Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 5 Practice Question Answers - Human Resources

Q1: What is the term for the process of acquiring, training, and retaining employees within an organization?
(a) Outsourcing
(b) Recruitment
(c) Human resource management
(d) Employee turnover
Ans: (c)
Human resource management encompasses the processes of acquiring, training, and retaining employees within an organization.

Q2: Which of the following factors is not considered a demographic characteristic of the population?
(a) Age
(b) Gender
(c) Income level
(d) Marital status
Ans: (c)
Demographic characteristics typically include age, gender, marital status, education level, and occupation, but income level is an economic characteristic.

Q3: What is the main objective of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in India?
(a) Promoting urbanization
(b) Providing guaranteed employment in rural areas
(c) Ensuring access to healthcare in rural areas
(d) Supporting industrial growth in rural regions
Ans: (b)
The NREGA aims to provide guaranteed employment opportunities and improve livelihoods in rural areas of India.

Q4: Which term refers to the voluntary exit of employees from an organization?
(a) Recruitment
(b) Attrition
(c) Promotion
(d) Layoff
Ans: (b)
Attrition refers to the voluntary departure of employees from an organization, often due to retirement or seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

Q5: What is the primary focus of gender-sensitive policies in the workplace?
(a) Providing special privileges to one gender
(b) Promoting equal opportunities and treatment for all genders
(c) Excluding a particular gender from the workforce
(d) Encouraging gender-based discrimination
Ans: (b)
Gender-sensitive policies aim to ensure that all genders receive equal opportunities and fair treatment in the workplace, rather than providing special privileges or promoting discrimination.

Q6: Explain the concept of the informal sector in the context of employment.
Ans: The informal sector refers to economic activities and employment that are not regulated by the government and are often characterized by low job security, lack of social benefits, and minimal legal protections. Workers in the informal sector are typically engaged in activities such as street vending, small-scale agriculture, and unregistered or unorganized labor.

Q7: Discuss the importance of education and skill development in human resource development.
Ans: Education and skill development are crucial aspects of human resource development because they enhance an individual's employability and productivity. Education provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed for various jobs, while continuous skill development ensures that individuals remain competitive in the job market. Both contribute to personal growth and national economic development.

Q8: What is the significance of the Right to Education Act (RTE) in India?
Ans: The Right to Education Act (RTE) is significant because it makes education a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14 in India. It ensures free and compulsory education, prohibits discrimination, and aims to provide quality education to all, regardless of socio-economic status, caste, or gender. The RTE Act seeks to promote universal access to education and improve overall literacy rates.

Q9: Explain the role of trade unions in protecting the rights of workers.
Ans: Trade unions are organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and interests. They play a vital role in collective bargaining with employers to negotiate better wages, working conditions, and benefits for their members. Trade unions also advocate for workers' rights, ensure safety standards are met, and provide a platform for workers to voice their concerns and grievances.

Q10: What are the challenges faced by the Indian workforce in the informal sector, and how can they be addressed?
Ans: Challenges faced by the Indian informal sector workforce include low wages, lack of job security, limited access to social benefits, and vulnerability to exploitation. To address these challenges, policies can be implemented to formalize the informal sector, improve working conditions, provide social safety nets, and promote financial inclusion through initiatives like microfinance and skill development programs. Additionally, raising awareness about labor rights and enforcing labor laws can help protect the rights of informal sector workers.

Q11: Explain the concept of 'human resources' in the context of economics. Discuss how education and healthcare are essential for the development of human capital.
Ans: Human resources refer to the workforce of a country, including its skills, abilities, and knowledge. In economics, human resources are considered a valuable asset as they drive economic growth and development. Education equips individuals with skills and knowledge, making them more productive and adaptable to changing job markets. Healthcare ensures a healthy and productive workforce. For example, a well-educated and healthy population is more likely to contribute positively to a nation's economy. Investments in education and healthcare are crucial for developing human capital, which, in turn, fuels economic progress.

Q12: Discuss the importance of women's participation in the workforce for a country's development. Explain the challenges and barriers women often face in accessing employment opportunities.
Ans: Women's participation in the workforce is vital for a country's development as it contributes to economic growth and gender equality. When women have access to employment, they can contribute to household incomes and the overall economy. However, women often face barriers such as gender discrimination, unequal pay, and limited access to education and training. Balancing work and family responsibilities can also be challenging. Eliminating these barriers and promoting gender equality in the workplace through policies and awareness campaigns is crucial for harnessing the full potential of women in the workforce.

Q13: Examine the concept of 'unemployment.' Discuss the different types of unemployment and their impact on individuals and the economy. Explain strategies to reduce unemployment.
Ans: Unemployment occurs when people who are willing and able to work cannot find suitable employment. Types of unemployment include frictional (temporary job transitions), structural (mismatch of skills and jobs), and cyclical (resulting from economic downturns). Unemployment can have negative consequences, including financial stress, reduced consumer spending, and social unrest. Reducing unemployment requires strategies like providing job training programs, promoting entrepreneurship, and implementing macroeconomic policies that stimulate economic growth. For example, creating a supportive environment for small businesses can generate job opportunities and reduce structural unemployment.

Q14: Discuss the concept of 'child labor' and its impact on society. Explain the importance of laws and regulations in eradicating child labor and promoting child education.
Ans: Child labor refers to the employment of children in work that is harmful to their physical and mental development. It deprives children of their right to education, health, and a normal childhood. Laws and regulations play a crucial role in eradicating child labor by setting age limits for employment and regulating working conditions. For example, the Right to Education Act in India ensures access to free and compulsory education for children between 6 to 14 years old. Strict enforcement of these laws, coupled with awareness campaigns and support for impoverished families, can help eliminate child labor and promote education.

Q15: Explain the concept of 'migration' and its different types. Discuss the factors that influence rural-to-urban migration in developing countries and its impact on both rural and urban areas.
Ans: Migration is the movement of people from one place to another, often in search of better opportunities. Types of migration include rural-to-urban (from rural areas to cities), urban-to-rural (from cities to rural areas), and international migration (between countries). Rural-to-urban migration is often driven by factors such as better job prospects, access to education, and improved living conditions in cities. While it can alleviate rural unemployment, it also places pressure on urban infrastructure and services. Managing this migration through urban planning, skill development, and social safety nets is essential to ensure the well-being of both rural and urban populations.