CLASS – 10 SUBJECT – SOCIAL SCIENCE

BOOK – ECONOMIC CHAPTER – DEVELOPMENT

Q1 - What is development? Give two examples of developmental goals that may be common and
two that may be conflicting.

Ans - What is Development?

 Development means a process of improvement in people’s living conditions, which includes
increase in income, better education, health, freedom, equality, and security.
 It is not the same for everyone—different people have different developmental goals.

Examples of Developmental Goals

Common Goals (same for most people)
1. Better education and health facilities.
2. Regular and well-paid employment.
Conflicting Goals (benefit one, harm another)
1. A large factory provides employment (good for workers) but may cause pollution (bad for
local residents).
2. A dam provides cheap electricity and irrigation (benefit for industries and farmers) but may
displace villagers (loss for them).
Q2 - Why is the notion of national development different for different countries? Explain with
examples.

Ans - Why is the notion of national development different for different countries?
 National development means the overall growth and improvement of a country in areas like
income, education, health, equality, freedom, and environment.
 The idea of development is not the same for all countries, because their needs and priorities
are different.

Examples:
1. Rich vs. Poor Countries
o A rich country may focus on technological advancement, luxury facilities, and
global trade.
o A poor country may prioritise basic needs like food, shelter, employment, and
healthcare.
2. Industrial vs. Agricultural Economies
o An industrial country may stress industrial growth and IT services.
o An agricultural country may focus on irrigation, crop productivity, and rural
development.
3. Environment vs. Industrial Growth
o Some countries want rapid industrialisation for development.
o Others may prefer sustainable development to protect natural resources.
Q3 - What is per capita income? Why do we use average income to compare development of
countries?

Ans - What is Per Capita Income?

 Per capita income is the average income of a country.
 It is calculated by dividing the total income of the country (National Income) by its total
population.
Why Do We Use Average Income to Compare Development of Countries?
 1. Fair Comparison
o Total income alone does not tell us how rich or poor a country is, because countries
have different population sizes.
o Average income shows income per person, making comparison fair.
2. Standard Indicator
o The World Bank uses per capita income as a standard criterion to classify countries
into rich and poor.
3. Simplifies Analysis
o Average income gives a simple figure to compare the living standards of people
across countries.

Example:
 If one country earns ₹5 crore with 50 lakh people and another earns ₹4 crore with 10 lakh
people:
o First country’s per capita income = ₹10,000
o Second country’s per capita income = ₹40,000
o Even though the first has more total income, the second is better in terms of
average standard of living.
Q4 - Differentiate between Human Development Report (HDR) and World Bank criteria for
measuring development.

Ans - Difference between Human Development Report (HDR) and World Bank Criteria
Basis World Bank Criteria Human Development Report (HDR)
Main Uses Per Capita Income (average Uses Human Development Index (HDI) – which
Indicator income) to compare countries. includes income, education, and health.
Focuses only on economic growth Focuses on overall human development – living
Focus
(income). a long, educated, and healthy life.
Divides countries into low, middle, Ranks countries as Very High, High, Medium, or
Classification
and high-income groups. Low HDI nations.
Ignores inequalities, literacy, life Provides a holistic view of development,
Limitation
expectancy, and quality of life. beyond just money.
United Nations Development Programme
Prepared by World Bank.
(UNDP).
Q5 - Besides income, what other factors are important in comparing development? Explain any
three.

Ans - Besides income, what other factors are important in comparing development?
Income alone cannot show the true picture of development. Other non-monetary factors are equally
important. Three such factors are:

1. Education (Literacy Rate)

 A higher literacy rate means more people can read, write, and gain skills.
 Educated citizens contribute to better jobs, innovations, and decision-making in society.

2. Health (Life Expectancy & Infant Mortality Rate)

 Good healthcare increases life expectancy and reduces infant mortality rate.
 A healthy population is more productive and enjoys a better quality of life.

3. Public Facilities
  Access to clean drinking water, sanitation, electricity, transport, and housing improves living
standards.
 Even if income is high, without these facilities, development is incomplete.
Q6 - What do you understand by sustainable development? Why is it important?

Ans - What is Sustainable Development?

 Sustainable Development means development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
 It focuses on using resources wisely, balancing economic growth with environmental
protection.

Why is Sustainable Development Important?

1. Limited Natural Resources
o Resources like forests, minerals, fossil fuels, and fresh water are exhaustible.
o If overused, future generations will suffer.
2. Environmental Protection
o Rapid industrialisation and deforestation cause pollution, global warming, and
climate change.
o Sustainable practices reduce ecological damage.
3. Intergenerational Equity
o Ensures fairness by leaving behind enough resources, clean air, fertile soil, and
biodiversity for the next generation.
Q7 - Explain the role of public facilities in development with suitable examples

Ans - Role of Public Facilities in Development

 Public facilities are services provided by the government to ensure a good quality of life for
all, especially the poor who cannot afford private services.
 They are essential because development is not only about income, but also about health,
education, and equal opportunities.

Key Roles with Examples

1. Education
o Free or subsidised schools, mid-day meal schemes, scholarships.
o Example: Government schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas help children from poor
families get quality education.
2. Healthcare
o Public hospitals provide free/low-cost treatment, vaccination, maternal care.
o Example: AIIMS, Government Primary Health Centres (PHCs) offer affordable
healthcare.
3. Water and Sanitation
o Safe drinking water and proper drainage reduce diseases.
o Example: Swachh Bharat Mission ensures sanitation and toilets in villages and cities.
4. Transport and Electricity
o Public transport and rural electrification improve productivity and mobility.
o Example: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana provides roads in rural areas.
Q8 - Why is literacy rate, infant mortality rate, and life expectancy used as indicators of
development?

Ans - Why are Literacy Rate, Infant Mortality Rate, and Life Expectancy used as indicators of
development?
1. Literacy Rate
 o Shows the percentage of people who can read and write.
o Higher literacy means better education, skills, job opportunities, and awareness of
rights.
o Example: Kerala has a high literacy rate and better human development compared
to Bihar.
2. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
o Number of infants dying before the age of one year per 1,000 live births.
o A low IMR indicates better healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation facilities.
o It reflects the quality of medical facilities available to the poor.
3. Life Expectancy
o Average number of years a person is expected to live.
o Higher life expectancy shows better healthcare, nutrition, and living conditions.
Q9 - “Money cannot buy all the goods and services that are needed to live well.” Explain with
examples.

Ans - While money is important to buy food, clothes, and other goods, real development requires
many things that money alone cannot ensure.

Examples:
1. Pollution-Free Environment
o Even if you are rich, you cannot buy clean air, water, and a healthy environment.
o Example: In cities like Delhi, wealthy people still suffer from air pollution.
2. Good Quality Public Services
o Money cannot ensure better schools, hospitals, and public transport unless the
government provides them for everyone.
o Example: Rich parents may send children to private schools, but poor families
depend on government schools.
3. Security and Respect
o Money cannot guarantee social equality, security, peace, and dignity.
o Example: A wealthy person may still face social discrimination or lack of safety in
society.
Q10 - Suggest three measures that can ensure sustainable development in India.

Ans - Three Measures to Ensure Sustainable Development in India

1. Use of Renewable Resources
o Promote solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas instead of coal and petroleum.
o Example: National Solar Mission encourages solar energy use.
2. Afforestation and Protection of Forests
o Plant more trees and prevent deforestation.
o Example: The Chipko Movement showed the importance of protecting forests.
3. Efficient Use of Resources and Pollution Control
o Adopt eco-friendly technologies, recycling, rainwater harvesting, and proper waste
management.
o Strict laws to control air, water, and soil pollution.