Compared to the 1970s, there has hardly been any change in the distribution of workforce across various industries. Comment.
India being an agrarian economy has majority of population dependent on the agricultural sector to earn their livelihood. Although, the developmental strategies in India have aimed at the reduction of population dependent on agriculture, yet the reduction in the population engaged in agricultural sector has not been significant. In 1972-73, about 74% of the work force was engaged in primary sector which reduced to 60% in 1999-00. On the other hand, the shares of secondary and tertiary sectors in employment rose from 11% to 16% and 15% to 24% respectively. The work force distribution indicates that over the last three decades i.e. from 1972- 2000, people have moved from self-employment and regular salaried employment to casual wage worker. This particular pattern of moving from self employment and regular salaried employment to casual wage work is termed as casualisation of work force. Thus, it can be concluded that although changes in the distribution of workforce have taken place, yet industrial and tertiary sector need to increase their share in the workforce distribution by generating more employment opportunities and absorbing excess labour from the agricultural sector.
Find the odd man out (i) owner of a saloon (ii) a cobbler (iii) a cashier in Mother Dairy (iv) a tuition master (v) transport operator (vi) construction worker.
Why are regular salaried employees more in urban areas than in rural areas?
Why are less women found in regular salaried employment?
Compared to urban women, more rural women are found working. Why?
Analyse the recent trends in sectoral distribution of workforce in India.
Define worker-population ratio.
The following table shows distribution of workforce in India for the year 1972-73. Analyse it and give reasons for the nature of workforce distribution. You will notice that the data is pertaining to the situation in India 30 years ago!
Place of Residence | Workforce (in millions) | ||
Male | Female | Total | |
Rural Urban |
125 32 |
69 7 |
195 39 |
An establishment with four hired workers is known as (formal/informal) sector establishment.
Is it necessary to generate employment in the formal sector rather than in the informal sector? Why?
Who is a casual wage labourer?
What was the focus of the economic policies pursued by the colonial government in India? What were the impacts of these policies?
What are the two major sources of human capital in a country?
What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.
Define a plan?
Explain the term ‘infrastructure’.
What is meant by environment?
Why are regional and economic groupings formed?
Why were reforms introduced in India?
Why calorie-based norm is not adequate to identify the poor?
Name some notable economists who estimated India’s per capita income during the colonial period?
Bring out the differences between human capital and human development.
Why is agricultural diversification essential for sustainable livelihoods?
What are the alternative channels available for agricultural marketing? Give some examples.
Why was the public sector given a leading role in industrial development during the planning period?
What is the state of rural infrastructure in India?
Highlight any two serious adverse environmental consequences of development in India. India’s environmental problems pose a dichotomy — they are poverty induced and, at the same time, due to affluence in living standards — is this true?
Discuss economic reforms in India in the light of social justice and welfare.
What were the main causes of India’s agricultural stagnation during the colonial period?
Enlist some problems faced by farmers during the initial years of organic farming.
Explain the steps taken by the government in developing rural markets.