Question 1

Define 'Worker Population Ratio' and mention its utility. State any two harmful effects of using chemical fertilizers.

Accepted Answer

Worker Population Ratio is defined as the proportion of total population that is employed. It is calculated as:

Worker Population Ratio = (Total Workers / Total Population) × 100

Utility:
1. Indicates the employment situation in the economy
2. Shows the level of economic activity
3. Helps in comparing employment across regions and time periods
4. Reflects the standard of living

Harmful effects of chemical fertilizers:
1. Soil degradation: Chemical fertilizers reduce soil fertility over time
2. Water pollution: Runoff from farms pollutes water bodies
3. Health hazards: Chemical residues in food cause health problems
4. Loss of biodiversity: Chemicals harm beneficial soil organisms

Question 2

Case/Source Based Question Read the following text carefully. Answer questions number 13 (a) and 13 (b) on the basis of the given text and common understanding : Year 2020 began with the once-in-a-century pandemic, which saw the frontline workers working tirelessly to save human lives from COVID-19. The pandemic caused its ripples on the economy and on social sectors. Governments, at all levels, intervened in a timely manner to respond to the pandemic. India has one of the lowest case fatalities rates of less than 1.5%. India has been able to save lakhs of lives through its effective policy responses. Public spending on social sector was increased in 2020 - 21 to mitigate the hardships caused by the pandemic and the loss to livelihood due to the lockdown. The lockdown period saw the growth of the 'gig economy' and increasing 'work from home' in the organised sector. As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report 2018 - 19, there was an increase in workforce totalling 48.78 crores in 2018 - 19 as compared to 47.14 crores during 2017 - 18. Out of 1.64 crores increased workforce, 1.22 crores were in rural sector and 0.42 crores in urban sector. The female labour force participation rate increased from 17.5% in 2017 - 18 to 18.6% in 2018 - 19. The net payroll data of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) as on 20th December, 2020 shows a net increase of new subscribers of 78.58 lakhs in 2019 - 20 as compared to 61.1 lakhs in 2018 - 19. The PLFS report also showed improvement in 2020 - 21 (Quarter 4) when compared to 2019 - 20 (Quarter 4). Considering the proportion of the male workforce, casual labour decreased by 1% points, while self-employed and salaried workers increased by 0.6% points and 0.4% points respectively. Similarly, in case of female workforce, self-employed increased by 2% points, regular/wage salaried workers decreased by 0.7% points and casual labour decreased by 1.4% points. Source : Economic Survey 2020 - 21, Volume II, Chapter 10 (excerpt) (a) Analyse the nature/distribution of Indian workforce for the fourth quarter of the year 2020 - 21. (b) State and discuss any two initiatives taken by the Government to control the adverse impacts of the pandemic.

Accepted Answer

Based on the case study about the pandemic's impact on employment:

(a) The pandemic led to massive job losses across sectors:
- Informal sector workers were hardest hit
- Millions of migrant workers lost their jobs
- Small businesses and self-employed suffered significant losses
- The service sector, especially hospitality and tourism, was severely affected

(b) Government initiatives to address the crisis:
- MGNREGA was expanded to provide rural employment
- PM Garib Kalyan Yojana provided food security
- Atmanirbhar Bharat package supported small businesses
- Free food grains were distributed to vulnerable populations

The pandemic exposed the vulnerability of informal sector workers and highlighted the need for social security coverage for all workers.

Question 3

Identify, which of the following is the correct formula for calculating 'Worker-Population Ratio' ? (Choose the correct alternative)

Accepted Answer

(D) (Total Population / Total Workers) x 100

Question 4

Elaborate the reasons responsible for emergence of poverty in Pakistan.

Accepted Answer

Reasons for emergence of poverty in Pakistan:

1. Political instability: Frequent changes in government hinder consistent policy implementation
2. Low investment in education: Results in low human capital formation
3. High population growth: Strains resources and reduces per capita income
4. Agricultural dependence: Over-reliance on agriculture with low productivity
5. Limited industrialization: Slow growth of manufacturing sector
6. Income inequality: Unequal distribution of income and wealth
7. Regional disparities: Significant differences between regions
8. Governance issues: Corruption and inefficient public administration
9. External debt: High debt burden limits development spending
10. Low foreign investment: Due to political and security concerns

These factors have contributed to persistent poverty in Pakistan despite its potential for growth.

Employment: Growth, Informalisation and Other Issues

Study Simplify Special