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Class 9 Economics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Economics

Q1. Describe the poverty trends in India since 1973.
Ans: The trends in poverty in India since 1973 are as follows:

  • There has been a significant decline in the poverty ratio from 55% in 1973 to 36% in 1993, and further to 26% in 2000.
  • Rural poverty decreased sharply from 56% in 1973 to 27% in 2000, reducing the number of poor from 261 million to 193 million.
  • Recent estimates show a reduction in the total number of poor, now around 260 million, down from 321 million in 1973.
  • From 1993-94 to 2004-05, the poverty ratio fell from 45% to 37.2%. By 2011-12, it further decreased to about 22%.
  • If this trend continues, the proportion of people below the poverty line may drop below 20% in the coming years.
  • Despite the decline in the poverty ratio, the number of poor remained at approximately 407 million in 2004-05.
  • From 2004-05 to 2011-12, the number of poor decreased from 407 million to 270 million, with an average annual decline of 2.2 percentage points.

Class 9 Economics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Economics

Q2. What are the conditions of MGNREGA?
Ans: Conditions of MGNREGA:

  • The Act guarantees 100 days of employment each year for every rural household in 200 districts.
  • If an applicant does not receive employment within 15 days, they are entitled to a daily unemployment allowance.

Q3. Explain social exclusion concept of poverty.
Ans: Social exclusion is a concept that views poverty not just in terms of low income but also as a lack of access to social benefits and opportunities. Here are the key points:

  • Poverty often forces individuals to live in poor environments with others in similar situations.
  • Those experiencing social exclusion are denied equal opportunities enjoyed by wealthier individuals.
  • Social exclusion can both cause and result from poverty, creating a cycle that is hard to escape.
  • This process involves being left out of essential facilities, benefits, and opportunities that others take for granted.
  • An example of social exclusion is the caste system in India, where certain groups face barriers to equal opportunities.

Q4. Explain any four causes of poverty.
Ans: Four causes of poverty are:

  • Unemployment: A growing population does not always lead to more jobs, resulting in increased poverty.
  • Social factors: Issues such as illiteracy, ignorance, and traditional family structures hinder the adoption of modern methods, limiting income growth.
  • Underutilised natural resources: Many resources remain unused, preventing potential economic benefits.
  • Backward agriculture: A lack of basic facilities like water, fertilisers, and pesticides leads to low productivity, keeping farmers in poverty.

Q5. What are the dimensions of poverty?
Ans: Dimensions of Poverty:

  • Poverty often involves hunger and a lack of shelter.
  • Parents may struggle to send their children to school.
  • Sick individuals might be unable to afford necessary treatment.
  • There is often a lack of clean water and sanitation facilities.
  • Poverty can also mean not having a regular job that pays a decent wage.

Q6. Explain how poverty begets more poverty.
Ans: Poverty leads to more poverty in a cycle that is both a cause and a consequence. Key points include:

  • A poor country struggles to save from its national income, resulting in a lack of capital.
  • This capital deficiency negatively impacts production and income levels.
  • People in poverty often borrow money for essential needs, such as agricultural inputs.
  • High levels of indebtedness arise, making it difficult for them to escape poverty.
  • Social obligations and ceremonies can further strain their limited resources.

Q7. Explain the concepts of : 
(a) Social exclusion 
(b) Vulnerability
Ans: 

(a) Social Exclusion

  • Poverty is often viewed through the lens of social exclusion, where the poor live in environments with others who are also poor.
  • This leads to their exclusion from better living conditions and opportunities enjoyed by wealthier individuals.
  • For instance, in India, certain castes face significant barriers to accessing equal opportunities.

(b) Vulnerability

  • Vulnerability refers to the increased risk of certain groups, such as backward classes, widows, or the physically disabled, remaining in poverty.
  • These groups are more likely to suffer during natural disasters, such as earthquakes or tsunamis.
  • Vulnerability is influenced by the available options for these communities regarding assets, education, and job opportunities.
  • It highlights the greater chance of being adversely affected compared to others during difficult times.

Q8. What are the methods to measure the poverty line?
Ans: Methods to measure the poverty line:

1. Expenditure method: This method assesses the minimum nutritional food requirements for survival.

  • These requirements are converted into a monetary value.
  • Additional costs for non-food essentials are included.
  • The total amount defines the poverty line.
  • Families spending below this amount are classified as below the poverty line.

2. Income method: This method considers families whose total monthly income is below the government-defined poverty line.

Q9. Who are poor in the rural areas?
Ans: In rural areas, the poor typically include:

  • Farm labourers
  • Small and marginal farmers
  • Rural artisans
  • Backward classes and tribes

These groups often face:

  • Lack of basic literacy and skills
  • Difficulty in finding alternative employment
  • Vulnerability to village moneylenders

Q10. Who are poor in the urban sector?
Ans: In the urban sector, the poor include:

  • Rickshaw-pullers
  • Cobblers
  • Street vendors
  • Petty self-employed individuals
  • Domestic servants
  • Low-paid factory workers

These individuals often live in poor localities with very challenging living conditions.

Q11. Explain how the low level of education can be held responsible for poverty in India.
Ans: The low level of education among the poor significantly contributes to their poverty in India. Key points include:

  • Many poor individuals are illiterate, which limits their opportunities.
  • Illiteracy prevents farmers from learning modern cultivation techniques.
  • Village moneylenders often exploit the uneducated, leading to financial exploitation.
  • Poor parents struggle to send their children to school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
  • Due to their lack of skills, many poor people work as unskilled labourers with low wages.

Q12. Suggest some measures to reduce regional poverty.
Ans: Measures to reduce regional poverty:

  • Increase Central assistance and grants to economically backward states.
  • Provide special incentives for investments in these areas.
  • Establish public sector enterprises in underdeveloped states.

Q13. Discuss any three measures to reduce poverty in India. [CBSE 2010]
Ans: Three measures to reduce poverty are:

  1. More Industrialisation: To combat poverty and unemployment, especially in urban areas, it is essential to establish more industries.
  2. Improvement in Agriculture: Adopting modern agricultural methods is crucial. Additionally, land should be allocated to the tillers rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy farmers.
  3. Education: Access to education is vital for eradicating poverty and unemployment. It should be made affordable to ensure everyone can benefit.

Q14. Discuss any three government programmes for poverty alleviation. [CBSE 2010]
Ans:

  1. Prime Minister's Rojgar Yojana (PMRY): This scheme supports the educated unemployed in urban areas, prioritising youth from weaker sections of society.
  2. Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS): Launched in 1999, this programme aims to provide wage employment to families below the poverty line, enhancing the quality of life in rural areas.
  3. Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY): This initiative focuses on generating meaningful employment for the unemployed and underemployed in rural areas, while also creating community assets like soil conservation projects.

Q15. Give brief account of inter-state disparities of poverty in India. [CBSE 2010]
Ans: Inter-state disparities of poverty in India are quite significant, with varying proportions of poor people across different states. The poverty ratio differs significantly, with some states exceeding the national average while others fall below it.

  • In 20 states and union territories, the poverty ratio is lower than the national average.
  • States like Orissa, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh have poverty rates exceeding 35%, highlighting a serious issue. Poverty is prevalent in both rural and urban areas of these states.
  • Conversely, states such as Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have seen a notable decline in poverty. Factors contributing to this include improved governance and effective social welfare programmes.
  • In Punjab and Haryana, high agricultural growth rates have significantly reduced poverty. Additionally, in West Bengal, land reform measures have played a crucial role in alleviating poverty.

Q16. Mention any three features of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, was enacted in September 2005 and has the following key features:

  • It guarantees 100 days of employment each year to every rural household, with one-third of the jobs reserved for women.
  • The central government will create a National Employment Guarantee Fund, while state governments will set up their own funds to implement the scheme.
  • If employment is not provided within 15 days of application, the individual is entitled to a daily unemployment allowance.

Q17. How is the regular growth of population one of the major causes of poverty? [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: The rapid growth of population in India significantly hinders economic progress. This leads to:

  • Limited job opportunities, making it difficult for people to find work.
  • Slow growth in income, resulting in low per capita income.
  • A cycle of poverty that continues due to ineffective management of both economic growth and population control.

As the population increases, the number of job seekers rises, but job availability does not keep pace. Consequently, this population growth is a key factor contributing to poverty in India.

Q18. What are the main causes of poverty in India? [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: Main causes of poverty in India include:

  • Economic Inequality: There are significant income disparities, largely due to the unequal distribution of land and resources.
  • Rural Poverty: Many people live in slums on the outskirts of cities, with poverty being a major issue in both rural and urban areas.
  • Policy Implementation: Despite various policies aimed at land reform and asset redistribution, effective implementation has been lacking.
  • Socio-Cultural Factors: People often spend money on social obligations and religious ceremonies, even when they are poor.
  • Indebtedness: Small farmers borrow money for agricultural inputs but struggle to repay, leading to a cycle of poverty.

Q19. How the policies of colonial government were responsible for poverty in India? [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: The policies of the colonial government significantly contributed to poverty in India. Key factors include:

  • The destruction of traditional handicrafts and a lack of support for industries like textiles.
  • Low economic growth rates persisted until the 1980s, leading to fewer job opportunities.
  • A rapidly growing population further reduced the per capita income.
  • The failure to promote economic growth and control population growth created a cycle of poverty.

Q20. Explain three ways in which poverty can be estimated in India? [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: There are three main ways to estimate poverty in India:

  • Caloric Requirement: The poverty line is based on the minimum level of food needed for survival. The average calorie requirement is 2400 calories per person per day in rural areas and 2100 calories in urban areas. This varies by age, sex, and occupation.
  • Monetary Expenditure: The amount of money needed to meet these caloric needs is calculated. For example, in 2011-12, the poverty line was set at Rs 816 per month for rural areas and Rs 1000 for urban areas.
  • International Standards: Many organisations, like the World Bank, use a uniform standard for poverty, which is the equivalent of $1.90 per person per day (adjusted for purchasing power parity).

These methods help in understanding and addressing poverty levels across different regions in India.

Q21. Explain the principal measures taken in Punjab, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to reduce poverty. [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: The principal measures taken in different states to reduce poverty include:

  • Punjab: Focused on increasing agricultural growth rates.
  • Kerala: Emphasised human resource development.
  • Andhra Pradesh: Concentrated on public distribution of food grains.

Q22. ‘‘In poor families all suffer but some suffer more than others.’’ Explain. [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: In poor families, the impact of poverty is not uniform; some members suffer more than others due to various factors:

  • Social exclusion: Certain groups, such as those facing caste discrimination, are denied access to resources and opportunities available to others.
  • Vulnerability: Individuals from vulnerable groups face higher risks during crises, such as natural disasters or conflicts, due to their limited social and economic resources.
  • Gender inequality: Women, elderly individuals, and female infants often receive less support and access to family resources, leading to greater hardship.

Q23. What is poverty line? Give the income for poverty line fixed for the rural and urban areas in India according to 2000. [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: A person is considered poor if their income or consumption level is below a certain minimum level needed to meet basic needs. Each country sets its own poverty line based on its level of development and social norms. In India, as of the year 2000:

  • A family of five in rural areas was below the poverty line if they earned less than approximately Rs 1,640 per month.
  • A similar family in urban areas was below the poverty line if their income was less than around Rs 2,270 per month.

Q24. ‘‘There is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction.’’ Explain. [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: There is a strong link between economic growth and poverty reduction. Economic growth plays a crucial role in reducing poverty by:

  • Creating opportunities: It opens up new job prospects and resources for investment in human development.
  • Encouraging education: Families are more likely to send their children, including girls, to school, anticipating better economic returns from education.
  • Driving growth rates: Since the 1980s, India has experienced rapid economic growth, with rates increasing from about 3.5% in the 1970s to around 6% in the 1980s and 1990s, significantly aiding poverty reduction.

Q25. Give one positive and one negative side of poverty conditions in India, and mention the major weaknesses of poverty alleviation programmes. [2011 (T-2)]
Ans: 

  • Positive aspect- India's economic growth is one of the fastest in the world which helps in reducing poverty.
  • Negative aspect- Large number of poors live in villages and dependent upon agriculture where growth is much below expectation.
  • Weakness of Poverty alleviation programme- Lack of proper implementation and right targetting with lots of over lapping schemes.
The document Class 9 Economics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Economics is a part of the Class 9 Course Social Studies (SST) Class 9.
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FAQs on Class 9 Economics Chapter 1 Question Answers - Economics

1. What are the main causes of poverty?
Ans.The main causes of poverty include lack of education, unemployment, low wages, social inequality, and economic instability. Other factors such as health issues, environmental factors, and conflicts can also contribute to persistent poverty in communities.
2. How does poverty affect health?
Ans.Poverty has a significant impact on health, as individuals in low-income situations often lack access to nutritious food, healthcare, and safe living conditions. This can lead to higher rates of chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and reduced life expectancy.
3. What are some solutions to combat poverty?
Ans.Solutions to combat poverty include implementing effective social welfare programs, increasing access to quality education and job training, promoting economic growth, and ensuring fair wages. Additionally, improving healthcare access and supporting community development initiatives can also help reduce poverty.
4. How does poverty impact children?
Ans.Poverty severely impacts children, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and proper nutrition. Children from low-income families are more likely to experience developmental delays, lower academic achievement, and higher risk of health problems, which can affect their future opportunities.
5. What role does government play in addressing poverty?
Ans.The government plays a crucial role in addressing poverty through policy-making, funding social programs, and creating economic opportunities. By implementing social safety nets, improving public services, and promoting economic development, governments can help lift individuals and families out of poverty.
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