Worksheet Solutions: Infrastructure | Economics for Grade 12 PDF Download

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

Q1: Infrastructure includes fundamental systems like __________, __________, and __________ that support the proper functioning of an economy.
Ans: roads, communication networks, transportation facilities
Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the functioning of a society or enterprise. In the context of supporting the proper functioning of an economy, fundamental systems like roads, communication networks, and transportation facilities are essential. Roads allow for the movement of goods and people, communication networks facilitate efficient information flow, and transportation facilities aid in the movement of goods and individuals across regions.

Q2: Economic infrastructure includes essential components like __________, __________, and __________, which are crucial for economic growth.
Ans: transportation, communication, electricity
Economic infrastructure consists of the foundational facilities and systems necessary for economic activity. Transportation, communication, and electricity are vital components as they facilitate the movement of goods and people, enable effective communication and information sharing, and provide the necessary energy for powering industries and households, thus driving economic growth.

Q3: Social infrastructure comprises elements like __________, __________, and __________, focusing on human resource development.
Ans: schools, hospitals, banks
Social infrastructure refers to the foundational facilities and systems that are essential for the development and well-being of society. Schools for education, hospitals for healthcare, and banks for financial services are key elements of social infrastructure. These contribute to the development of human resources, ensuring the health, education, and financial stability of the population.

Q4: Improved infrastructure, such as roads and warehouses, facilitates the selling of products in various __________.
Ans: markets
Enhanced infrastructure, like well-maintained roads and efficient warehouses, plays a crucial role in enabling the distribution and sale of products in various markets. Proper infrastructure ensures that products can be transported smoothly to different markets, facilitating commerce and trade.

Q5: India has become a global outsourcing hub due to the availability of modern __________.
Ans: infrastructure
India's emergence as a global outsourcing hub can be attributed to the presence of modern infrastructure. This infrastructure includes communication networks, technology parks, and reliable power supply that support the outsourcing industry, making India an attractive destination for businesses looking to outsource various services.

Q6: India's infrastructure investment makes up __________ of its GDP, significantly lower than that of China and Indonesia.
Ans: 5%
India's infrastructure investment as a percentage of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is approximately 5%. This figure indicates the proportion of the country's economic output that is allocated to the development and maintenance of infrastructure. In comparison to countries like China and Indonesia, India's investment in infrastructure is relatively lower.

Q7: The power industry in India faces challenges like insufficient installed __________ capacity.
Ans: power generation
The power industry in India encounters challenges related to inadequate installed capacity for power generation. This means that there is not enough capacity in power plants to generate the required amount of electricity to meet the demands of consumers and industries.

Q8: Primary healthcare serves as the __________ point of contact for individuals with the healthcare system.
Ans: first
Primary healthcare acts as the first point of contact for individuals with the healthcare system. It is the initial level of healthcare services provided to individuals and communities, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and basic healthcare needs.

Q9: There is a significant disparity in the utilization of medical and health facilities between the __________ and __________ areas in India.
Ans: rich, poor
In India, there is a notable disparity in the utilization of medical and health facilities between the affluent or rich segments of society and the economically disadvantaged or poor segments. The wealth gap often results in differential access to quality healthcare services and facilities.

Q10: To ensure basic healthcare for all, accessibility and affordability must be integrated into India's basic __________ infrastructure.
Ans: health
In order to guarantee essential healthcare services for all citizens, accessibility and affordability must be incorporated into India's basic health infrastructure. This means ensuring that healthcare services are readily available and affordable for everyone, promoting better health outcomes and well-being across the population.

Section 2: Assertion and Reason

Q1: Assertion: Infrastructure promotes economic growth by stimulating investment and production. Reason: Infrastructure includes elements like roads, transportation facilities, and industries that facilitate economic activities.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q2: Assertion: Social infrastructure can improve work efficiency by equipping workers with necessary skills.
Reason: Health centers and educational institutions are essential components of social infrastructure.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q3: Assertion: India's infrastructure investment makes up only 5% of its GDP.
Reason: India should focus on improving its infrastructure in rural areas by providing better access to energy, water, basic services, and sanitation facilities.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q4: Assertion: Primary healthcare is pivotal in the effectiveness of healthcare programs.
Reason: There is a significant disparity between urban and rural healthcare in India.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Q5: Assertion: Infrastructure enhances productivity by improving transportation and storage facilities. Reason: Improved infrastructure facilitates the selling of products in various markets.
(a)Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Section 3: Very Short Answers 

Q1: Define economic infrastructure.
Ans: Economic infrastructure includes transportation, communication, and electricity, essential for economic growth.

Q2: Name a type of conventional commercial energy source.
Ans: Coal

Q3: What percentage of India's GDP is represented by infrastructure investment?
Ans: 5%

Q4: Name one challenge faced by India's power industry.
Ans: Insufficient installed power generation capacity

Q5: Mention an example of non-commercial energy source.
Ans: Agricultural waste from firewood and dry manure

Q6: What is the significance of social infrastructure?
Ans: Social infrastructure focuses on developing human resources, improving living standards.

Q7: What is the primary objective of primary healthcare?
Ans: First point of contact for individuals with the healthcare system

Q8: Name one aspect where India should focus on improving its infrastructure.
Ans: Rural areas, including access to energy, water, basic services, and sanitation facilities

Q9: Name a well-known unconventional energy source.
Ans: Solar power

Q10: What is the role of social infrastructure in human development?
Ans: Fostering the development of trained, healthy, and efficient individuals

Section 4: Short Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of social infrastructure in a country's development.
Ans: Social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and banks, plays a crucial role in human development and improving the standard of living. Schools and colleges enhance skills and knowledge, health centers promote a healthy workforce, and banks facilitate financial inclusion and economic growth.

Q2: Explain the importance of electricity in modern civilization and the challenges faced by India in the power industry.
Ans: Electricity is fundamental for modern civilization, powering industries, homes, and services. India faces challenges like insufficient installed power generation capacity, transmission losses, limited private sector participation, public dissatisfaction, and raw material shortages in the power sector.

Q3: Discuss the disparities in the utilization of medical and health facilities in urban and rural areas of India.
Ans: Urban areas generally have better access to medical and health facilities compared to rural areas, leading to disparities in healthcare utilization. This divide affects the health outcomes and overall well-being of the population, necessitating efforts to bridge the gap.

Q4: Elaborate on the importance of decentralized public health services in India.
Ans: Decentralized public health services are essential to ensure better healthcare facilities for all citizens, especially in remote or underserved areas. Localized healthcare services improve accessibility and address health issues effectively, ultimately improving the overall health of the population.

Q5: Discuss the challenges faced by India in bridging the rural-urban infrastructure divide.
Ans: Bridging the rural-urban infrastructure divide in India is challenging due to factors like limited resources, population distribution, and funding constraints. Addressing these challenges requires targeted investment, policy reforms, and strategic planning.

Q6: Explain how infrastructure can strengthen production linkages and contribute to economic growth.
Ans: Infrastructure like transportation, education, and banking creates better linkages among industries, enhancing production and economic growth. Improved connectivity and access to resources boost productivity and expand market reach.

Q7: Discuss the role of education and health infrastructure in a country's long-term development.
Ans: Education and health infrastructure are fundamental for a country's long-term development. Education equips individuals with skills and knowledge, while health infrastructure ensures a healthy and productive workforce, contributing to economic growth and a better quality of life.

Q8: Describe the importance of efficient energy sources and the need for diversification in India's energy sector.
Ans: Efficient energy sources are crucial for sustainable development and economic growth. India needs to diversify its energy sources, incorporating renewable options to reduce dependency on conventional sources and mitigate environmental impact.

Section 5: Long Answers

Q1: Explain the importance of infrastructure in promoting economic growth and improving the standard of living.
Ans: Infrastructure, including economic and social components, is pivotal in promoting economic growth. Economic infrastructure, like transportation and communication, facilitates trade and investment, enhancing productivity and expanding markets. Social infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, focuses on human development, leading to an improved standard of living by equipping individuals with skills and promoting a healthy workforce.

Q2: Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for improving India's infrastructure investment.
Ans: India faces challenges like inadequate investment and disparities in infrastructure distribution. Solutions include increasing investment, particularly in rural areas, and fostering public-private partnerships. Effective resource management, policy reforms, and leveraging technology can bridge the infrastructure gap.

Q3: Elaborate on the challenges faced by India's power industry and the importance of addressing them.
Ans: Challenges in the power industry, like insufficient generation capacity and distribution inefficiencies, hinder economic growth. Addressing these challenges through increased capacity, improved distribution, private sector involvement, and policy reforms is crucial to ensure a reliable and affordable power supply, essential for economic development.

Q4: Discuss the significance of addressing the disparity in healthcare utilization between urban and rural areas in India.
Ans: Bridging the healthcare utilization disparity is essential for equitable healthcare access. This ensures that all citizens, regardless of location, have access to quality healthcare. Addressing this disparity contributes to better health outcomes, improved workforce productivity, and ultimately, a more balanced and sustainable socio-economic development in the country.