Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions

Get the most accurate MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest MSBSHSE textbooks for Class 11 Economics. Our expert-created answers for Class 11 Economics are available for free download in PDF format.

Detailed Chapter 8 Poverty in India MSBSHSE Solutions for Class 11 Economics

For Class 11 students, solving MSBSHSE textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 11 Economics solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 8 Poverty in India solutions will improve your exam performance.

Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India MSBSHSE Solutions PDF

Assertion and Reasoning Questions

 

Question 1. Assertion (A): Poverty level declines with a rise in agricultural output.
Reasoning (R): Agricultural incomes have declined due to wide fluctuations in climatic conditions.

(i) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
Answer: (i) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
In simple words: When farms produce more crops, poverty decreases because there is more food and work available. However, farmers' incomes can still go down when unpredictable weather damages their crops.

🎯 Exam Tip: Carefully analyze whether the reasoning statement is the actual cause behind the assertion statement to choose the correct option.

 

Question. Assertion (A): Urban poverty is attributed mainly to spillover effects of migration among the rural poor. Reasoning (R): Poor rural infrastructure, lack of alternative jobs results in forced migration.
(a) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
(b) (A) is false, but (R) is True.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Answer: (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
In simple words: Many poor people in cities migrated from villages because of a lack of jobs and poor facilities in rural areas. Thus, rural poverty spills over into cities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Read both statements independently first to check if they are true, then determine if the reason directly explains why the assertion happens.

 

Question. Assertion (A): Relative poverty is found in all the countries of the world. Reasoning (R): Differences in the levels of income is the only criteria for judging relative poverty.
(a) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
(b) (A) is false, but (R) is True.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Answer: (a) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
In simple words: Relative poverty exists everywhere because there will always be people who earn less than others, but income differences are not the only way to measure it.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that relative poverty compares different income groups, but modern measures also look at non-income factors like access to resources.

 

Question. Assertion (A): Poverty is not just a lack of money but also a lack of capabilities. Reasoning (R): Lack of freedom to satisfy hunger, lack of health care facilities, denial of political freedom leads to poverty.
(a) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
(b) (A) is false, but (R) is True.
(c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(d) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Answer: (c) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
In simple words: Poverty is not just about having no money; it is also about not having the basic freedom and resources to live a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life.

🎯 Exam Tip: When dealing with capability-based definitions of poverty, associate them with freedoms and opportunities rather than just income levels.

 

Question 5. Assertion (A): Food security, credit facilities guarantee social protection to the poor.
Reasoning (R): Leakages in the administrative system perpetuate poverty.

(i) (A) is true, but (R) is False.
(ii) (A) is false, but (R) is True.
(iii) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(iv) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Answer: (iv) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
In simple words: While both statements are true on their own, administrative leakages are not the reason why food security and credit protect the poor.

🎯 Exam Tip: In Assertion-Reason questions, read both statements independently first to check if they are true, then see if there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between them.

Find the Odd Word Out:

 

Question 1. Colours of Ration card – White, Green, Saffron, Yellow
Answer: Green. The official ration cards are categorized by specific colors like white, saffron, and yellow to represent different economic levels.
In simple words: White, saffron, and yellow are colors used for official ration cards, making green the odd one out.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the specific colors of ration cards used for different income groups (yellow for BPL, saffron for APL, white for others) to easily identify the odd one.

 

Question 2. High Poverty ratio – Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Kerala
Answer: Kerala. Kerala has successfully implemented human resource development strategies to significantly reduce its poverty levels.
In simple words: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar have high poverty rates, whereas Kerala has a very low poverty rate.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on state-wise poverty disparities in India; Kerala, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir are known for low poverty ratios.

 

Question 3. Calories – 2400, 1800, 2100, 2250
Answer: 1800. The other values represent standard daily calorie requirements determined for different demographic groups in India.
In simple words: The numbers 2400, 2100, and 2250 are standard calorie measures used for poverty lines, while 1800 is not.

🎯 Exam Tip: Keep in mind the standard calorie requirements: 2400 kcal for rural areas and 2100 kcal for urban areas in India.

Give Economic Terms:

 

Question 1. Denial of opportunities to certain sections of the people in the society.
Answer: Social exclusion. This process prevents certain individuals or groups from fully participating in the economic, social, and political life of their society.
In simple words: Social exclusion means blocking certain groups of people from getting the same opportunities and facilities as everyone else.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use precise terms like 'Social Exclusion' when describing the systematic denial of rights and opportunities to specific groups.

 

Question 2. Concept of poverty that covers material and non-material dimensions.
Answer: Multidimensional poverty. This concept measures poverty by looking at multiple deprivations in terms of health, education, and living standards.
In simple words: Multidimensional poverty means being poor not just because of a lack of money, but also due to a lack of basic needs like clean water, healthcare, and schooling.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that multidimensional poverty goes beyond income to measure real-life deprivations in health and education.

 

Question 3. Poverty is judged on the basis of relative standards of livings of the people.
Answer: Relative poverty. It is a comparative measure of poverty where people are classified as poor if their income falls below the average standard of living in their society.
In simple words: Relative poverty is when you compare your income with others around you and find that you have much less than the average person in your country.

🎯 Exam Tip: Highlight that relative poverty is common in developed countries and is used to measure income inequality.

 

Question 4. Poverty can be completely eradicated.
Answer: Absolute poverty. This type of poverty can be completely eliminated by ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
In simple words: Absolute poverty means not having the bare minimum needed to survive, which can be completely solved if everyone gets basic food and shelter.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly state that absolute poverty can be completely eradicated, unlike relative poverty which always exists due to income differences.

 

Question 5. Threshold expenditure is needed to satisfy basic human needs at socially acceptable levels.
Answer: Task Force on Eliminating Poverty. This official group determines the minimum spending required to meet basic human needs in society.
In simple words: This is the minimum amount of money a person needs to spend to buy basic things like food and clothes to live a decent life.

🎯 Exam Tip: Be precise with the term "Task Force on Eliminating Poverty" as it is the specific body responsible for defining these expenditure thresholds.

 

Identify and Explain the Concepts from the Given Illustration:

 

Question 1. Baban’s daughter had to be hospitalized due to weakness caused by undernourishment or lack of minimum calorie requirement in the intake of food.
Answer: Absolute poverty. The absence of minimum income to satisfy the desired level of the calorie intake of food is called absolute poverty. Absolute poverty is generally found in developing countries like India. The situation of undernourishment can be overcome by taking the minimum required calorie food intake as per the standard set by the planning commission. This standard helps in identifying those who urgently need nutritional support.
In simple words: Absolute poverty is when a person does not have enough money to buy the basic food needed to stay healthy, leading to severe weakness and illness.

🎯 Exam Tip: When explaining an illustration, first state the concept name clearly, then define it using key terms like "minimum calorie intake" and "planning commission standards."

 

Question 2. Dhanajirao is a wealthy landlord, but his annual income is relatively less in comparison to entrepreneur Raobahadur.
Answer: Relative poverty. Relative poverty can be judged by comparing the standards of living of different sections of the people. Relative poverty is found in all the countries of the world. It cannot be completely eradicated. This concept highlights the gap between the rich and the less wealthy within a society.
In simple words: Relative poverty happens when we compare one person's income to another's. Even if someone is rich, they might be considered relatively poor compared to a multi-millionaire.

🎯 Exam Tip: When comparing two individuals' incomes or living standards, always identify it as relative poverty. Mention that it exists in all countries and cannot be fully eliminated.

 

Question 3. Urmi’s family live in a situation whereby they are not able to fulfill even the basic needs of life such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Answer: Absolute poverty. This is the case of absolute poverty where people have less income in which they cannot buy basic needs for living. Such poverty is generally found in developing countries like India. It can be eradicated by applying effective measures by the Government. Providing targeted welfare schemes can significantly help families lift themselves out of this condition.
In simple words: Absolute poverty is when a family cannot afford basic things like food, clothes, or a home. It is a severe lack of resources needed to survive.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that absolute poverty is defined by the inability to meet basic survival needs. Use keywords like "basic needs" and "developing countries" to secure full marks.

 

Question 4. Sanjay’s family receives food grains on the basis of yellow ration cards through the public distribution system.
Answer: Absolute poverty. In absolute poverty, people are very poor and have very little income. Ration card is one of the measures to eradicate poverty by giving food-grains through ration shop at a subsidized rate. These government initiatives ensure food security for the most vulnerable populations.
In simple words: Families with yellow ration cards are very poor and get cheap food from the government. This assistance helps them cope with absolute poverty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Yellow ration cards are specifically issued to families below the poverty line (BPL), which indicates absolute poverty. Highlight the role of subsidized food grains in your answer.

 

Question 5. In certain parts of the state, starvation-related death has been observed whereas in certain areas gross wastage of food has been reported.
Answer: Relative poverty. This is an example of differences between two different sections of people in terms of consumption and level of income. Such differences create relative poverty. It is found in all the countries of the world. It cannot be eradicated completely. This stark contrast illustrates the unequal distribution of resources across different regions.
In simple words: When some people starve while others waste food, it shows a huge gap in wealth and resources. This extreme difference is a form of relative poverty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contrast in consumption levels (starvation vs. wastage) is a classic indicator of relative poverty. Clearly explain how income inequality leads to such differences.

State with Reasons Whether You Agree or Disagree with the Following Statement:

 

Question 1. Population control is the only measure to eradicate poverty.
Answer: No, I do not agree with the statement. While controlling population growth helps reduce the burden on resources, it must be supported by active economic and social policies to truly lift people out of poverty. Policy measures undertaken for the eradication of poverty are as follows:
• Agriculture: Providing minimum support prices for selected crops and providing cheaper credit facilities to farmers are the measures taken to ensure stable agricultural income to farmers.
• Rural works: New employment is created for labours of rural areas by way of construction of roads, irrigation projects, etc.
• Rural industrialization: To increase the income of people living in rural areas, employment is created by promoting small-scale and cottage industries.
• Minimum wages: In 1948, the Minimum Wages Act was passed to provide fair wages to laborers and workers of industrial and agricultural areas.

Besides these, there are many other causes like:
• Public distribution system
• Nationalization of banks
• Progressive tax measures
• Free Education
• Affordable housing
• Health Facilities
• Skill development and self-employment.
In simple words: Poverty cannot be solved just by having fewer people. We also need to create jobs, support farmers, and provide basic services like education and healthcare to help people earn a living.

🎯 Exam Tip: When disagreeing with a statement, clearly state 'No, I do not agree' first, then list alternative measures like agricultural support and employment schemes to secure full marks.

 

Question 2. Relative poverty is universal by nature.
OR
Relative poverty is found in all countries.
OR
Relative poverty is found in the richest of the rich countries.

Answer: Yes, I agree with the statement. This is because relative poverty is based on a comparison of income standards across different segments of the population, which exists in every society.
In simple words: Relative poverty means comparing what one person has to what others around them have. Since there will always be richer and poorer people in any country, relative poverty exists everywhere, even in wealthy nations.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that relative poverty is a comparative concept, unlike absolute poverty, so it is present in all societies regardless of their overall wealth.

 

Question 3. Regional imbalance is the only cause of poverty.
Answer: No, I do not agree with the statement. The causes of poverty besides regional imbalance are as follows:
Population explosion: Due to the increase in population, poverty is growing rapidly.
Slow economic growth: There is slow industrial and agricultural growth due to which the economy is growing slowly.
Unemployment and Underemployment: Unemployment is the major factor of increased poverty.
Economic inequalities: There are inequalities in the distribution of income, assets, consumption expenditure, which in fact have increased poverty.

Besides these, there are many other causes like:
• Inaccessibility to infrastructural facility
• Inflation in the country
• The vicious circle of poverty
• Other factors – like gender discrimination, corruption, natural disasters, etc.

These factors collectively make poverty a multi-dimensional challenge that cannot be attributed to a single cause.
In simple words: Poverty is not caused by just one thing like regional imbalance. Many other factors like overpopulation, lack of jobs, slow economic growth, and high prices also play a big role in keeping people poor.

🎯 Exam Tip: When disagreeing with a statement, clearly state your disagreement first, then list multiple supporting points with clear sub-headings to score full marks.

 

6. Answer in Detail:

 

Question 1. Assess the various measures undertaken to eradicate poverty.
Answer: The government of India has undertaken several measures to eradicate poverty. Some of the major measures are:
Control of Population: Family planning programmes have been introduced to reduce population growth.
Agriculture Development: Providing high-yielding variety seeds, fertilizers, and credit facilities to farmers to increase agricultural productivity.
Employment Generation: Schemes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) provide assured employment.
Public Distribution System (PDS): Providing food grains and essential commodities at highly subsidized rates to poor families.
Financial Inclusion: Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) to provide banking access to everyone.
Development of Infrastructure: Improving roads, power, and communication in rural areas to boost economic activities.

These multi-pronged strategies aim to uplift the marginalized sections by addressing both income and non-income dimensions of poverty.
In simple words: To reduce poverty, the government has started programs that give poor people jobs, cheap food, bank accounts, and better farming tools. Controlling the population and building better roads also help in creating more opportunities.

🎯 Exam Tip: For long-answer questions on government measures, categorize the points into employment, agriculture, and social security, and mention specific scheme names like MGNREGA to impress the examiner.

 

Question. What are the policy measures undertaken for the eradication of poverty in India?
Answer: Policy measures undertaken for the eradication of poverty are as follows:
• Control of population: There are various population policies and family welfare programmes introduced to control the growth of the population.
• Agriculture: Providing minimum support prices for selected crops and providing cheaper credit facilities to farmers are the measures taken to ensure stable agricultural income to farmers.
• Rural works: New employment is created for labours of the rural areas by way of construction of roads, irrigation projects, etc.
• Rural industrialization: To increase the income of people living in rural areas, employment is created by promoting small-scale and cottage industries.
• Minimum wages: In 1948, the Minimum Wages Act was passed to provide fair wages to labourers and workers of industrial and agricultural areas.
• Public distribution system: Under the public distribution system food grains are made available to poor people at highly subsidized rates through ration shops.
• Nationalization of banks: Nationalization of banks was undertaken to provide loans to poor people at lower interest rates.
• Progressive tax measures: Progressive income tax system has been introduced to reduce inequalities in the distribution of income.
• Education: Primary education is made free as well as education for girls is provided at no cost to increase the enrollment ratio.
• Affordable housing: Affordable housing facilities are provided to the rural and urban poor through the Slum Rehabilitation programme.
• Health Facilities: Government hospitals, primary health centers have been established to provide medical facilities to poor people.
• Skill development and self-employment: Skill-based training is provided for skill development which inspires people towards self-employment. These multi-dimensional initiatives aim to uplift the marginalized sections of society by addressing basic needs and economic opportunities.
In simple words: The government uses different plans like controlling population, helping farmers, creating rural jobs, providing cheap food, and offering free education to help reduce poverty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize at least five to six key policy measures with their main objectives to score full marks in long-answer questions.

Can You Tell: (Textbook Page No. 51)

Express Your Opinion On The Following:

 

Question 1. There is a thick line of rural-urban economic divide in India.
Answer: Yes, there is a thick line of rural-urban economic divide in India because of around 65% population lives in a rural area but do not have proper road access for vehicles, lack of health facilities, lack of employment opportunities, lack of technology, a rural economy based on subsistence strategies, the population is spread thinly, due to slow economic growth people migrating from rural to the urban area, etc.

In an urban economy around 35% population lives with good road access, many health facilities, employment opportunities, advanced technology, the thick density of population, high economic growth rate, etc. This stark contrast highlights the uneven development across different regions of the nation.
In simple words: There is a big gap between villages and cities in India. Cities have better roads, jobs, and hospitals, while villages often lack these basic facilities, causing people to move to cities.

🎯 Exam Tip: Focus on comparing key parameters like population percentage, infrastructure, and employment opportunities to clearly show the divide.

 

Question 2. There is an equitable distribution of income and wealth in the country.
Answer: No, there is an unequal distribution of income and wealth in the country, that’s why India has adopted a progressive taxation policy. The government formulated many welfare policies to raise the income of poor income groups. These measures aim to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor over time.
In simple words: Wealth is not shared equally among everyone in India. To help fix this, the government charges higher taxes to the rich and uses that money to help the poor.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mentioning 'progressive taxation policy' and 'welfare schemes' is crucial for scoring full marks in this answer.

 

Question 3. All the citizens have equal access to education, health, energy, and drinking water.
Answer: No, there is unequal access to education, healthy drinking water. In urban areas, people can afford all the amenities. There are many educational institutions 24 hours availability of electricity, many health centers with modern equipment and technology, clean drinking water, etc. Consequently, rural populations often face significant challenges in securing these basic necessities.
In simple words: Not everyone in India has the same access to schools, hospitals, electricity, and clean water. People living in cities usually have much better access to these facilities than those in villages.

🎯 Exam Tip: Contrast the availability of resources in urban areas with rural areas to make your answer more impactful.

 

Question 4. There is no hunger, starvation, or malnutrition in the country.
Answer: No, I don’t agree with the statement. In India a large number of people especially women and children are not able to get food. 14.8% (195.9 million people are undernourished, 51.4% of women age between 15. This data clearly indicates that food insecurity remains a critical challenge that needs urgent attention.
In simple words: Hunger and malnutrition are still major problems in India. Many people, especially women and children, do not get enough healthy food to eat every day.

🎯 Exam Tip: Using the specific percentages and population figures provided in the text will make your answer highly precise and impressive.

 

Question 5. There is a lack of sanitation facilities in the country.
Answer: Yes, I agree with the statement. In rural areas, most of the people (300 to 522 million) still practice open defecation. In addition to considerable Indian homes having no toilets, access to water supply and drainage facilities is also another serious problem. Proper sanitation is crucial for public health and dignity.
In simple words: Many people in India, especially in villages, do not have toilets or clean water. This makes proper sanitation a major challenge in the country.

🎯 Exam Tip: When agreeing with a statement, state your agreement clearly first, then support it with key statistics like the number of people affected.

 

Question 6. The poverty ratio is uniform across all the states.
Answer: In India poverty is different from state to state. In India first ten poorest states or high poverty ratio is in Chhatisgarh (93%), Jharkhand (36.96%), Manipur (36.89%), Arunachal Pradesh (34.67%), Bihar (33.74%), Odisha (32.59%), Assam (31.98%), Madhya Pradesh (31.65%), Uttar Pradesh (29.43%), Karnataka (20.91%) and poverty ratio is lowest in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc. Note: The above data is according to the 2016 report. This regional imbalance highlights the unequal distribution of economic growth.
In simple words: Poverty is not the same everywhere in India. Some states have very high poverty rates, while others have much lower rates.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mentioning specific state names and their percentages helps show a detailed understanding of regional disparities.

Find Out: (Textbook Page No. 51)

 

Question. Prepare a list of 5 countries in the world having absolute poverty with reference to the latest World Bank Report.
Answer: All the developing countries will face absolute poverty for e.g. India, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, etc. These nations often struggle with low per capita income and high population pressure.
In simple words: Developing nations in South Asia and other regions often have large populations living in extreme poverty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always list the exact number of examples requested in the question to secure full marks.

Can You Tell: (Textbook Page No. 52)

 

Question 1. Place the following individuals as per their income into the High-income group, Upper Middle-income group, Middle-income group, Low-income group.
1. Contract labourer
2. Salesman in a shop
3. CEO of a Multinational Company
4. Executive in a Company

Income Pyramid Structure:

  • High Income
  • Upper Middle Income
  • Middle Income
  • Low Income
Answer:
Income groupsIndividuals
(i) High IncomeCEO of a Multinational Company
(ii) Upper Middle IncomeExecutive in a company
(iii) Middle IncomeSalesman in a shop
(iv) Low IncomeContract labour

In simple words: We can group people's jobs by how much money they earn, ranging from low-wage manual workers to highly-paid company heads.

🎯 Exam Tip: When classifying income groups, remember that professional qualifications and the nature of employment directly determine an individual's position in the income pyramid.

 

Find Out: (Textbook Pg. No. 52)

 

Question 2. Information about the informal sector and list a few activities related to it as per your observation.
Answer: The informal sector consists of economic activities that are not officially registered, regulated, or monitored by the government. Workers in this sector generally do not have job security, fixed salaries, or social security benefits. This sector plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities to a large portion of the population.
Some common activities in the informal sector include:
1. Street vendors and hawkers selling goods on roadsides.
2. Domestic helpers, maids, and home cooks.
3. Daily wage laborers working at construction sites.
4. Small-scale home industries like tailoring, weaving, or making handicrafts.
In simple words: The informal sector includes everyday jobs that aren't registered with the government, like street vendors or house cleaners, where workers don't have fixed contracts or benefits.

🎯 Exam Tip: To score full marks, define the informal sector clearly by mentioning the lack of government regulation and job security, and provide at least three real-world examples.

The informal sector is called as ‘unorganized sector’. It consists of unlicensed establishments that do not pay taxes to the government and does not obey the law prescribed by the law.

Activities of the informal sector are not counted in the country’s GNP as they are not disclosed by the owners of such organizations.

Examples:

  • Selling things from home or offices or garage, etc.
  • Paying a person for removing grass or snow from your garden or doorsteps.
  • Paying labourer for removing the upgrowth of trees outside the building wall.
  • Paying your office boy for the watering plant in your absence.
  • Black marketing, hoarding, smuggling, etc.
  • Paying under the table for getting some work done.
  • Farmers, beggars, daily wage earners, etc.

Try This: (Textbook Page No. 52)

 

Question 1. Given the number of members in your family prepare a list of food items and non-food items purchased monthly.
Answer: The following table provides a comprehensive monthly list of these items based on typical household needs.

Food ItemsNon Food Items
(a) Cereals(a) Petrol or fuel
(b) Pulses(b) Medicines
(c) Milk and Milk products(c) Entertainment
(d) Vegetables(d) Footwears
(e) Fruits(e) Clothing
(f) Spices(f) Bedding
(g) Meat/Mutton(g) Electric material

In simple words: This list helps us see what things we buy to eat (food items) and what other things we need to buy for daily life, like clothes, fuel, and medicine (non-food items).

🎯 Exam Tip: Categorize items carefully and ensure that daily essentials are grouped under food items, while services and utilities go under non-food items.

 

Question 2. Calculate the total monthly consumption expenditure of your family’s consumption basket as per the current prevailing prices.
Answer: Note: Students should do this activity by themselves with the help of their family head. This practical exercise will help you understand how household budgets are managed in daily life.
In simple words: Track and add up all the money your family spends on things like food, bills, and clothes in one month to find your total monthly spending.

🎯 Exam Tip: For project-based questions, clearly list the categories of expenditure such as food, clothing, and utilities to show a structured approach.

 

Question 3. What is the per capita monthly expenditure?
Answer: Per capita income is the average income per head of population in one year. Per capita monthly expenditure of an individual family can be calculated by using the following formula:
\[ \text{Per Capita Monthly Expenditure} = \frac{\text{Total Income of a Family}}{\text{Number of Members in the Family}} \]
This calculation helps in understanding the average spending capacity of each individual within a household. Note: Students can do further calculations with the help of their family head.
In simple words: Per capita monthly expenditure is the average amount of money spent by one person in a family in a month. You find it by dividing the total family income by the number of family members.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always write the formula clearly in a separate line and define each term to secure full marks in definition questions.

 

Find Out: (Textbook Page No. 53)

 

Question. From the above data on poverty ratios, find out \( Q_3 \) and \( P_{10} \) and name the states as per the derived partition values.
Answer: To find the third quartile (\( Q_3 \)) and the tenth percentile (\( P_{10} \)), students need to arrange the poverty ratios of the states in ascending order and apply the respective partition value formulas. This statistical analysis helps categorize states based on their economic development levels.
In simple words: Arrange the state poverty data from lowest to highest, then use formulas to find the values that divide the data into quarters and tenths to identify which states fall into these groups.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that \( Q_3 \) represents the 75th percentile and \( P_{10} \) represents the 10th percentile; always arrange data in ascending order before calculating partition values.

 

Question 1. From the given data of State-wise Poverty Ratios (2011-12), calculate the third quartile (\( Q_3 \)) and the tenth percentile (\( P_{10} \)).

State RatioPoverty Ratio (2011-12) in PercentState RatioPoverty Ratio (2011-12) in Percent
Andhra Pradesh9.20Kerala7.1
Assam31.9Madhya Pradesh31.7
Bihar33.7Maharashtra17.4
Chhatisgarh39.9Odisha32.6
Gujarat16.6Punjab8.3
Haryana11.2Rajasthan14.7
Himachal Pradesh8.1Tamil Nadu11.3
Jammu and Kashmir10.4Uttar Pradesh29.4
Jharkhand36.9Uttarakhand11.3
Karnataka20.9West Bengal19.9

Answer: Arranging the data in ascending order:
7.1, 8.1, 8.3, 9.2, 10.4, 11.2, 11.3, 11.3, 14.7, 16.6, 17.4, 19.9, 20.9, 29.4, 31.7, 31.9, 32.6, 33.7, 36.9, 39.9
Here, \( n = 20 \)

To find the third quartile (\( Q_3 \)):
\( Q_3 = 3 \left( \frac{n+1}{4} \right)^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies Q_3 = 3 \left( \frac{20+1}{4} \right)^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies Q_3 = 3(5.25)^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies Q_3 = 15.75^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies Q_3 = 15^{\text{th}} \text{ observation} + 0.75 (16^{\text{th}} \text{ observation} - 15^{\text{th}} \text{ observation}) \)
\( \implies Q_3 = 31.7 + 0.75 (31.9 - 31.7) \)
\( \implies Q_3 = 31.7 + 0.75(0.2) \)
\( \implies Q_3 = 31.7 + 0.15 \)
\( \implies Q_3 = 31.85 \)

To find the tenth percentile (\( P_{10} \)):
\( P_{10} = 10 \left( \frac{n+1}{100} \right)^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies P_{10} = 10 \left( \frac{20+1}{100} \right)^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies P_{10} = 10(0.21)^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies P_{10} = 2.1^{\text{th}} \) observation
\( \implies P_{10} = 2^{\text{th}} \text{ observation} + 0.1 (3^{\text{rd}} \text{ observation} - 2^{\text{th}} \text{ observation}) \)
\( \implies P_{10} = 8.1 + 0.1 (8.3 - 8.1) \)
\( \implies P_{10} = 8.1 + 0.1(0.2) \)
\( \implies P_{10} = 8.1 + 0.02 \)
\( \implies P_{10} = 8.12 \)
This systematic approach ensures we accurately locate the position of any partition value within the sorted dataset.
In simple words: To find these values, we first arrange the poverty percentages from smallest to largest. Then, we use formulas to locate the exact positions of the 75% mark (third quartile) and the 10% mark (tenth percentile) in our list.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always arrange the data in ascending order before applying quartile or percentile formulas, and show the interpolation steps clearly to avoid calculation errors.

You Should Know: (Textbook Page No. 54)

 

Question. What are the effects of Poverty?
Answer:
Economic effects of poverty:

  • Low national income: As a substantial number of people are poor, their income, saving, and investment are inadequate. This results in low capital formation.
  • Adverse effect on production: Since the capital for modernization is not available, the farmers continue with the outdated methods. Similarly, the industry does not have funds for modernization.
  • Misallocation of resources: To help the poor, the government spends a huge amount on welfare activities. This restricts the allocation of resources for productive activities.
  • Low standard of living: Due to low per capita income and low per capita consumption, people are forced to live in slums. This is reflected in the low standard of living.
  • Malnutrition and starvation: Poor people can not afford a balanced diet due to low income. They do not get the minimum calories from their diet. This lack of nutrition severely impacts their overall health and productivity.

In simple words: Poverty hurts a country's economy because poor people cannot save or invest money, farmers use old methods, and the government has to spend more on welfare instead of development. This leads to low living standards and poor health due to lack of food.

🎯 Exam Tip: Clearly list the economic effects using bullet points and highlight key terms like 'low capital formation' and 'misallocation of resources' to score full marks.

 

You Should Know: (Textbook Page No. 54)

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the international community in September 2015 to comprehensively cover social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The SDGs constitute a universal agreement to end poverty in all its forms and dimensions. There are 17 SDGs that have 169 targets to be achieved by 2030. India played an important role in shaping SDGs.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • No Poverty
  • No Hunger
  • Good Health
  • Quality Education
  • Gender Equality
  • Clean Water & Sanitation
  • Clean Energy
  • Good Jobs & Economic Growth
  • Innovation & Infrastructure
  • Reduced Inequalities
  • Sustainable Cities & Communities
  • Responsible Consumption
  • Protect the Planet
  • Life Below Water
  • Life on Land
  • Peace & Justice
  • Partnerships for the Goals

India is one of the signatories of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, is committed to the eradication of poverty by 2030 (SDG1).

Read the above passage and answer the following questions:

 

Question 1. What do SDGs stand for?
Answer: SDGs stands for Sustainable Development Goals. These goals serve as a global blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
In simple words: SDGs stands for Sustainable Development Goals, which are global targets to make the world a better and safer place for everyone.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always write the full form of SDGs with correct spelling to secure full marks.

 

Question 2. What are the objectives of SDGs?
Answer: SDGs were adopted by the international community to cover social economic and environmental dimensions. It makes an attempt to end poverty throughout the world. They aim to ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
In simple words: The main goals of SDGs are to protect our environment, help economies grow, and make sure nobody has to live in poverty.

🎯 Exam Tip: Mention the three key dimensions—social, economic, and environmental—to get full marks.

 

Question 3. What is India’s goal to eradicate poverty in relation to SDG?
Answer: India’s goal is to eradicate poverty from the country by the year 2030. This target aligns directly with the United Nations' global timeline for sustainable development.
In simple words: India wants to completely remove poverty from the country by the year 2030.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to mention the specific target year, 2030, as it is the key detail in this answer.

 

Question 4. How many SDGs are prevailing at present?
Answer: There are 17 SDGs prevailing having 169 targets that are to be achieved by 2030. These global goals were established by the United Nations to address urgent environmental, political, and economic challenges.
In simple words: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals created to make the world a better, safer, and fairer place by the year 2030.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the exact number of goals (17) and targets (169) along with the target year (2030) to secure full marks.

 

Try This: (Textbook Page No. 55)

 

Question. To ensure food security, the Government of Maharashtra has introduced Tri Colour Family Ration Card. Find out the income criteria of each ration card on the basis of information provided by the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Dept., GoM.
Answer: The income criteria for the Tri Colour Family Ration Card in Maharashtra helps categorize families to distribute food grains effectively.

Type of Ration CardIncome Criteria
WhiteRs. 1,00,000 and above
SaffronRs. 15,000 to Rs. 1,00,000
YellowPeople Below the poverty line

In simple words: The government uses three different colored cards (yellow, saffron, and white) to give subsidized food to families based on how much money they earn.

🎯 Exam Tip: Memorize the income brackets for each card color, as this classification is highly important for exams.

 

Try This: (Textbook Page No. 55)

 

Question. Correlate the following Poverty Alleviation Programmes with the given points: Food security, wage employment, self-employment, education, health, sanitation, financial inclusion, housing.
Answer:

  • Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS): Wage employment. This scheme ensures that rural households receive guaranteed wage employment to sustain their livelihood.

In simple words: The Employment Guarantee Scheme helps poor people in villages get paid work so they can earn a living.

🎯 Exam Tip: When correlating schemes, match the primary objective of the program with the correct developmental category.

Government Schemes and Objectives

  • Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgaar Yojana (SGSY): Self-employment
  • Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY): Financial inclusion
  • Swachch Bharat Mission (SBM): Sanitation
  • Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA): Education
  • Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Food security
  • Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): Wage employment
  • Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY): Housing
  • National Health Mission (NHM): Health

MSBSHSE Solutions Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India

Students can now access the MSBSHSE Solutions for Chapter 8 Poverty in India prepared by teachers on our website. These solutions cover all questions in exercise in your Class 11 Economics textbook. Each answer is updated based on the current academic session as per the latest MSBSHSE syllabus.

Detailed Explanations for Chapter 8 Poverty in India

Our expert teachers have provided step-by-step explanations for all the difficult questions in the Class 11 Economics chapter. Along with the final answers, we have also explained the concept behind it to help you build stronger understanding of each topic. This will be really helpful for Class 11 students who want to understand both theoretical and practical questions. By studying these MSBSHSE Questions and Answers your basic concepts will improve a lot.

Benefits of using Economics Class 11 Solved Papers

Using our Economics solutions regularly students will be able to improve their logical thinking and problem-solving speed. These Class 11 solutions are a guide for self-study and homework assistance. Along with the chapter-wise solutions, you should also refer to our Revision Notes and Sample Papers for Chapter 8 Poverty in India to get a complete preparation experience.

FAQs

Where can I find the latest Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions for the 2026-27 session?

The complete and updated Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions is available for free on StudiesToday.com. These solutions for Class 11 Economics are as per latest MSBSHSE curriculum.

Are the Economics MSBSHSE solutions for Class 11 updated for the new 50% competency-based exam pattern?

Yes, our experts have revised the Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions as per 2026 exam pattern. All textbook exercises have been solved and have added explanation about how the Economics concepts are applied in case-study and assertion-reasoning questions.

How do these Class 11 MSBSHSE solutions help in scoring 90% plus marks?

Toppers recommend using MSBSHSE language because MSBSHSE marking schemes are strictly based on textbook definitions. Our Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions will help students to get full marks in the theory paper.

Do you offer Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions in multiple languages like Hindi and English?

Yes, we provide bilingual support for Class 11 Economics. You can access Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions in both English and Hindi medium.

Is it possible to download the Economics MSBSHSE solutions for Class 11 as a PDF?

Yes, you can download the entire Maharashtra Board Class 11 Economics Chapter 8 Poverty in India Solutions in printable PDF format for offline study on any device.