NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Economics Chapter 3 Questions and Answers - FREE PDF Download
Unlock a complete study experience with Vedantu's Class 9 Economics Chapter 1 NCERT Solutions. Get the "Poverty as a Challenge" Class 9 PDF, which clearly explains the key ideas you need to understand the subject better with easy-to-follow Class 9 Economics NCERT Solutions.
Table of Content
By exploring the questions and answers of Class 9 Economics, students gain a deep understanding of key concepts, such as the bigger challenges independent India faces. Poverty and rural and urban poverty cases have been discussed in this chapter. Check out the revised class 9 social science syllabus and start with Vedantu to embark on a journey of academic excellence.
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Economics Chapter 3 Poverty As A Challenge
1. How do I write the correct answer for the NCERT question on how the poverty line is estimated in India?
To provide a complete NCERT solution, explain that the poverty line in India is estimated based on a minimum level of consumption. The method involves two main steps:
- Calorie Requirement: It starts with determining the minimum calorie intake needed per person. As per the 2025-26 NCERT norms, this is 2400 calories per day in rural areas and 2100 calories in urban areas.
- Monetary Value: The monetary value of this calorie requirement, along with other essential non-food items like clothing and fuel, is calculated. This total expenditure is the poverty line. For instance, in 1999–2000, it was fixed at Rs. 328 per month for rural areas and Rs. 454 for urban areas. Anyone earning below this amount is considered below the poverty line (BPL).
2. What key points are needed to describe the poverty trends in India since 1973 for the Class 9 NCERT exercise?
For a step-by-step answer on poverty trends, you should mention the following points as per the NCERT data:
- There has been a substantial decline in the poverty ratio, from about 55% in 1973 to 22% in 2011–12.
- While the percentage of poor people declined, the absolute number of poor remained stable at around 320 million for a long time before showing a significant decline.
- Poverty ratios have consistently been higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, although the gap has narrowed over time.
- Mentioning the data points for specific years (e.g., 1973, 1993, 2011-12) will make your answer more accurate.
3. What are the major reasons for poverty in India that I should include in my NCERT solution?
Your NCERT solution for the causes of poverty in India should include these key points:
- Historical Reason: Low level of economic development under the British colonial administration, which ruined traditional industries.
- High Population Growth: Rapid population growth outpaced economic growth, leading to low per capita income.
- Unemployment and Underemployment: A high rate of joblessness, especially in rural areas, is a major cause.
- Unequal Distribution of Income and Assets: A large portion of wealth and land is concentrated in the hands of a few.
- Social Factors: Social obligations and religious ceremonies often lead to high expenditure and debt among the poor.
4. How can I provide a complete answer on the main features of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) 2005?
To correctly answer the question on NREGA 2005 (now MGNREGA), your solution should highlight the following features:
- It guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
- It aims to provide a social safety net and enhance livelihood security in rural areas.
- One-third of the proposed jobs are reserved for women.
- If an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days, they are entitled to a daily unemployment allowance.
5. How do I correctly identify the social and economic groups most vulnerable to poverty as per the NCERT chapter?
As per the NCERT chapter 'Poverty as a Challenge', the most vulnerable groups are:
- Social Groups: Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are the most socially vulnerable groups.
- Economic Groups: Among the economic groups, the most vulnerable are the rural agricultural labour households and the urban casual labour households.
Your answer should also mention that within poor families, women, elderly people, and female infants are often denied equal access to resources, making them the 'poorest of the poor'.
6. For the NCERT solutions, how should I critically evaluate if the present method of poverty estimation is appropriate?
To critically evaluate the poverty estimation method, your answer should be structured in two parts. First, explain the current method, and then point out its limitations:
- Current Method: State that the current methodology uses a minimum subsistence level of living, based primarily on calorie intake and basic consumption, rather than a reasonable standard of living.
- Limitations: Argue that this approach is limited because it only considers the economic factor (income/expenditure). It ignores other crucial aspects of poverty, such as illiteracy, lack of access to healthcare, job security, gender discrimination, and social exclusion. A comprehensive view of human poverty is needed for a more appropriate estimation.
7. What is the best way to explain the concept of 'human poverty' as distinct from income poverty in my answers?
To differentiate 'human poverty' from income poverty in your NCERT solution, you should explain that it is a broader concept. While income poverty focuses only on the lack of money to meet a minimum standard of living (the poverty line), human poverty includes the denial of essential opportunities and choices. You should list its components:
- Lack of education (illiteracy)
- Lack of access to proper healthcare and sanitation
- Lack of job security and opportunities
- Social discrimination based on caste and gender
- Lack of self-confidence and political freedom
Essentially, a person can be above the income poverty line but still be considered a 'human poor' if they lack these capabilities.
8. How can I structure a detailed answer on the interstate disparities of poverty in India, citing examples from the NCERT book?
To structure this answer effectively, follow these steps:
- Start with the main point: State that the proportion of poor people is not the same across all states in India.
- Provide examples of high-poverty states: Mention states like Bihar and Odisha, which have historically been the poorest states with poverty ratios well above the national average.
- Provide examples of low-poverty states: Contrast this with states like Kerala, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, which have seen a significant decline in poverty.
- Explain the reasons for success: Briefly explain why some states succeeded, such as Kerala's focus on human resource development, West Bengal's land reform measures, and the high agricultural growth in Punjab and Haryana.
9. To provide a thorough answer, how do government strategies for poverty alleviation work based on the two main planks mentioned in the chapter?
For a complete solution, explain that the government's anti-poverty strategy is based on two main approaches, or 'planks':
- Promotion of Economic Growth: This is an indirect approach. The idea is that as the economy grows (higher GDP), it creates more opportunities for employment and income generation, which helps lift people out of poverty. This strategy has been a major focus since the 1980s.
- Targeted Anti-Poverty Programmes: This is a direct approach. The government launches specific schemes to directly help the poor. You should provide examples mentioned in the NCERT book, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY), and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).
Mentioning that both strategies are complementary is crucial for a full-marks answer.
