Reviewing AP Inter 2nd Year Economics Study Material Chapter 5 Population and Human Resources Development Questions and Answers can help students prepare confidently for exams.
AP Inter 2nd Year Economics 5th Lesson Population and Human Resources Development Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Ayushman Bharat
Answer:
Ayushman Bharat (2018) is a flagship health programme to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
It has two components
- Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
- PM-JAY (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana):
All senior citizens aged 70 & above will receive health insurance regardless of their Income.
Question 2.
Distinguish between human resources and human capital.
Answer:
- Human Resources: It refers to the total population of a country, including all individuals who can potentially contribute to economic and social activities.
- Human Capital: It refers to the quality of people in terms of education, skills, training, and health, which increases their productivity and economic value.
Question 3.
Define sex ratio.
Answer:
- Sex ratio is the number of females per 1,000 males in a population.
- It is an important demographic indicator that reflects the gender balance and social attitudes of a society.
Question 4.
What is infant mortality rate?
Answer:
IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) is defined as the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births.
Question 5.
Write any four schemes relating to India’s education sector.
Answer:
Four schemes relating to India’s education sector:
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
- PM SHRI Schools
Question 6.
What is GDI?
Answer:
GDI (Gender Development Index) measures gender inequalities in human development by comparing the achievements of men and women in areas like health, education, and income.
Short Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain Stage 2 of the demographic transition.
Answer:
Stage 2 of Demographic Transition:
- Stage 2 of the demographic transition is known as the “Early Expanding Stage.”
- In stage 2, there is an appreciable decline in death rates due to economic development, which leads to better nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and improved healthcare.
- The birth rate remains high and death rate fall shortly resulting in a widening gap between birth and death rates.
- This stage is also called as Population Explosion as there is a rapid increase in population. This rapid growth can nullify the benefits of economic development, preventing significant improvement in the standard of living.
Question 2.
What are the trends in India’s population density?
Answer:
Trends in India’s Population Density:
- Population density is defined as the number of people per square kilometre of land area. It has shown a consistent and significant upward trend since independence, indicating increasing pressure on land, water, and urban infrastructure.
- There has been a steady increase, from 117 persons/sq. km in 1951 to 382 in 2011, rising further to 445 in 2021 and estimated 464 persons/sq. km by 2025.
- India’s population density is much higher than the global average of 62 persons per sq. km, showing a high level of population concentration.
- There are regional variations, with Bihar (1,300) and West Bengal (1,100) having high density, Arunachal Pradesh (17) having very low density, and urban areas like Delhi exceeding 12,000 persons/sq. km due to urbanization.
Question 3.
Explain the role of education in human resource development.
Answer:
Role of Education in Human Resource Development:
- Education acts as a primary driver of human resource development, transforming the population into a productive asset and human capital, thereby promoting economic growth.
- It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking, which enhances productivity, innovation, and adaptability to new technologies.
- Education leads to economic advancement by increasing earning capacity, providing better employment opportunities, and improving overall economic productivity.
- It promotes social mobility and empowerment, creates a virtuous cycle of development, and helps in maximizing the demographic dividend, avoiding a demographic disaster.
Question 4.
Describe key health indicators in India.
Answer:
Key Health Indicators in India:
1. Life Expectancy: It indicates the average number of years a person is expected to live; it has increased over time due to improvements in healthcare and living conditions.
2. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): It refers to the number of infants dying before one year of age per 1,000 live births, and it has been declining, showing better health services.
3. Birth Rate and Death Rate: These indicators show trends in population growth; birth rates are relatively high while death rates have declined, reflecting improved medical facilities.
4. Healthcare Access: Expansion of healthcare programmes and facilities has improved access to medical services, contributing to better overall health conditions.
Question 5.
Explain any four environmental impacts of growing population?
Answer:
Environmental Impacts of Growing Population:
1. Deforestation: The growing population increases demand for land for housing and infrastructure, leading to clearing of forests for timber, fuel, and space, causing loss of dense forest cover and very low per capita forest area.
2. Water Scarcity: Population growth results in over-extraction of groundwater to meet rising needs, making India a water-stressed nation with limited per capita water availability.
3. Pollution: A larger population leads to increased water pollution (industrial and domestic waste in rivers), air pollution (vehicles and industries), and solid waste generation, severely affecting environmental quality.
4. Biodiversity Loss: Expansion of human activities causes habitat destruction, threatening wildlife and increasing human-wildlife conflicts due to shrinking natural habitats.
Question 6.
What are the major schemes launched in India’s education sector?
Answer:
Major Schemes in India’s Education Sector:
- Operation Blackboard (1987) and District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) (1994) were launched in 1980s to improve basic school infrastructure and achieve universal primary education.
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) (2001) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) focused on universal elementary education and expansion of secondary education.
- Rashtriya Ucchar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) (2013), National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) (2014), and SWAYAM (2017) aimed at improving higher education quality and promoting digital learning.
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2018), PM eVidya (2020), NIPUN Bharat (2021), and PM SHRI Schools (2022) provide holistic, digital, and skill-based education aligned with NEP 2020, along with support from programmes like RTE Act, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Skill India.
Long Answer Questions
Question 1.
Explain the demographic trends in India.
Answer:
Demographic Trends in India:
1) Size of the Population: India is currently the most populous country in the world, with its population increasing fourfold since 1951. The year 1921 is known as the “Year of Great Divide” because it was the last year when population declined; after that, it has grown continuously. The population rose from 0.36 billion (1951) to 1.21 billion (2011) and is estimated to reach 1.46 billion by 2025, showing a massive expansion in absolute numbers.
2) Growth Rate: Even though the total population is still rising, the rate of growth has slowed down significantly. It declined from a peak of 2.16% during 1981-91 to about 0.9% in 2021-2025. This indicates that India is gradually moving toward population stabilization, mainly due to increased awareness, education, and family planning.
3) Birth and Death Rates: Both birth and death rates have declined sharply since 1951, marking a key demographic change. The birth rate fell from 39.9 to 16.5 per 1,000, while the death rate declined from 27.4 to 6.5. This reduction is due to improvements in healthcare services, sanitation, nutrition, and medical facilities, along with effective family planning programmes.
4) Population Density: The number of people living per square kilometre has increased rapidly, from 117 (1951) to 382 (2011) and is expected to reach 464 by 2025. This density is much higher than the global average, which indicates heavy pressure on land, housing, water resources, and infrastructure, especially in urban areas.
5) Sex Ratio: India’s sex ratio declined after 1951 due to gender discrimination and social biases, reaching a low of 933 females per 1,000 males in 2001. However, it has improved to 943 in 2011 and is estimated at 1,020 in 2024, reflecting better awareness, government initiatives, and changing social attitudes toward females.
6) Life Expectancy and Literacy: Life expectancy has more than doubled, from 32.1 years in 1951 to about 70.1 years in 2024, indicating improved living conditions and healthcare. Similarly, literacy has increased from 18.33% to 80.9%, showing progress in education. However, a gender gap still exists, with male literacy higher than female literacy.
7) Demographic Dividend: India is currently in the third stage of demographic transition, characterized by a large youth population. About 65% of the population is below 35 years, providing a “window of opportunity” for economic growth. If properly educated and skilled, this workforce can boost productivity; otherwise, it may lead to unemployment issues.
8) Overall Trend: India has transitioned from a stage of high birth and death rates to rapid population growth, and is now gradually moving toward stabilization. This reflects a significant structural transformation in its demographic pattern.
Question 2.
Discuss the achievements of India’s health sector and its current challenges.
Answer:
I) Achievements of India’s health sector:
- Eradication and Control of Diseases: India has successfully eradicated Smallpox (1977), Polio (2014), and Guinea Worm Disease (2000). Diseases like Leprosy, Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), and HIV have also been significantly controlled through public health programmes.
- Increased Life Expectancy: Due to improvements in healthcare facilities and food security, life expectancy has increased to about 70.6 years (2024) from 66 years (2000), reflecting better overall health conditions.
- Expansion of Healthcare Access: The Ayushman Bharat scheme (2018) provides free hospital care to about 500 million people, with over 30 crore health cards issued, improving access to medical services.
- Improved Child Health and Nutrition: Immunization coverage (76.1 %) has helped reduce infant mortality rate to 35 per 1,000 live births. Programmes like Poshan Abhiyaan have reduced stunting among children, improving child health outcomes.
II) Challenges of India’s health sector:
- Persistent Malnutrition: Despite improvements, 36% of children are stunted, and 19% are wasted, which negatively affects their physical and cognitive development.
- Low Healthcare Spending: Public health expenditure is only about 1.6% of GDP, which is lower than the 2.5% target, limiting healthcare expansion and quality.
- Significant Access Gaps: There is a large disparity between rural and urban areas, with fewer doctors and facilities in rural regions, leading to unequal healthcare access.
- Rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Infrastructure Issues: Increasing cases of diabetes and hypertension (about 25% adults), along with poor infrastructure and quality of services, create major challenges for the health sector.
Question 3.
Explain the India’s education sector with a special reference to the NEP, 2020.
Answer:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was introduced to address these gaps through structural reforms and ambitious targets.
I) The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 – Key Features:
- New Curricular Structure: It replaces the traditional 10+2+3 pattern with a 5 +3+3+4 pattern.
- Universal Schooling: The policy sets a target to achieve universal schooling by 2030.
- Increased Funding: It recommends increasing government expenditure on education to 6% of the nation’s GDP to support infrastructure and teacher training.
- Vocational and Skill Focus: The policy emphasizes vocational training and education quality to improve employability.
II) Major Educational Schemes: To realize the goals of the NEP and improve the overall sector, the government has launched several initiatives:
- PM SHRI Schools (2022): A project to develop 14,500 model schools that are specifically aligned with NEP goals.
- NIPUN Bharat (2021): Aimed at ensuring every child achieves foundational literacy and numeracy by Class 3.
- PM eVidya (2020): A digital learning initiative utilizing TV, radio, and online platforms to provide multi-mode access to education.
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2018): Provides holistic education from the pre-primary level up to Class 12 and has significantly improved school infrastructure, such as functional toilets.
III) Achievements:
- Literacy Rate: The overall literacy rate increased to 79.7% in 2023-24, with urban areas at 87.6% and rural areas at 76.4%.
- Higher Education Enrolment: The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education reached 27.3% in 2020-21.
- Skill Development: Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) have trained over 14.8 million youth as of June 2024.
IV) Challenges:
- Funding Shortfall: Public expenditure on education is currently 4.6% of GDP, which is below the 6% target recommended by the NEP 2020.
- Quality Gaps: There is a significant gap between expected years of schooling (11.7) and learning-adjusted years of schooling (6.9) due to poor teaching quality.
- Gender and Regional Disparities: A literacy gap persists between males (85.6%) and females (73.7%), as well as between urban and rural populations.
- Commercialisation: The rising cost of education in private institutions has made quality schooling more expensive for many.
Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1.
Which stage has high birth and death rates?
1) Stage 1
2) Stage 2
3) Stage 3
4) Stage 4
Answer:
1) Stage 1
Question 2.
India’s population in 2011 was:
1) 1.21 billion
2) 1.43 billion
3) 0.36 billion
4) 1.03 billion
Answer:
1) 1.21 billion
Question 3.
Human Capital means:
1) Number of working people
2) Amount invested in health and education
3) Economic value of knowledge skills and health
4) Population in the working age group
Answer:
3) Economic value of knowledge skills and health
Question 4.
India’s HDI category is:
1) Very high
2) High
3) Medium
4) Low
Answer:
3) Medium
Question 5.
State having the highest percentage of ST population in 2011:
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Arunachal Pradesh
3) Mizoram
4) Sikkim
Answer:
3) Mizoram
Question 6.
Sex ratio is calculated as:
Number of males per 1000 females
2) Number of males per 100000 females
3) Number of females per 1000 males
4) Number of females per 100000 males
Answer:
3) Number of females per 1000 males
Question 7.
Health care share of GDP recommended by National Health Policy 2017.
1) 2 %
2) 2.5 %
3) 3 %
4) 3.5 %
Answer:
2) 2.5 %
Question 8.
The legal limit to marriage age for men in India is:
1) 18 years
2) 20 years
3) 21 years
4) 25 years
Answer:
3) 21 years
Question 9.
The following epidemic is totally eradicated in India:
1) Cholera
2) Chicken pox
3) Measles
4) Smallpox
Answer:
4) Smallpox
Question 10.
According to UN Population Fund (UNFPA) the correct working age of the population is:
1) 15-59 years
2) 15-60 years
3) 15-65 years
4) 15-64 years
Answer:
4) 15-64 years
Fill in the Blanks
Question 1.
The theory of Demographic Transition was first proposed by ______________ in 1929.
Answer:
Warren S Thompson
Question 2.
______________ is calied the Year of Great Divide.
Answer:
1921
Question 3.
The score of Human Capital Index ranges ______________.
Answer:
0 to 1
Question 4.
Life expectancy for India as estimated by WHO in 2024 is ______________.
Answer:
70.1 years (70 years)
Question 5.
The proportion of total workforce employed in service sector is more that the proportion employed in ______________ sector.
Answer:
agriculture
One Word Answers
Question 1.
Which stage of demographic transition is called the low stationary stage?
Answer:
4th stage
Question 2.
In which year was the countrywide simultaneous census conducted for the first time in India?
Answer:
1881
Question 3.
Which State had the highest percentage of SC population in 2011 ?
Answer:
Punjab
Question 4.
What is the estimated percentage of population under the age of 35 years in India?
Answer:
65%
Question 5.
What is the new education pattern recommended by NEP 2020?
Answer:
5 + 3 + 3 + 4