NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Economics Chapter 2 Questions and Answers - FREE PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Economics Chapter 2 People As Resource
1. What is the correct definition of ‘People as a Resource’ as explained in NCERT Class 9 Economics Chapter 2?
According to the NCERT solutions for Class 9 Social Science Chapter 2, 'People as a Resource' is a concept that refers to a country's working population in terms of their existing productive skills and abilities. It views the population as an asset for the economy, capable of contributing to the Gross National Product, rather than a liability.
2. How should one correctly answer the difference between human resources and other resources like land and physical capital?
To solve this, the answer must state that human capital is superior because it possesses the knowledge and skill to utilise other resources. Land, water, or physical capital (like machines) cannot become useful on their own. It is the human resource that employs these resources to produce an output, thereby adding value. This active role makes human capital indispensable.
3. What are the main points to include when answering about the role of education in human capital formation?
A complete answer as per the CBSE pattern should include the following points:
- Education enhances the productivity and skills of individuals, which directly contributes to national income and economic growth.
- It opens new horizons for a person, provides new aspirations, and develops values for life.
- It fosters personality development and a sense of national consciousness, crucial for societal progress.
- A well-educated population is an asset that contributes not only to individual growth but also to the holistic development of society.
4. What is the role of health in the formation of human capital?
Health plays a critical role in human capital formation. A healthy person is more likely to realise their full potential and be a productive asset to the economy. An unhealthy individual may become a liability. The health of a person is directly linked to their efficiency and productivity, as a healthy individual can work more effectively and contribute more significantly to economic activities.
5. How do you explain the three sectors of the economy with correct examples for each?
The solution involves explaining the three main economic sectors:
- Primary Sector: This sector involves the extraction and production of natural resources. Examples include agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishing, and mining.
- Secondary Sector: This sector involves the processing of natural resources into finished goods (manufacturing). Examples include food processing, oil refining, and the production of industrial goods.
- Tertiary Sector: This sector provides support services to the primary and secondary sectors. Examples include trade, transport, communication, banking, education, health, and insurance.
6. What is the correct way to explain the difference between disguised and seasonal unemployment?
The key difference lies in their nature:
- Disguised Unemployment: This occurs when more people are employed in a job than are actually required. Even if the extra people are removed, the total output does not change. This is common in agriculture where a family of eight might work on a farm that only needs five.
- Seasonal Unemployment: This happens when people find work only during certain months of the year. For example, agricultural labourers in India are employed during sowing and harvesting seasons but may be unemployed for the rest of the year.
7. Why is educated unemployment considered a specific problem for India as per the chapter?
Educated unemployment is a peculiar problem in India because there is a significant mismatch between the number of educated individuals (matriculates, graduates, post-graduates) graduating each year and the number of suitable jobs available in the market. While the population's educational level has increased, the creation of jobs has not kept pace, leading to a surplus of qualified but unemployed youth.
8. What is the difference between economic activities and non-economic activities?
The primary difference is their contribution to the national income. Economic activities add value to the national income and are further divided into market activities (production for pay or profit) and non-market activities (production for self-consumption). In contrast, non-economic activities, like household chores performed for one's own family, do not add to the national income.
9. Why is human capital considered the most important resource for a country's development?
Human capital is considered the most important resource because it is the active factor of production. It is the knowledge, skill, and health of the people that enables the effective use of all other resources like land and physical capital. Without competent human capital, other resources would remain passive and unproductive. Therefore, investment in human capital through education and health leads to higher rates of economic growth and development.
10. How does a country's investment in health and education create a 'virtuous cycle' of development?
A 'virtuous cycle' is created when educated and healthy parents understand the importance of these factors and invest in their own children's education and health. This leads to a new generation that is even more skilled, productive, and healthy. This continuous cycle of improvement in human capital quality leads to progressively higher incomes and greater contributions to society, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating sustained economic growth.
11. Why are women often employed in low-paid work, and how does this impact the economy?
Women are often employed in low-paid work primarily due to historical and social reasons, leading to a lack of access to education and skill development. This disparity means they often work in the unorganised sector with irregular and low incomes. This impacts the economy by causing an underutilisation of a significant portion of the workforce, leading to lower overall productivity and a slower growth in the Gross National Product (GNP).

















