kerala has a better nutritional level than Madhya Pradesh according to this table.

(ii) Can you guess why around one-fifth of people in the country are undernourished even though it is argued that there is enough food in the country? Describe in your own words.
Ans: Having enough food in the country does not mean that every person is able to get enough nutritious food. Some people may have very low income and may not be able to buy sufficient food. Unequal distribution of food and poor access to essential facilities can also affect nutrition. The Public Distribution System is important because it helps people obtain essential food items. Where such public facilities do not function properly, poor people may face difficulties in getting enough food. Lack of proper healthcare and other basic facilities can also affect nutritional status. Therefore, food availability alone is not enough; people must also have access to food and other basic facilities.

2. Additional Questions and Answers

2A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is an important goal besides income?
A. Discrimination
B. Freedom
C. Poverty
D. Unemployment

Ans: B. Freedom

2. Which of the following is a non-material goal?
A. More income
B. Better wages
C. Respect
D. Higher crop prices

Ans: C. Respect

3. Why is income not the only measure of development?
A. Income has no importance
B. People also want security, freedom, equal treatment and respect
C. Income cannot be earned
D. People do not need money

Ans: B. People also want security, freedom, equal treatment and respect

4. Which of the following may be considered while choosing a job?
A. Working atmosphere
B. Opportunity to learn
C. Job security
D. All of the above

Ans: D. All of the above

5. What is national development?
A. Development of only rich people
B. Thinking about what is fair and beneficial for people
C. Development of only cities
D. Increasing only the income of a country

Ans: B. Thinking about what is fair and beneficial for people

6. According to the chapter, what does average income fail to show?
A. Total population
B. Distribution of income among people
C. Country’s income
D. Per capita income

Ans: B. Distribution of income among people

7. Why may two countries with the same average income have different levels of development?
A. Their income may be distributed differently
B. Their populations are always equal
C. They have the same facilities
D. They have the same income distribution

Ans: A. Their income may be distributed differently

8. Which correctly differentiates total income and average income?
A. Total income is divided by population; average income is total income.
B. Total income is the income of all residents; average income is total income divided by total population.
C. Both have the same meaning.
D. Average income is always higher than total income.

Ans: B. Total income is the income of all residents; average income is total income divided by total population.

9. Which correctly differentiates renewable and non-renewable resources?
A. Renewable resources cannot be replenished, while non-renewable resources can be replenished.
B. Renewable resources are replenished by nature, while non-renewable resources get exhausted after use.
C. Both are exhausted after a few years.
D. Both can be used without limits.

Ans: B. Renewable resources are replenished by nature, while non-renewable resources get exhausted after use

10. Which correctly differentiates development for individuals and national development?
A. Individual development concerns personal goals, while national development considers what is fair and beneficial for people.
B. Both mean only earning more income.
C. National development concerns only rich people.
D. Individual development has no relation to goals.

Ans: A. Individual development concerns personal goals, while national development considers what is fair and beneficial for people.

11. Which correctly differentiates income and public facilities?
A. Income can provide everything needed for a good life.
B. Public facilities are provided collectively and can provide important goods and services that individual income alone cannot ensure.
C. Public facilities are not important for development.
D. Income and public facilities have exactly the same role.

Ans: B. Public facilities are provided collectively and can provide important goods and services that individual income alone cannot ensure.

12. Assertion (A): Developmental goals can be different for different people.
Reason (R): People have different aspirations and desires.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Ans: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

13. Assertion (A): Total income is useful for comparing countries.
Reason (R): Countries have different populations.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Ans: D. A is false, but R is true.

14. Assertion (A): Average income is used to compare countries.
Reason (R): Countries have different populations.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Ans: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

15. Assertion (A): Renewable resources cannot be overused.
Reason (R): Groundwater can be overused if it is used faster than it is replenished by rain.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Ans: D. A is false, but R is true.

16. Assertion (A): Income is the only criterion used in Human Development Report.
Reason (R): The Human Development Report also considers educational levels and health status.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Ans: D. A is false, but R is true.

Read the following and answer Questions 50–54:

Income is important but is not an adequate measure of development. Health and education indicators are also used along with income. The Human Development Report published by UNDP compares countries on the basis of educational levels, health status and per capita income.

17. Who publishes the Human Development Report?
A. World Bank
B. UNDP
C. Government of India
D. National Statistical Office

Ans: B. UNDP

18. What does HDI stand for?
A. Human Development Index
B. Human Development Income
C. Human Distribution Index
D. Human Development Indicator

Ans: A. Human Development Index

19. Which of the following is considered in the Human Development Report?
A. Educational levels
B. Health status
C. Per capita income
D. All of the above

Ans: D. All of the above

20. What does life expectancy at birth mean?
A. Number of children attending school
B. Average expected length of life at the time of birth
C. Average income of a person
D. Literacy rate of a country

Ans: B. Average expected length of life at the time of birth

21. What does the comparison of India and its neighbours show?
A. Income is the only measure of development
B. Countries with lower income can perform better in some indicators
C. All countries have the same development
D. Education has no importance

Ans: B. Countries with lower income can perform better in some indicators

2B. Very Short Type Questions and Answers

1. What is meant by development?
Ans: Development means thinking about our aspirations and desires and about how we would like to live. It also means finding suitable ways to achieve our goals and improve our quality of life. Thus, development is not limited to earning more income; it also includes freedom, security, equal treatment and respect.

2. Why is income important for development?
Ans: Income is important because people need money to obtain many goods and services required in daily life. Higher income can improve access to food, clothing, education, healthcare and other material needs. It therefore plays an important role in improving people’s standard of living.

3. Why is income not the only goal of development?
Ans: Income cannot provide every important thing needed for a good life. People also want equal treatment, freedom, security, respect and good working conditions. These non-material aspects affect people’s well-being and quality of life. Therefore, development must consider both material and non-material goals.

4. What are non-material things?
Ans: Non-material things are important aspects of life that cannot be measured simply in terms of money. Examples include friendship, freedom, security, equal treatment and respect. Although they do not have a direct price, they strongly influence a person’s happiness, dignity and quality of life.

5. What is national development?
Ans: National development means thinking about what a country should do to improve the lives of its people. It involves deciding what is fair and just for different groups and considering whether development will benefit a large number of people or only a small section of society.

6. Why is income considered an important criterion?
Ans: Income is considered important because greater income gives people greater ability to buy goods and services that they need or want. It can help people meet material requirements and improve their standard of living. Therefore, income is an important starting point for comparing development.

7. What is total income?
Ans: Total income is the income of all the residents of a country taken together. It represents the total income earned by the country’s population. However, it does not tell us how much income is available, on average, to each individual.

8. What is average income?
Ans: Average income is the total income of a country divided by its total population. It is also called per capita income. It gives an idea of the income that an average person is likely to earn and makes comparison between countries with different populations easier.

9. Write the formula for per capita income.
Ans: The formula for per capita income is:
Per Capita Income = Total Income ÷ Total Population
It is used to calculate the average income of the people of a country and is commonly used for comparing the economic condition of different countries.

10. Why is per capita income useful for comparison?
Ans: Per capita income is useful because it considers the population along with total income. It allows countries with different population sizes to be compared on a common basis. It gives an approximate idea of the income available per person.

11. What is one limitation of average income?
Ans: Average income does not show how income is distributed among people. Two countries may have the same average income even when one has a more equal distribution and the other has a large gap between rich and poor. Therefore, average income alone cannot show complete development.

12. How can two countries have the same average income but different levels of development?
Ans: Two countries can have the same average income but different income distributions. In one country, income may be shared more equally among people, while in another, most people may be poor and a small number may be very rich. Their development conditions can therefore be different.

13. Why is Country A preferred over Country B in the example?
Ans: Country A is preferred because its income is distributed more equally among its people. In Country B, most people are poor while a small number may be very rich. The example shows why equal distribution of income is important when comparing development.

14. Which state has the highest per capita income among Haryana, Kerala and Bihar?
Ans: Haryana has the highest per capita income among Haryana, Kerala and Bihar. According to the data given in the chapter, Haryana’s per capita income was ₹3,25,759 in 2023–24. This shows its stronger position in terms of average income among the three states.

15. Which state has the lowest per capita income among Haryana, Kerala and Bihar?
Ans: Bihar has the lowest per capita income among the three states. According to the data given in the chapter, Bihar’s per capita income was ₹60,337 in 2023–24. However, lower income alone does not mean that every development indicator is also lower.

16. Why cannot Haryana be considered more developed than Kerala only on the basis of income?
Ans: Haryana has a higher per capita income than Kerala, but Kerala performs better in important social indicators. Kerala has a lower Infant Mortality Rate, a higher literacy rate and higher school attendance. This shows that development must be judged using income as well as health and education indicators.

17. What is Infant Mortality Rate?
Ans: Infant Mortality Rate is the number of children who die before completing one year of age per 1,000 live children born in a particular year. It is an important indicator of the health conditions and availability of healthcare facilities for children and mothers.

18. What does the Infant Mortality Rate show about Kerala?
Ans: Kerala has a very low Infant Mortality Rate according to the data given in the chapter. Only 6 out of 1,000 children born died before completing one year of age. This indicates better health conditions and adequate basic health facilities.

19. What does the Infant Mortality Rate show about Haryana?
Ans: Haryana has a higher Infant Mortality Rate than Kerala. According to the table, 28 out of 1,000 children born died before completing one year of age. This comparison shows that income alone cannot explain differences in health outcomes between states.

20. What is the literacy rate?
Ans: Literacy rate measures the proportion of literate people in the 7-and-above age group. It is an important education indicator because it gives an idea of the level of basic education among the population and helps in comparing the educational development of different regions.

21. What is Net Attendance Ratio?
Ans: Net Attendance Ratio is the percentage of children in the 15–17 years age group who are attending school out of the total number of children in the same age group. It is an important indicator of participation in school education.

22. Why is Kerala considered better than Haryana in some development indicators?
Ans: Kerala is considered better in some development indicators because it has a lower Infant Mortality Rate and higher literacy and school attendance. These indicators show better performance in important areas of health and education, even though Haryana has a higher per capita income.

23. Why are public facilities important?
Ans: Public facilities are important because many essential goods and services are best provided collectively and at a lower cost. Schools, healthcare and other basic facilities help people meet important needs. Their proper provision can improve people’s health, education and overall quality of life.

24. Why does Kerala have a low Infant Mortality Rate?
Ans: According to the chapter, Kerala has a low Infant Mortality Rate because it has adequate provision of basic health and educational facilities. The availability of these facilities supports better health conditions and contributes to improved outcomes for children.

25. What does HDI stand for?
Ans: HDI stands for Human Development Index. It is used to compare countries on important aspects of human development. The idea of human development gives importance to people’s well-being and not simply to the amount of income earned.

26. What three factors are used in the Human Development Report?
Ans: The Human Development Report compares countries on the basis of three important factors: the educational levels of people, their health status and their per capita income. Together, these factors provide a broader understanding of the development and well-being of people.

27. What is meant by sustainability of development?
Ans: Sustainability of development means maintaining or increasing the level of development without exhausting natural resources. Development should also take into account the needs of future generations so that resources remain available and development can continue in the future.

28. What is a renewable resource?
Ans: A renewable resource is a resource that can be replenished by natural processes. Groundwater is an example because it can be replenished through rainfall. However, being renewable does not mean that the resource can be used without limits.

29. What are non-renewable resources?
Ans: Non-renewable resources are resources that get exhausted after continuous use because their stock is limited. They cannot be replenished quickly through natural processes. Once the available stock is used up, it cannot be easily replaced within a short period.

30. Give an example of a non-renewable resource.
Ans: Crude oil is a non-renewable resource. Its stock is limited and it takes a very long time to form. If crude oil continues to be extracted and used at the present rate, its available stock will eventually become exhausted.

2C. Short Answer-type Questions

1. Why is development a complex process?
Ans: Development is a complex process because people have different needs and aspirations. Sometimes their goals may also conflict with each other. A development project may benefit one group but create problems for another. Therefore, while planning development, we need to consider people’s income, equality, freedom, security, essential needs and the effects of development on different groups.

2. Why is income important for development?
Ans: Income is important because people need money to buy goods and services required for a better life. Higher income helps people meet their material needs and improve their standard of living. However, income alone cannot provide everything people need. People also want freedom, security, equal treatment, respect and other non-material things.

3. Why is income not the only goal of development?
Ans: Income is important, but it is not the only goal of development. People also want equal treatment, freedom, security, respect and a safe environment. These are called non-material aspects of life. A person may prefer a job with less salary if it provides job security and more time with the family. Thus, development includes both material and non-material goals.

4. What are non-material goals? Why are they important?
Ans: Non-material goals are things that are important for a good life but cannot be measured directly in terms of money. They include freedom, security, equal treatment, respect and friendship. These things are important because money alone cannot give a person dignity, safety or happiness. Therefore, non-material goals are also an important part of development.

5. How can paid work improve the position of women?
Ans: Paid work can improve the dignity and position of women in the household and society. It gives women greater participation in economic activities and can increase their independence and respect. When women work outside the home, family members may also begin to share household responsibilities more equally. A safe environment can further encourage women to take up jobs or businesses.

6. What is national development?
Ans: National development means thinking about what a country should do for the development of all its people. It includes deciding what is fair and just and whether the benefits of development will reach a large number of people or only a small group. It also involves considering different people’s needs and resolving conflicts between their developmental goals.

7. Why may different people have different ideas about national development?
Ans: Different people have different needs, aspirations and priorities. Therefore, they may have different ideas about what is best for the country. For example, one group may support a project because it provides jobs and electricity, while another group may oppose it because it affects their land or livelihood. Thus, national development may involve conflicting interests.

8. Why is total income not a suitable measure for comparing countries?
Ans: Total income is not a suitable measure because countries have different population sizes. A country may have a very high total income simply because it has a large population. This does not tell us about the income of an average person. Therefore, average income or per capita income is used to make a better comparison between countries.

9. What is per capita income? How is it calculated?
Ans: Per capita income is the average income of the people of a country. It is calculated by dividing the total income of the country by its total population.

Formula:
Per Capita Income = Total Income ÷ Total Population

It is commonly used to compare the income levels of different countries or states.

10. Why is income distribution important while comparing development?
Ans: Income distribution is important because average income does not show how income is shared among people. If income is distributed more equally, a larger number of people may enjoy a better standard of living. On the other hand, if most income goes to a small group, many people may remain poor even when average income is high.

11. Which other criteria are important for measuring development?
Ans: Health and education are important criteria along with income. Indicators such as Infant Mortality Rate, literacy rate and school attendance help us understand the living conditions of people. These indicators show whether people have access to basic health and educational facilities. Therefore, they give a broader picture of development than income alone.

12. Why cannot Haryana be considered more developed than Kerala only because it has a higher income?
Ans: Haryana has a higher per capita income than Kerala, but income is not the only measure of development. Kerala has a lower Infant Mortality Rate, higher literacy rate and higher school attendance. These indicators show better performance in important areas of health and education. Therefore, development must be judged by income as well as social indicators.

13. What does the comparison of Haryana, Kerala and Bihar tell us?
Ans: The comparison shows that per capita income alone cannot measure development. Haryana has the highest per capita income among the three states, while Bihar has the lowest. However, Kerala performs better in some important health and education indicators. This proves that development is a broader concept and includes income, health, education and other aspects of people’s well-being.

14. What is Infant Mortality Rate? Why is it an important indicator?
Ans: Infant Mortality Rate is the number of children who die before completing one year of age per 1,000 live children born in a particular year. It is an important indicator of development because it tells us about the health conditions of children and the availability of basic healthcare facilities in a region.

15. What does the comparison of Infant Mortality Rate in Kerala and Haryana show?
Ans: The comparison shows that Kerala has a much lower Infant Mortality Rate than Haryana. According to the chapter data, 6 out of 1,000 children born in Kerala died before completing one year, while the figure for Haryana was 28. This indicates better health conditions and facilities in Kerala.

16. What is literacy rate?
Ans: Literacy rate measures the proportion of literate people in the 7-and-above age group. It is an important indicator of educational development. A higher literacy rate generally shows that a larger proportion of the population has basic education and can read and write.

17. What is Net Attendance Ratio?
Ans: Net Attendance Ratio is the percentage of children in the 15–17 years age group who are attending school out of the total number of children in the same age group. It helps us understand how many children in this age group are actually attending school and continuing their education.

18. Why are public facilities important for development?
Ans: Public facilities are important because many essential goods and services cannot be provided effectively by individuals alone. Facilities such as schools, healthcare and other basic services are often better provided collectively. They can improve people’s health, education and quality of life. Proper public facilities are therefore an important part of development.

19. Why is collective provision of facilities useful?
Ans: Collective provision of facilities can be cheaper and more effective than providing them separately to every person. For example, collective security for a locality can protect many families instead of every family hiring its own security staff. Similarly, public schools and health facilities can serve many people together.

20. What is the Human Development Report?
Ans: The Human Development Report is published by the UNDP. It compares countries on the basis of important aspects of human development. These include the educational levels of people, their health status and per capita income. Thus, it gives a broader idea of development instead of looking only at income.

21. What is Human Development Index (HDI)?
Ans: HDI stands for Human Development Index. It is used to compare countries on important aspects of human development. It gives importance to people’s health, education and income. Therefore, the idea of human development is broader than simply comparing countries on the basis of their per capita income.

22. What three factors are considered in the Human Development Report?
Ans: The Human Development Report compares countries on the basis of three important factors:

Educational levels of people
Health status of people
Per capita income

Together, these factors provide a broader understanding of the development and well-being of people.

23. Why is sustainable development important?
Ans: Sustainable development is important because natural resources are limited and can be overused. Scientists have warned that the present type and level of development may not be sustainable. If resources are continuously used without proper care, they may become scarce or exhausted. Therefore, development must consider the needs of both present and future generations.

24. What are non-renewable resources? Give an example.
Ans: Non-renewable resources are resources that have a limited stock and can get exhausted after continuous use. They cannot be replenished within a short period. Crude oil is an example of a non-renewable resource. Its stock is limited, and continued extraction and use can eventually exhaust it.

25. Why does India import crude oil?
Ans: India imports crude oil because it does not have enough stocks of its own to meet its requirements. As a result, India depends on imports to meet part of its oil needs. When the price of crude oil increases, it can become a burden for the country and its people.

2D. Case/Source-based Questions and Answers

Case/Source-Based Question 1: Different Developmental Goals

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
People have different ideas about what is important for their development. A landless rural labourer may want more days of work and better wages. A girl may want equal freedom and opportunities as her brother. A person may also want security, respect and equal treatment. Therefore, different people can have different developmental goals. What may be development for one person may not be development for another.

(a) Why do people have different developmental goals?
Ans: People have different developmental goals because their needs, desires, aspirations and life situations are different. A landless labourer may want more work and better wages, while a girl may want equal freedom and opportunities. Similarly, another person may give more importance to security or respect. Therefore, the same thing may not be equally important for everyone.

(b) Name any two developmental goals mentioned in the source.
Ans: Two developmental goals mentioned in the source are better wages and equal freedom and opportunities. Other important goals include security, respect and equal treatment. These goals show that people want not only better income but also better social and personal conditions in their lives.

(c) Why may the same goal not be important to everyone?
Ans: The needs and situations of people are different. Therefore, a goal that is important for one person may not be important for another person. For example, a person who already has regular work may give more importance to security or respect, while a landless labourer may give more importance to regular employment and better wages.

(d) What is the main idea of the source?
Ans: The main idea is that development has different meanings for different people. People have different needs and aspirations, so their developmental goals are also different. Something that may be useful and beneficial for one person may not be useful for another. In some cases, it may even create problems for another person.

Case/Source-Based Question 2: Conflicting Developmental Goals

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Developmental goals can sometimes conflict with one another. Industrialists may want more dams because dams can provide electricity for industries. However, tribals may oppose large dams because their land can be submerged and their lives can be disturbed. Tribals may prefer small check dams or tanks instead. Thus, a development project may benefit one group while creating problems for another group.

(a) What are conflicting developmental goals?
Ans: Conflicting developmental goals arise when the goals of two persons or groups are different and achieving one person’s goal may affect or harm another person’s interests. In such a situation, development for one group may become a problem for another group. Therefore, the interests of all affected people need to be considered.

(b) Why may industrialists support large dams?
Ans: Industrialists may support large dams because dams can provide electricity. Electricity is important for industries and can support industrial development. Therefore, industrialists may consider large dams useful for their economic activities and development, even though the same project may create difficulties for other groups living in the affected areas.

(c) Why may tribals oppose large dams?
Ans: Tribals may oppose large dams because the construction of a dam can submerge their land. It may also disturb their homes, livelihood and way of life. Therefore, although the dam may provide electricity and other benefits, tribals may feel that its construction harms their interests and development goals.

(d) What may tribals prefer instead of large dams?
Ans: Tribals may prefer small check dams or tanks instead of large dams. Such smaller projects may provide useful facilities without causing the same level of damage to their land and lives. This example shows that different groups may have different ideas about what should be considered development.

Case/Source-Based Question 3: Income and Other Goals

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
People generally want regular work, better wages, fair prices for their products and more income. Income is important because it helps people buy goods and services. However, income is not the only thing people want. They also want equal treatment, freedom, security and respect. A person may even choose a job with less pay if it provides regular employment, job security, a better working atmosphere or more time for family.

(a) Why is income important for people?
Ans: Income is important because people need money to buy many goods and services required in daily life. Higher income can help people meet their material needs and improve their standard of living. However, income is only one part of development because people also need other things such as security, freedom, equal treatment and respect.

(b) Name any two non-material goals.
Ans: Freedom and security are two important non-material goals. Equal treatment and respect are also examples. These things cannot be measured simply in terms of money, but they are important for a person’s well-being and quality of life. Therefore, development includes both material and non-material goals.

(c) Why may a person choose a job with less pay?
Ans: A person may choose a job with less pay if it provides regular employment, job security, a better working atmosphere or more time for the family. This shows that people do not consider only salary while choosing a job. They also consider the conditions and benefits connected with the work.

(d) What does the source show about development?
Ans: The source shows that development is not only about earning more income. People also want equal treatment, freedom, security and respect. A job with a high salary may not always be preferred if it is insecure or leaves little time for family. Thus, both income and non-material goals are important for a better life.

Case/Source-Based Question 4: National Development

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
National development means thinking about what a country should do for development and what is fair and just for all. Different people may have different ideas about national development because they have different needs and aspirations. While deciding about development, we should ask whether a project will benefit a large number of people or only a small group. We should also consider whether there is a better way of achieving the same goal.

(a) What is meant by national development?
Ans: National development means thinking about what a country should do for the development of its people. It includes deciding what is fair and just for different groups. We also need to consider whether the benefits of development will reach a large number of people or only a small group. Thus, national development should consider the interests of society as a whole.

(b) Why can people have different ideas about national development?
Ans: People have different needs, aspirations and priorities. Therefore, they may have different ideas about what is best for the country. A project may be useful for one group but harmful to another. For this reason, people may have different or even conflicting ideas about national development.

(c) What should be considered before accepting a development project?
Ans: Before accepting a development project, we should consider whether it is fair and just and whether it will benefit a large number of people. We should also consider the people who may be affected by the project. If the same goal can be achieved in a better way with fewer harmful effects, that option should also be considered.

(d) What is the main concern of national development?
Ans: The main concern of national development is to ensure that development is fair, just and beneficial to a large number of people. It should not be planned only for the benefit of a small group. Different needs and possible conflicts should also be considered while deciding the development goals of a country.

Case/Source-Based Question 5: Per Capita Income

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Countries have different populations and total incomes. Therefore, total income cannot be used as a suitable basis for comparing countries. Average income is calculated by dividing the total income of a country by its total population. It is also called per capita income. Countries with higher average income are generally considered more developed. However, average income does not tell us how income is distributed among people.

(a) Why is total income not suitable for comparing countries?
Ans: Total income is not suitable for comparing countries because different countries have different population sizes. A country may have a high total income simply because it has a large population. This does not tell us how much income an average person is likely to earn. Therefore, average income is a more useful measure for comparison.

(b) What is average income?
Ans: Average income is the total income of a country divided by its total population. It is also known as per capita income. It gives us an idea of what an average person is likely to earn and helps us compare countries with different population sizes on a common basis.

(c) Write the formula for per capita income.
Ans: Per Capita Income = Total Income ÷ Total Population
Per capita income is used to find the average income of the people of a country. It is an important criterion used for comparing the economic condition of different countries and states.

(d) Mention one limitation of average income.
Ans: Average income does not tell us how income is distributed among people. A country may have a high average income, but most people may still be poor if most of the income is concentrated in the hands of a few people. Therefore, average income alone cannot show the complete level of development.

Case/Source-Based Question 6: Public Distribution System

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Public facilities play an important role in improving people’s lives. The Public Distribution System is one such system. Where it functions well, the health and nutritional status of people is likely to be better. Public facilities are important because many essential goods and services are best provided collectively and can help people meet their basic needs.

(a) What is the Public Distribution System?
Ans: The Public Distribution System is a public system through which essential food items are made available to people. It helps people meet some of their basic food needs. When the system functions properly, it can support better nutrition and improve the health and nutritional condition of people.

(b) How does a well-functioning Public Distribution System help people?
Ans: A well-functioning Public Distribution System can improve people’s health and nutritional status. It helps people obtain essential food items through the public system. As a result, it can support food security and help people meet their basic nutritional needs, especially those who may not be able to afford enough food.

(c) Why are public facilities needed?
Ans: Public facilities are needed because many essential goods and services are best provided collectively. They can be made available to a large number of people and may be cheaper and more effective than individual arrangements. Schools, healthcare and food-related facilities can improve people’s basic living conditions.

(d) What is the main idea of the source?
Ans: The main idea is that properly provided public facilities can improve people’s basic living conditions. The Public Distribution System is important because it can improve health and nutrition. This shows that development depends not only on individual income but also on the availability of essential public facilities.

Case/Source-Based Question 7: Human Development

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Human Development Report is published by the UNDP. It compares countries on the basis of educational levels, health status and per capita income. Human development gives importance to what is happening to the citizens of a country, especially their health and well-being. Therefore, development is not simply about earning more income but also about improving people’s overall quality of life.

(a) Who publishes the Human Development Report?
Ans: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) publishes the Human Development Report. The report compares countries using important indicators of human development. It gives importance to the health, education and income of people instead of considering only one economic measure.

(b) Name the three factors used for comparison in the report.
Ans: The three important factors are:

Educational levels of people
Health status of people
Per capita income

These factors together give a broader idea of the development and well-being of people in different countries.

(c) What is the main focus of human development?
Ans: The main focus of human development is on what is happening to the citizens of a country. Their health and well-being are especially important. Human development therefore looks beyond income and considers whether people are living healthier and better lives.

(d) Why is human development broader than income?
Ans: Human development is broader than income because it considers health, education and income together. Income can help people buy goods and services, but it cannot by itself show their health, education or overall well-being. Therefore, human development gives a wider picture of the quality of people’s lives.

Case/Source-Based Question 8: Life Expectancy

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Life expectancy at birth is an important health indicator. It shows the average expected length of life of a person at the time of birth. A comparison of India with its neighbours shows that a country with lower per capita income can perform better in some areas. Nepal and Bangladesh have lower per capita income than India but have better life expectancy.

(a) What is life expectancy at birth?
Ans: Life expectancy at birth means the average expected length of life of a person at the time of birth. It is an important health indicator because it gives an idea about the general health conditions and expected lifespan of people in a country.

(b) Is higher per capita income always linked with better health indicators?
Ans: No, higher per capita income does not always mean better performance in every health indicator. A country with lower income may perform better in some areas of health. Therefore, income should be considered along with other indicators such as life expectancy and health conditions.

(c) What does the comparison with Nepal and Bangladesh show?
Ans: The comparison shows that Nepal and Bangladesh have lower per capita income than India but better life expectancy. This means that a country with lower average income can perform better in some health indicators. Therefore, income alone cannot give a complete picture of development.

(d) What conclusion can be drawn from this comparison?
Ans: The comparison shows that income alone cannot measure development. Health is also an important part of development. A country may have higher income but may not perform better in every social or health indicator. Therefore, several development indicators should be considered together.

Case/Source-Based Question 9: Overuse of Natural Resources

Read the source carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Natural resources are important for development, but their excessive use can create serious problems. Overuse of resources can lead to their exhaustion and raise questions about whether development can continue in the future. Groundwater is already being overused in many parts of India. Similarly, limited resources such as crude oil can become exhausted if extraction continues at the present rate.

(a) What is one major effect of overusing natural resources?
Ans: One major effect of overusing natural resources is that they may become scarce or exhausted. When resources are used faster than they can be replenished or replaced, their availability decreases. This can create problems for both present development and the needs of future generations.

(b) Which resource is being overused in many parts of India?
Ans: Groundwater is being overused in many parts of India. According to the chapter, nearly one-third of the country is overusing its groundwater reserves. Continued overuse can reduce groundwater availability and create problems for people who depend on it.

(c) Why is crude oil a concern for sustainability?
Ans: Crude oil is a concern for sustainability because it is a non-renewable resource with a limited stock. It takes a very long time to form and cannot be quickly replaced. If it continues to be extracted and used at the present rate, its stock may eventually become exhausted.

(d) What does overuse of resources raise?
Ans: Overuse of resources raises questions about the sustainability of development. If natural resources are continuously exhausted, future generations may not have enough resources to meet their needs. Therefore, development must be planned in a way that resources are used carefully and remain available for the future.

2E. Long Questions and Answers

1. What is development? Why do different people have different developmental goals?
Ans: Development means thinking about our aspirations and desires and how we would like to live. It also means finding ways to achieve our goals and improve our lives. Different people have different developmental goals because their needs, desires, aspirations and situations are different. A landless rural labourer may want more days of work and better wages. A girl may want equal freedom and opportunities as her brother. Some people may want security, respect and equal treatment. Therefore, what may be development for one person may not be development for another. In some cases, the developmental goals of different people may even conflict with each other. Thus, development has different meanings for different people.

2. What are conflicting developmental goals? Explain with an example.
Ans: Conflicting developmental goals arise when the goals of two persons or groups are different and achieving one person’s goal may affect the interests of another. For example, industrialists may want more dams because dams can provide electricity for industries. On the other hand, tribals may oppose large dams because the construction of dams can submerge their land and disturb their lives. Tribals may prefer small check dams or tanks instead. Thus, the same development project may be useful for one group but harmful for another group. This shows that development is a complex process. While deciding about development, the needs and interests of different people and groups should be considered carefully.

3. Why is income not the only goal of development?
Ans: Income is an important goal of development because people need money to buy goods and services. Higher income can help people improve their standard of living. However, income is not the only goal of development. People also want equal treatment, freedom, security and respect. These are non-material aspects of life and are important for people’s well-being. A person may even choose a job with less salary if it provides regular employment, job security, a better working atmosphere or more time for the family. Therefore, people consider many things besides income. Development should include both material needs and non-material goals such as freedom, security, equality and respect.

4. What is national development? What should be considered while deciding about it?
Ans: National development means thinking about what a country should do for development and what is fair and just for all. Different people may have different ideas about national development because their needs, aspirations and goals are different. While deciding about development, we should consider whether the benefits of a project will reach a large number of people or only a small group. We should also think about the people who may be affected by the project. If there is a better way of achieving the same goal with fewer harmful effects, it should also be considered. Thus, national development should be planned by considering fairness, justice, people’s needs and the overall benefit to society.

5. Why is average income used to compare countries? Explain its limitation.
Ans: Countries have different populations, so their total income cannot be used for a fair comparison. Average income is calculated by dividing the total income of a country by its total population. It is also called per capita income. It gives an idea of what an average person is likely to earn and makes comparison between countries easier. However, average income has an important limitation. It does not show how income is distributed among people. Two countries may have the same average income, but one may have a more equal distribution while most people in the other country may be poor. Therefore, average income is useful for comparison, but it cannot show the complete level of development.

6. Why is income distribution important while comparing development?
Ans: Income distribution is important because average income does not show how income is shared among people. Two countries can have the same average income but very different living conditions. In one country, income may be distributed more equally among people. In another country, most people may be poor while a small number of people may be very rich. In such a situation, the average income may look high even though most people do not enjoy a good standard of living. Therefore, we should not depend only on average income. The distribution of income among different groups is also important for understanding whether the benefits of development reach a large number of people.

7. Explain the comparison of Haryana, Kerala and Bihar in terms of development.
Ans: The comparison of Haryana, Kerala and Bihar shows that income alone cannot measure development. Haryana has the highest per capita income among the three states, while Bihar has the lowest. However, Kerala performs better than Haryana in some important health and education indicators. Kerala has a lower Infant Mortality Rate, higher literacy and higher school attendance. This shows that a state with higher income may not perform better in every area of development. According to the chapter data, Haryana’s per capita income was ₹3,25,759 in 2023–24, while Bihar’s was ₹60,337. Therefore, development should be judged by considering income along with health, education and other important conditions.

8. Explain the importance of Infant Mortality Rate, literacy rate and school attendance as development indicators.
Ans: Infant Mortality Rate, literacy rate and school attendance are important indicators of development. Infant Mortality Rate tells us the number of children who die before completing one year of age per 1,000 live children born in a particular year. Literacy rate measures the proportion of literate people in the 7-and-above age group. Net Attendance Ratio shows the percentage of children aged 15–17 years attending school. These indicators tell us about the health and educational conditions of people. For example, Kerala has a lower Infant Mortality Rate and higher literacy and school attendance than Haryana. Therefore, these indicators help us understand development beyond income.

9. Why are public facilities important for development?
Ans: Public facilities are important because many essential goods and services are best provided collectively. Money cannot provide every condition needed for a good life. For example, an individual cannot simply buy a pollution-free environment or completely protect themselves from infectious diseases. Schools, healthcare and other public facilities help people meet their basic needs. Collective provision can also be cheaper and more effective. For example, collective security for a locality may be better than every family arranging separate security. Proper public facilities improve people’s health, education and living conditions. Therefore, development depends not only on individual income but also on the availability of essential public facilities for the people.

10. How does the Public Distribution System help in development?
Ans: The Public Distribution System is an important public facility that helps people obtain essential food items. Where the system functions well, the health and nutritional status of people is likely to be better. It helps people meet their basic food needs through public provision. Good nutrition is important for people’s health and well-being. The Public Distribution System also shows why public facilities are necessary. Not every person can arrange all essential goods and services individually. When such facilities are provided collectively, they can reach a large number of people. Therefore, a properly functioning Public Distribution System can contribute to better health, nutrition and living conditions.

11. What is Human Development? Explain the role of the Human Development Report.
Ans: Human development gives importance to what is happening to the citizens of a country, especially their health and well-being. The Human Development Report is published by the UNDP. It compares countries on the basis of educational levels, health status and per capita income. These factors provide a broader picture of development than income alone. Human development focuses on improving the quality of people’s lives rather than only increasing income. A country may have higher income but may not perform equally well in health or education. Therefore, the Human Development Report helps us understand development by considering important aspects of people’s lives and well-being.

12. What is meant by sustainability of development? Why is it important?
Ans: Sustainability of development means maintaining or increasing the level of development without exhausting natural resources and while considering the needs of future generations. It is important because natural resources can be overused and exhausted. Scientists have warned that the present type and level of development may not be sustainable. If resources are used carelessly, they may become scarce and create problems for future generations. Therefore, development should meet present needs without destroying the resources needed in the future. Sustainable development helps us balance present development with the long-term availability of natural resources. It ensures that future generations also have resources to meet their needs.

1. Development

Content Structure

1. NCERT Solutions

2. Additional Questions and Answers

2A. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Read the following and answer Questions 50–54:

2B. Very Short Type Questions and Answers

2C. Short Answer-type Questions

2D. Case/Source-based Questions and Answers

2E. Long Questions and Answers

Related Links