GSEB Class 12 Economics Solutions Chapter 7 Population

1. Choose the correct option for the following questions:

 

Question 1. In India, for the first time, who was responsible for population census?
(a) Jamshedji Tata
(b) Swaminathan
(c) Deendayal Upadhyay
(d) Dadabhai Naoroji
Answer: (a) Jamshedji Tata
In simple words: Jamshedji Tata was the person who first carried out the population count in India.

Exam Tip: Remember important historical figures associated with key national events like the first population census.

 

Question 2. What is the estimate of population between 2021-2025?
(a) 155 crores
(b) 130 crores
(c) 139.98 crores
Answer: (c) 139.98 crores
In simple words: The projected population count for the period from 2021 to 2025 is estimated to be 139.98 crores.

Exam Tip: Be sure to recall specific numerical data and estimates related to population projections as these are often tested.

 

Question 3. In India, when was the first population census taken?
(a) 1901
(b) 1951
(c) 1891
(d) 1921
Answer: (b) 1951
In simple words: India's initial population count was conducted in the year 1951.

Exam Tip: It is crucial to remember the exact year of significant historical events like the first population census in India.

 

Question 4. How much was India's population in 1901?
(a) 22.2 crores
(b) 25.2 crores
(c) 102.7 crores
(d) 23.8 crores
Answer: (d) 23.8 crores
In simple words: In 1901, India's total number of people was 23.8 crores.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to specific population figures for different historical years, as these are frequently included in objective questions.

 

Question 5. How much was India's population in 2011?
(a) 36.1 crores
(b) 54.8 crores
(c) 121.02 crores
(d) 23.8 crores
Answer: (c) 121.02 crores
In simple words: The population count for India in 2011 stood at 121.02 crores.

Exam Tip: Accurate recall of recent census data, such as the 2011 population, is important for answering factual questions.

 

Question 6. In which year was planning started in India?
(a) 1901
(b) 1951
(c) 1950
Answer: (b) 1951
In simple words: India began its official planning processes in the year 1951.

Exam Tip: Know the foundational years for major government initiatives, such as the start of planning in India.

 

Question 7. Which country in the world has the largest population?
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Australia
(d) America
Answer: (a) China
In simple words: Currently, China holds the position for having the biggest population globally.

Exam Tip: Stay updated on global demographic trends, especially which countries hold records for population size.

 

Question 8. Which state in India has the highest female population per 1000 males?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Maharashtra
(c) Kerala
(d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer: (c) Kerala
In simple words: Kerala is the state in India where there are the most women for every thousand men.

Exam Tip: Knowledge of state-specific demographic indicators like gender ratio is essential for geography and social studies questions.

 

Question 9. How much was the female population per 1000 male population in India in 2011?
(a) 930
(b) 950
(c) 940
(d) 970
Answer: (c) 940
In simple words: For every 1000 men in India in 2011, there were 940 women.

Exam Tip: Be precise with numerical data from census reports, such as the gender ratio from the 2011 census.

 

Question 10. What was India's birth-rate in 2011?
(a) 21.8
(b) 36.8
(c) 23.8
Answer: (a) 21.8
In simple words: India's rate of new births in 2011 was 21.8 per thousand people.

Exam Tip: Key demographic indicators like birth rates for specific years are frequently asked, so accurate recall is vital.

 

2. Answer the following questions in one line:

 

Question 1. What has been the basic cause for all the problems?
Answer: The fundamental reason for all these issues has been a large increase in population, or population growth.
In simple words: Too many people, or population growth, is the main reason for all the problems.

Exam Tip: When asked for a basic cause, identify the root issue, and use clear, direct language in your explanation.

 

Question 2. What is meant by working and non-working population?
Answer: The working population includes people from the total population who are employed. Typically, individuals aged 15-64 years are part of this group. Conversely, the non-working population comprises those who do not help with the nation's productive tasks, such as children and elderly people.
In simple words: Working population means people who work, usually aged 15-64. Non-working population means people who don't contribute to production, like children and old people.

Exam Tip: Clearly define both terms and mention the typical age groups associated with each to provide a complete answer.

 

Question 3. What was the population growth rate in 2011?
Answer: The population growth rate in 2011 was 1.64%.
In simple words: The number of people grew by 1.64% in 2011.

Exam Tip: Be ready to state precise numerical figures for key demographic indicators like population growth rates.

 

Question 4. Where does India stand in the world population order?
Answer: India holds the second position in the global population ranking.
In simple words: India is the second most populated country in the world.

Exam Tip: Always specify the exact rank when asked about a country's position in a global list.

 

Question 5. What was the female population per 1000 males in Gujarat in 2011?
Answer: In 2011, Gujarat had 918 females for every 1000 males.
In simple words: For every 1000 men in Gujarat in 2011, there were 918 women.

Exam Tip: Provide exact numerical data for specific regional demographic figures, such as state-level gender ratios.

 

Question 6. What is meant by classification of population according to age group?
Answer: The categorization of the total population into different age brackets is known as age-wise population.
In simple words: Dividing people into different age groups is called age-wise population.

Exam Tip: A clear, concise definition that captures the essence of the term is usually sufficient for "what is meant by" questions.

 

Question 7. Which age group has the highest population in India?
Answer: In India, the age group of 15-64 years contains the largest number of people.
In simple words: The age group with the most people in India is between 15 and 64 years old.

Exam Tip: Identify the specific age range accurately when asked about population distribution by age groups.

 

Question 8. State the percentage of rural-urban population in India in the year 2011?
Answer: In 2011, India's population was divided as 68% rural and 32% urban.
In simple words: In 2011, 68% of Indians lived in villages, and 32% lived in cities.

Exam Tip: Provide clear and distinct percentages for each category when asked to state the distribution of population segments.

 

Question 9. What is meant by infant mortality rate?
Answer: The infant mortality rate refers to the count of children, out of every 1000 live births in a specific year, who pass away before reaching one year of age.
In simple words: Infant mortality rate is how many babies, out of 1000 born in a year, die before they turn one.

Exam Tip: Define the term precisely, including the "per 1000 live births" and "within one year of age" components.

 

3. Answer the following questions in brief:

 

Question 1. Why is the year 1921 identified as the year of 'great divide'?
Answer:

• In India, the population increased at a slower pace during the first two decades, from 1901 to 1921. Specifically, in the 1901-1911 period, it grew by 0.57%, but in the following decade, 1911-1921, it actually fell by 0.03%.
• Except for 1921, the population has consistently risen in every decade. No other decade after 1921 has experienced a decrease in population. Because of this, the year 1921 is known as the 'Year of great divide'.

In simple words: The year 1921 is called the 'great divide' because, unlike all other times, India's population growth actually dropped then. Before 1921, growth was slow, and after that year, it always increased.

Exam Tip: When explaining historical turning points, provide specific data or trends that justify the designation, such as population growth rates and their changes.

 

Question. What is meant by productive and unproductive population?
Answer:

• The classification of Indian population into various age groups is commonly known as the age-wise population of India.
• The entire population is divided into three distinct age groups:
  1. 0-14 years,
  2. 15-64 years, and
  3. 65 and more.
• The population within the 15-64 years age group is considered the productive population. The economic progress of the country relies on this segment of the population.
• Conversely, the population in the age groups of 0-14 years and 65+ years is known as the unproductive population because these individuals generally belong to the non-working category.

In simple words: Productive population includes people aged 15-64 who work and help the economy. Unproductive population includes children (0-14) and elderly (65+), who typically do not work.

Exam Tip: Clearly define both terms and specify the age groups for each, explaining their respective roles in the economy.

 

Question 3. Give the meaning of birth-rate and state the formula to calculate birth-rate.
Answer:
Birth-rate:

• The birth-rate is defined as the total number of children born per every 1000 individuals during any specific year.
• The formula to find the birth-rate is: \( \text{Birth-rate} = \frac { \text{The number of live-births in a given year} }{ \text{Total population} } \times 1000 \)
• Birth-rate is determined not as a percentage, but based on the increase in population per 1000 people.

In simple words: Birth-rate means how many babies are born for every 1000 people in a year. You calculate it by dividing live births by total population and then multiplying by 1000. It's not a percentage, but a rate per 1000 people.

Exam Tip: Provide a clear definition and accurately present the formula, making sure to mention that it's calculated per 1000 individuals, not as a percentage.

 

Question 4. Give the meaning of death-rate and state the formula to calculate death-rate.
Answer:

• The death-rate is defined as the total number of persons who pass away for every 1000 individuals within any specific year.
• The formula to find the death-rate is: \( \text{Death-rate} = \frac { \text{No. of people died in a given year} }{ \text{Total population} } \times 1000 \)
• This rate is not calculated as a percentage but rather as the count of deaths per 1000 individuals.

In simple words: Death-rate is the number of people who die for every 1000 people in a year. You find it by dividing the number of deaths by the total population, then multiplying by 1000. It's a rate per 1000, not a percentage.

Exam Tip: Similar to birth rate, define death rate clearly, provide its formula, and emphasize that it is expressed per 1000 people.

 

Question 5. Give the meaning of population policy.
Answer:
Population policy:

• A population policy is a set of rules created by a country to adjust its population to a size it considers best.
• India was the first nation globally to implement a population policy aimed at managing its population.
• India developed its National Population Policy in the year 2000, led by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.
• Through this policy, India introduced several modifications to its initiatives concerning family planning.

In simple words: A population policy is a country's plan to manage its population size. India was the first to have one and made changes to family planning under its 2000 policy led by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.

Exam Tip: Include both the general definition of population policy and India's specific historical context, including the year and key figure for full marks.

 

4. Give pinpointed answers for the following questions:

 

Question 1. Explain population explosion.
Answer:
Population explosion:

• A sudden rise in population size, caused by factors such as a drop in infant deaths and longer lifespans, is termed population explosion.
• For India, the death-rate has decreased quickly, but the birth-rate has not dropped as much. This difference has led to population explosion.
• The growth in population is the main and largest cause of the many problems the world faces. The global community has never observed such a rapid pace of population increase as it sees now, and India is no different.

Population explosion in India:

• India's population has steadily grown from 1931 to 2011.
• In 1951, the population of India was 36.1 crores. This increased to 121.02 crores by 2011. This indicates that in 60 years, India's population surged by 85.7 crores, averaging about 2.5 percent growth.
• Within the Indian context, a very large population combined with a high growth rate, particularly after 1970, is recognized as population explosion.

In simple words: Population explosion means a quick increase in the number of people, often because fewer babies die and people live longer. In India, this happened because deaths went down faster than births. This fast growth causes many problems and has been especially noticeable in India since the 1970s, with a huge jump in population from 1951 to 2011.

Exam Tip: Define population explosion clearly, explain its causes (like the gap between birth and death rates), and illustrate with India's specific data points and growth trends.

 

Question 2. State the causes of low death-rate.
Answer:
Causes of Low Death-rate:

1. Improvement in standard of living:

• Increased economic growth has led to higher incomes for people, which has, in turn, enhanced their living conditions.
• Citizens of our nation now receive better food, improved housing, healthcare, and education, which has contributed to a reduction in the death-rate.

2. Control over epidemics:

• At the start of the 20th century, India struggled with dangerous diseases like plague, measles, tuberculosis, and malaria, leading to a high death-rate.
• By the close of the 20th century, India experienced significant economic growth. As the nation's economy improved, it achieved remarkable advancements in medical science and developed various vaccines for immunity. This led to controlling diseases and lowering the death-rate.

3. Control over drought:

• With progress in science and technology, we have gained mastery over droughts. Consequently, deaths due to starvation no longer occur.
• Thanks to the green revolution, our availability of food grains significantly increased after 1966. Food items can now be easily moved from surplus areas to deficit regions, thus preventing starvation-related deaths in drought-stricken areas.

4. Protection against natural calamities and transportation facilities:

• Previously, natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, and famines resulted in a high death-rate.
• Our transport systems have become very quick. So, if a natural disaster occurs anywhere in the country, essential aid like food and medicines can be promptly moved from other areas to the impacted region. This has helped reduce the death-rate.

In simple words: The death-rate is low because people live better, earn more, and have better food, homes, and healthcare. We also stopped big sicknesses like plague with medical progress and vaccines. Also, we can control droughts and move food to hungry areas. Plus, better transport helps deliver aid fast during natural disasters, saving lives.

Exam Tip: When discussing causes, organize your answer with clear points and sub-points, providing specific examples for each to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding.

 

5. Answer the following questions in detail:

 

Question 1. Discuss in detail the gender ratio (number of females per 1000 males)
Answer:
Gender (Sex) Ratio:

• The gender ratio, also known as the sex ratio or female-male ratio, represents the number of females per 1000 males in a country.
• The gender ratio holds a vital position in population studies. If the count of females drops compared to males, it can create several issues within the nation.
• If the difference between the number of females and males widens, it can cause various problems concerning marriage, family structures, and reproduction.

By examining the gender-ratio, we can identify these figures and then direct our efforts towards understanding the causes of this demographic disparity and the actions needed to resolve them.

Gender ratio in India
Source: Census of India 2011

Analysis and conclusion:
1. From the available data, it is evident that between 1901 and 1991, the number of females per 1000 males steadily decreased at both the India and Gujarat levels. The trend changed from 2001 to 2011, when the female population per 1000 males showed a slight increase at the India level. The "Beti Bachao" program played a crucial role in encouraging people to welcome and cherish girl children.
2. Observing the Gujarat data, it is clear that the female-to-male ratio has consistently declined from 1901 to 2011. Such a decrease is not a positive sign for the region, as it leads to social and cultural challenges.
In simple words: Gender ratio shows how many women there are for every 1000 men. A drop in this number creates problems for society. In India, this ratio mostly fell from 1901 to 1991, but saw a small rise from 2001-2011, partly due to programs like "Beti Bachao." Gujarat, however, saw a steady drop from 1901 to 2011, which causes social issues.

Exam Tip: When discussing gender ratio, define it, explain its importance, present relevant data (like in a table), and then analyze the trends with specific examples or initiatives.

 

Question 2. Discuss in detail the causes for high birth-rate.
Answer:
Causes of high birth-rate:
In India, the reasons for a high birth-rate can be divided into three main categories: (A) Social factors, (B) Economic factors, and (C) Other factors.

(A) Social factors:
1. Universality of marriage:

• In India, marriage is seen as a sacred tradition. Society often questions single individuals, leading to pressure to marry.
• To avoid societal scrutiny, many people, including those with disabilities, enter into marriage.
• The rate of marriage among women in India is greater compared to women in developed nations. These marriages then contribute to an increase in births.

2. Early marriage and widow remarriage:

• Despite laws against child marriage, it still occurs in many parts of our country. Since people marry very early, their fertility period is quite long and high. This leads to more children being born.
• India also observes a Widow Remarriage Act, allowing widows to remarry if they choose. This has also contributed to a higher birth-rate.

3. Preference for a male child: Indian society is largely male-dominated.
Indians tend to value sons more than daughters for these three reasons:

• People think a male child helps continue the family line.
• People believe a male child will support them financially in old age.
• Because of these reasons, people keep trying for a male child until they have one. This strong desire increases family size and, therefore, the birth-rate.

4. Joint family system:

• Many people in rural areas primarily live in joint families.
• When a child is born, the financial as well as the care responsibilities are shared by all family members. Hence, the child does not become a burden, so people do not hesitate to have children. This increases the overall birth-rate.

(B) Economic factors:
1. Low level of education:

• Education, particularly for females, and population growth are closely related.
• Lack of proper education makes it hard to understand the need for smaller families, which leads to larger family sizes.
• Globally, there's an inverse relationship between female education and the number of children in a family.
• Studies show that women with primary education give birth to fewer children than illiterate women. This also holds true when comparing women with primary education to those with middle school education. From these facts, it can be concluded that the birth-rate is high due to illiteracy and insufficient education.

2. Low income level:

• When a family's income is low, a child is seen as an asset rather than a burden. Such families believe in the saying, "the more, the merrier."
• Members of these families think that children born will also add to the family's income in the future, so they tend to have more children. This mindset is often seen among people living on roadsides and in slums.

3. High infant mortality rate:

• Out of every 1000 children born in a given year, the number of children who die within one year of age is referred to as the infant mortality rate.
• India's infant mortality rate is quite high compared to developed countries.
• The primary reasons for a high infant mortality rate include poverty, less attention given to girl children, lack of nutritious food, frequent miscarriages among women, traditional child-rearing practices, insufficient medical services, and short gaps between children.

(C) Other factors:
1. High fertility rate:
Fertility rate refers to the number of children born out of every 1000 females belonging to the age group of 15-49 years.

• High fertility is an important characteristic of the Indian population.
• In 1961, on average, a woman in this age group gave birth to 6 children. This number dropped to 3 children by 2011, but it is still quite high.

Reasons for this characteristic are:

• Early marriage leads to a longer fertile period for women.
• A very small number of women in this fertile group remain unmarried.

2. Lack of family planning information:

• Decisions about family size and spacing between children, based on proper understanding, are known as planned parenthood.
• In India, poverty, social customs, and religious beliefs, combined with a low level of education, acted as barriers to family planning.
• Lack of knowledge about family planning methods, and sometimes a shortage of such methods, also contributes to a high birth-rate.

In simple words: High birth rates in India are caused by several things. Socially, marriage is important, and people often marry young, leading to more children. Many families prefer sons, so they keep having children until they have a boy. The joint family system also means more people share the cost of raising children, making families less hesitant to have more. Economically, low education levels mean people don't understand the benefits of smaller families, and low income makes children seem like future assets. High infant deaths also cause families to have more children to ensure some survive. Other factors include high fertility rates due to early marriage and a lack of awareness or access to family planning information, compounded by poverty and traditional beliefs.

Exam Tip: For detailed questions, categorize your answer into logical sections (e.g., social, economic, other factors). Provide specific examples or explanations under each point and ensure a comprehensive coverage of the topic.

 

Question 3. Explain in detail the methods to control population.
Answer:
Measures to control population:
The following steps should be taken to help manage population growth:

1. Mass education and awareness:

• To lower the birth-rate, it's vital to help people understand the advantages of smaller families.
• Experts in population studies believe that the most effective way to control population is by educating the public on this matter.
• Awareness campaigns should be conducted through various media programs, including lectures, seminars, plays, skits, and songs, organized in schools and colleges to inform people and create consciousness about population control.
• In 2000, the government placed significant importance on improving the condition of women in its population policy. Such efforts can greatly assist in controlling population growth.

2. Effectiveness of family planning programme:
The government has expanded its family planning services to make the program and public awareness efforts more efficient.

• It is crucial that birth-control methods, which play a key role in preventing births, are easily accessible and affordable for everyone.
• In the 2000 population policy, modifications were made to the family planning program. The focus shifted to preventing unwanted pregnancies by using suitable preventive techniques, rather than overly emphasizing sterilization.

3. Increasing the age of marriage and raising the status of women:

• One way to reduce the birth-rate is by increasing the legal age for marriage, especially for women.
• The 2000 population policy emphasized raising the marriage age for women from 18 to 20 years.
• Family size can be managed if women's standing in society is improved and if they are given equal chances in education and employment compared to men.

4. Encouragement and discouragement:

• Government incentives and disincentives are very important in family planning. For instance, the government offers financial aid to couples who undergo sterilization.
• To curb rising population, China implemented a policy where couples with more than two children lose certain government benefits. However, China has recently eased this policy. A similar approach could be adopted in India.
• In India, individuals running for local self-government elections are disqualified if they have more than two children.

5. Expanding medical services and its effectiveness:
In India, the death-rate has decreased but remains higher than in some developed nations. Advances in medical science have enhanced services and facilities for childbirth and the health of newborns.

• Efforts should ensure that vaccination facilities are readily available everywhere. Increased awareness about communicable and sexual diseases like AIDS and various infections is also important. This can help lower the death-rate and infant mortality rate.
• India was the first country globally to introduce a population policy to manage its population. A committee was established to create the New Population Policy of 2000, under the leadership of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.

In simple words: To control population, we need to educate people about the benefits of small families and raise awareness through media. Family planning programs should be made more effective, with easily available and affordable birth control options. Raising the legal age for marriage, especially for women, and improving women's status in society also helps. Governments can offer incentives like financial help for sterilization or use disincentives like China's previous two-child policy. Finally, better medical services, widespread vaccination, and education about diseases can reduce death and infant mortality rates, further influencing population growth.

Exam Tip: Outline clear, actionable methods for population control, grouping them logically. Provide details for each method, including historical context or examples where relevant, to show a comprehensive understanding.