People as Resource Class 9 Economics Important Questions and Answers - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on CBSE Class 9 Economics Important Questions - Chapter 2 People as Resource
1. What is meant by the term ‘people as a resource’ in the context of the CBSE Class 9 Economics syllabus for the 2025-26 session?
The term ‘people as a resource’ refers to viewing a country's population as an asset rather than a liability. It emphasizes that with investments in education, health, and training, people can become human capital. This capital possesses the skill and knowledge to contribute productively to the creation of the Gross National Product, making them the most important economic resource.
2. Differentiate between the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of the economy with one example for each.
The three sectors of the economy are distinguished by the nature of their activities:
- Primary Sector: Involves activities that directly use natural resources. Example: Agriculture, mining, or forestry.
- Secondary Sector: Involves activities that process raw materials into finished goods. Example: Manufacturing of cars from steel or textiles from cotton.
- Tertiary Sector: Involves activities that provide services to support the other two sectors and the population. Example: Banking, transportation, or teaching.
3. What is the key difference between disguised unemployment and seasonal unemployment? This is an important question for exams.
The key difference lies in the nature of joblessness. Disguised unemployment occurs when more people are engaged in an activity than are needed, so their removal does not affect productivity (e.g., five people farming a plot that only needs two). Seasonal unemployment happens when people are unemployed during specific seasons of the year, typically in agriculture or tourism-related industries.
4. Explain the crucial role of education and health in the formation of human capital.
Education and health are two of the most important factors in human capital formation. Education equips people with necessary skills, knowledge, and training, increasing their productivity and earning potential. Good health ensures that individuals are physically and mentally fit to work efficiently and consistently, reducing absenteeism and maximising their contribution to the economy. Together, they transform a person into a valuable resource.
5. What are some key reasons why women are often employed in low-paid jobs in India?
Women are often employed in low-paid jobs due to a combination of factors. Many work in the unorganised sector where job security is low and legal protection is minimal. Often, women have lower levels of education and skill formation compared to men, limiting their access to better-paying jobs. Additionally, social norms and a historical division of labour often channel women into jobs that are considered less valuable and are therefore paid less.
6. Suggest three measures within the education system that could help reduce the problem of educated unemployment.
To address educated unemployment, the education system can implement the following measures:
- Introduce more vocational courses to provide practical, job-oriented skills.
- Align the curriculum with current market demands to bridge the gap between skills learned and skills required by industries.
- Promote entrepreneurship through training and support, encouraging students to become job creators rather than just job seekers.
7. Distinguish between economic and non-economic activities, providing an example for each.
The primary distinction is whether the activity adds value to the national income. Economic activities are performed for monetary gain and contribute to the economy, such as a chef cooking in a restaurant. Non-economic activities are performed for self-consumption or personal satisfaction and do not involve a market transaction, such as a person cooking for their own family at home.
8. Why is human capital considered superior to other resources like land and physical capital? Justify your answer.
Human capital is considered the most superior resource because it is the only factor of production that is active and intelligent. Land and physical capital (like machinery) are passive resources that cannot become useful on their own. It is the skill, creativity, and knowledge of human capital that organises and utilises these other resources to generate value. Furthermore, human capital can be improved continuously through investment in health and education.
9. Despite being essential for a household, why is work done by a homemaker not classified as an economic activity?
The work done by a homemaker, though immensely valuable, is not classified as an economic activity because it is not performed for a wage or profit in the market. The measurement of national income only includes goods and services produced for market exchange. Since household chores are for self-consumption and do not involve a monetary transaction, they are categorised as non-economic activities and are not included in GDP calculations.
10. Explain why educated unemployment is considered a unique and serious problem for India.
Educated unemployment is a unique problem for India because there is a major mismatch between the skills acquired through formal education and the skills demanded by the job market. While the number of graduates has increased significantly, many lack the specific technical or vocational skills needed by industries. This leads to a situation where people with degrees (matriculation, graduation, etc.) are unable to find suitable jobs, representing a wastage of human resources and educational investment.
11. How do health indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and life expectancy reflect the quality of a nation's population?
Health indicators are direct measures of the quality of a population as a resource. A low Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) indicates better pre-natal and post-natal care, nutrition, and sanitation, leading to a healthier future generation. A high life expectancy signifies better overall health infrastructure, awareness, and living conditions. A healthy population is more productive, efficient, and capable of contributing effectively to economic growth.
12. What is the 'virtuous cycle' of human development? Explain with an example from the chapter People as Resource.
A virtuous cycle is a chain of events where a positive development leads to further positive outcomes, creating a self-reinforcing loop of progress. In the context of human resources, educated and healthy parents are more likely to understand the importance of and invest in their own children's education and health. This creates a cycle where the next generation also becomes well-educated and healthy, leading to higher earnings and a better quality of life, thus continuing the cycle for future generations.

















