April 10, 2026
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Chapter 1: Development
Complete NCERT Solutions | Class 10 Social Science Economics – Understanding Economic Development
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OverviewChapter Summary
What is this chapter mainly about?
Answer:
This chapter explains the meaning of development and shows that development means different things to different people. It discusses developmental goals, income and non-income goals, national development, per capita income, comparison of countries and states, public facilities, Human Development Index and sustainable development. The chapter also explains why income alone is not enough to measure development.
This chapter explains the meaning of development and shows that development means different things to different people. It discusses developmental goals, income and non-income goals, national development, per capita income, comparison of countries and states, public facilities, Human Development Index and sustainable development. The chapter also explains why income alone is not enough to measure development.
Key IdeaDefinition
What is development?
Answer:
Development means progress or improvement in the quality of life. It includes better income, regular work, good education, good health, security, equality, freedom, respect and a clean environment. Development is not the same for everyone because different people have different needs, life situations and goals.
Development means progress or improvement in the quality of life. It includes better income, regular work, good education, good health, security, equality, freedom, respect and a clean environment. Development is not the same for everyone because different people have different needs, life situations and goals.
FormulaPer Capita Income
How is per capita income calculated?
Answer:
Per capita income is also called average income. It is calculated by dividing the total income of a country or state by its total population.
Per Capita Income = Total Income of the Country ÷ Total Population
Per capita income is also called average income. It is calculated by dividing the total income of a country or state by its total population.
Per Capita Income = Total Income of the Country ÷ Total Population
Key Concepts
Concept 1Different Goals
Why do different people have different developmental goals?
Answer:
Different people have different developmental goals because their life situations, needs and aspirations are different. A landless labourer may want more work and better wages. A prosperous farmer may want higher crop prices. An unemployed youth may want a job. A girl may want equal freedom and opportunities. Therefore, development goals vary from person to person.
Different people have different developmental goals because their life situations, needs and aspirations are different. A landless labourer may want more work and better wages. A prosperous farmer may want higher crop prices. An unemployed youth may want a job. A girl may want equal freedom and opportunities. Therefore, development goals vary from person to person.
Concept 2Conflicting Goals
Can developmental goals be conflicting?
Answer:
Yes, developmental goals can be conflicting. What is development for one person may not be development for another. For example, industrialists may want large dams to get more electricity, but tribals may oppose them because dams can submerge their land and displace them. Thus, one person’s development may become destructive for another person.
Yes, developmental goals can be conflicting. What is development for one person may not be development for another. For example, industrialists may want large dams to get more electricity, but tribals may oppose them because dams can submerge their land and displace them. Thus, one person’s development may become destructive for another person.
Concept 3Income and Other Goals
Why is income not the only goal of development?
Answer:
Income is important because it helps people buy goods and services. However, people also need non-material things such as freedom, security, equality, respect, good working conditions, friendship, dignity, education, health and a pollution-free environment. These things cannot always be bought with money, but they are essential for a good life.
Income is important because it helps people buy goods and services. However, people also need non-material things such as freedom, security, equality, respect, good working conditions, friendship, dignity, education, health and a pollution-free environment. These things cannot always be bought with money, but they are essential for a good life.
Concept 4National Development
What is national development?
Answer:
National development means thinking about development goals for the whole country. It includes deciding what is fair, just and beneficial for the largest number of people. National development must consider economic growth, equality, health, education, public facilities, environment, employment, security and sustainability.
National development means thinking about development goals for the whole country. It includes deciding what is fair, just and beneficial for the largest number of people. National development must consider economic growth, equality, health, education, public facilities, environment, employment, security and sustainability.
In-text Questions and Activities
ITQ 1Let’s Work These Out
Why do different persons have different notions of development? Which explanation is more important and why?
(a) Because people are different.
(b) Because life situations of persons are different.
(a) Because people are different.
(b) Because life situations of persons are different.
Answer:
Explanation (b) Because life situations of persons are different is more important. People’s developmental goals depend mainly on their circumstances. A poor labourer wants regular work and better wages, while a rich farmer wants higher support prices. A student wants education, while an unemployed youth wants a job. Thus, people’s life situations strongly shape their idea of development.
Explanation (b) Because life situations of persons are different is more important. People’s developmental goals depend mainly on their circumstances. A poor labourer wants regular work and better wages, while a rich farmer wants higher support prices. A student wants education, while an unemployed youth wants a job. Thus, people’s life situations strongly shape their idea of development.
ITQ 2Let’s Work These Out
Do the following two statements mean the same? Justify your answer.
(a) People have different developmental goals.
(b) People have conflicting developmental goals.
(a) People have different developmental goals.
(b) People have conflicting developmental goals.
Answer:
No, both statements do not mean the same. Different developmental goals means people want different things according to their needs. Conflicting developmental goals means one person’s goal may harm another person’s goal. For example, a factory owner may want more land for industry, but farmers may lose their land and livelihood because of it.
No, both statements do not mean the same. Different developmental goals means people want different things according to their needs. Conflicting developmental goals means one person’s goal may harm another person’s goal. For example, a factory owner may want more land for industry, but farmers may lose their land and livelihood because of it.
ITQ 3Let’s Work These Out
Give some examples where factors other than income are important aspects of our lives.
Answer:
Factors other than income that are important in our lives include good health, education, freedom, equality, respect, security, clean environment, safe working conditions, family support, friendship and dignity. For example, a person may choose a lower-paying job if it offers job security, respect, learning opportunities and time with family.
Factors other than income that are important in our lives include good health, education, freedom, equality, respect, security, clean environment, safe working conditions, family support, friendship and dignity. For example, a person may choose a lower-paying job if it offers job security, respect, learning opportunities and time with family.
ITQ 4Let’s Work These Out
Explain some important ideas of the section “What Development Promises — Different People, Different Goals”.
Answer:
Important ideas of this section are:
1. Different people have different developmental goals.
2. Development depends on the life situation of a person.
3. What may be development for one may not be development for another.
4. Developmental goals may also be conflicting.
5. People want income, but they also want freedom, equality, security and respect.
6. Development should be fair and should not harm others.
Important ideas of this section are:
1. Different people have different developmental goals.
2. Development depends on the life situation of a person.
3. What may be development for one may not be development for another.
4. Developmental goals may also be conflicting.
5. People want income, but they also want freedom, equality, security and respect.
6. Development should be fair and should not harm others.
ITQ 5National Development
What can be some developmental goals for your village, town or locality?
Suggested Answer:
Developmental goals for a village, town or locality can include clean drinking water, good roads, electricity, proper drainage, waste management, affordable healthcare, good schools, public transport, parks, employment opportunities, safety for women and children, internet access, pollution control and equal opportunities for all people.
Developmental goals for a village, town or locality can include clean drinking water, good roads, electricity, proper drainage, waste management, affordable healthcare, good schools, public transport, parks, employment opportunities, safety for women and children, internet access, pollution control and equal opportunities for all people.
ITQ 6Average Income
Why do you think average income is an important criterion for development?
Answer:
Average income is important because it gives an idea of how much an average person earns in a country or state. It helps compare the economic condition of different countries or regions. Higher average income usually means people can buy more goods and services. However, average income does not show income distribution or quality of life.
Average income is important because it gives an idea of how much an average person earns in a country or state. It helps compare the economic condition of different countries or regions. Higher average income usually means people can buy more goods and services. However, average income does not show income distribution or quality of life.
ITQ 7Average and Disparity
Besides size of per capita income, what other property of income is important in comparing two or more societies?
Answer:
Besides the size of per capita income, the distribution of income is important. A society with equal distribution of income is better than a society where a few people are very rich and most people are poor, even if both have the same average income.
Besides the size of per capita income, the distribution of income is important. A society with equal distribution of income is better than a society where a few people are very rich and most people are poor, even if both have the same average income.
Exercises – Multiple Choice Questions
1MCQ
Development of a country can generally be determined by:
(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above
(i) its per capita income
(ii) its average literacy level
(iii) health status of its people
(iv) all the above
Answer: (iv) all the above
Explanation: Development includes income, education and health. Therefore, per capita income, literacy level and health status are all important indicators of development.
Explanation: Development includes income, education and health. Therefore, per capita income, literacy level and health status are all important indicators of development.
2MCQ
Which of the following neighbouring countries has better performance in terms of human development than India?
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan
(i) Bangladesh
(ii) Sri Lanka
(iii) Nepal
(iv) Pakistan
Answer: (ii) Sri Lanka
Explanation: Sri Lanka performs better than India in human development indicators such as life expectancy, schooling and HDI rank.
Explanation: Sri Lanka performs better than India in human development indicators such as life expectancy, schooling and HDI rank.
3MCQ + Calculation
Assume there are four families in a country. The average per capita income of these families is Rs 5000. If the income of three families is Rs 4000, Rs 7000 and Rs 3000 respectively, what is the income of the fourth family?
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000
(i) Rs 7500
(ii) Rs 3000
(iii) Rs 2000
(iv) Rs 6000
Answer: (iv) Rs 6000
Calculation:
Total income of 4 families = 5000 × 4 = Rs 20,000
Income of 3 families = 4000 + 7000 + 3000 = Rs 14,000
Income of 4th family = 20,000 − 14,000 = Rs 6,000
Calculation:
Total income of 4 families = 5000 × 4 = Rs 20,000
Income of 3 families = 4000 + 7000 + 3000 = Rs 14,000
Income of 4th family = 20,000 − 14,000 = Rs 6,000
Exercises – Short and Long Answers
4Short Answer
What is the main criterion used by the World Bank in classifying different countries? What are the limitations of this criterion, if any?
Answer:
The World Bank uses per capita income as the main criterion for classifying countries. Countries with higher per capita income are considered richer, while countries with lower per capita income are considered poorer.
Limitations:
1. It does not show how income is distributed among people.
2. It ignores health, education, equality and public facilities.
3. It does not measure freedom, security, dignity and environmental quality.
4. A country may have high average income but high inequality and poor living conditions for many people.
The World Bank uses per capita income as the main criterion for classifying countries. Countries with higher per capita income are considered richer, while countries with lower per capita income are considered poorer.
Limitations:
1. It does not show how income is distributed among people.
2. It ignores health, education, equality and public facilities.
3. It does not measure freedom, security, dignity and environmental quality.
4. A country may have high average income but high inequality and poor living conditions for many people.
5Short Answer
In what respects is the criterion used by the UNDP for measuring development different from the one used by the World Bank?
Answer:
The World Bank mainly uses per capita income to classify countries. The UNDP uses a broader criterion through the Human Development Index. It compares countries on the basis of income, health and education. UNDP considers indicators such as life expectancy, schooling and per capita income. Therefore, the UNDP method is more comprehensive because it includes quality of life, not only income.
The World Bank mainly uses per capita income to classify countries. The UNDP uses a broader criterion through the Human Development Index. It compares countries on the basis of income, health and education. UNDP considers indicators such as life expectancy, schooling and per capita income. Therefore, the UNDP method is more comprehensive because it includes quality of life, not only income.
6Long Answer
Why do we use averages? Are there any limitations to their use? Illustrate with your own examples related to development.
Answer:
We use averages because they help us compare different countries, states, groups or situations. For example, per capita income helps compare the income level of countries with different populations. Average marks help compare academic performance of classes. Average rainfall helps compare climate conditions of different regions.
However, averages have limitations. They hide inequalities and differences within a group. For example, two countries may have the same average income, but in one country income may be equally distributed while in another country a few people may be very rich and most people may be poor. Therefore, average income is useful, but it does not tell us about income distribution, poverty, health, education or quality of life.
We use averages because they help us compare different countries, states, groups or situations. For example, per capita income helps compare the income level of countries with different populations. Average marks help compare academic performance of classes. Average rainfall helps compare climate conditions of different regions.
However, averages have limitations. They hide inequalities and differences within a group. For example, two countries may have the same average income, but in one country income may be equally distributed while in another country a few people may be very rich and most people may be poor. Therefore, average income is useful, but it does not tell us about income distribution, poverty, health, education or quality of life.
7Discussion
Kerala, with lower per capita income, has a better human development ranking than Haryana. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
Answer:
I do not fully agree. Per capita income is a useful criterion because it gives an idea of the average income of people and helps compare economic conditions. However, it is not sufficient by itself.
Kerala has lower per capita income than Haryana, but it performs better in human development because it has better literacy, health facilities, lower infant mortality and better public services. This shows that income alone cannot measure development. Per capita income should be used along with other indicators such as health, education, public facilities, equality and sustainability.
I do not fully agree. Per capita income is a useful criterion because it gives an idea of the average income of people and helps compare economic conditions. However, it is not sufficient by itself.
Kerala has lower per capita income than Haryana, but it performs better in human development because it has better literacy, health facilities, lower infant mortality and better public services. This shows that income alone cannot measure development. Per capita income should be used along with other indicators such as health, education, public facilities, equality and sustainability.
8Activity Answer
Find out the present sources of energy that are used by the people in India. What could be the other possibilities fifty years from now?
Answer:
Present sources of energy used in India:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, firewood, cow dung, electricity, hydropower, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, LPG, biogas and biomass.
Possibilities fifty years from now:
India may depend more on renewable and cleaner energy sources such as solar power, wind power, green hydrogen, tidal energy, geothermal energy, advanced nuclear energy, bioenergy and battery storage. Electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances and decentralised solar systems may become more common. This shift will be necessary because fossil fuels are limited and cause pollution.
Present sources of energy used in India:
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, firewood, cow dung, electricity, hydropower, nuclear energy, solar energy, wind energy, LPG, biogas and biomass.
Possibilities fifty years from now:
India may depend more on renewable and cleaner energy sources such as solar power, wind power, green hydrogen, tidal energy, geothermal energy, advanced nuclear energy, bioenergy and battery storage. Electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances and decentralised solar systems may become more common. This shift will be necessary because fossil fuels are limited and cause pollution.
9Long Answer
Why is the issue of sustainability important for development?
Answer:
Sustainability is important because development should not destroy the environment or exhaust resources needed by future generations. If non-renewable resources such as coal, petroleum and natural gas are overused, they will get exhausted. Excessive use of groundwater, deforestation, pollution and climate change can damage life-support systems.
Development must be sustainable so that present needs are fulfilled without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable development protects natural resources, reduces pollution, maintains ecological balance and ensures long-term human well-being.
Sustainability is important because development should not destroy the environment or exhaust resources needed by future generations. If non-renewable resources such as coal, petroleum and natural gas are overused, they will get exhausted. Excessive use of groundwater, deforestation, pollution and climate change can damage life-support systems.
Development must be sustainable so that present needs are fulfilled without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable development protects natural resources, reduces pollution, maintains ecological balance and ensures long-term human well-being.
10Discussion
“The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person.” How is this statement relevant to the discussion of development? Discuss.
Answer:
This statement means that the earth has sufficient resources to satisfy people’s basic needs, but not unlimited greed. Development often becomes harmful when people overuse resources for excessive consumption, profit and luxury. Such greed leads to pollution, deforestation, depletion of fossil fuels, water scarcity and inequality.
The statement is relevant to development because true development should be sustainable and equitable. It should improve the quality of life for all people without damaging nature or depriving future generations. Development should focus on need, fairness and conservation rather than unlimited exploitation of resources.
This statement means that the earth has sufficient resources to satisfy people’s basic needs, but not unlimited greed. Development often becomes harmful when people overuse resources for excessive consumption, profit and luxury. Such greed leads to pollution, deforestation, depletion of fossil fuels, water scarcity and inequality.
The statement is relevant to development because true development should be sustainable and equitable. It should improve the quality of life for all people without damaging nature or depriving future generations. Development should focus on need, fairness and conservation rather than unlimited exploitation of resources.
Important Tables
Table 1Developmental Goals
Developmental goals of different categories of people.
| Category of Person | Likely Developmental Goals |
|---|---|
| Landless rural labourer | More days of work, better wages, no social discrimination, education for children and dignity in village life. |
| Prosperous farmer | Higher support prices, cheap labour, better irrigation, good market facilities and high family income. |
| Rain-dependent farmer | Assured irrigation, crop insurance, fair crop prices and protection from drought. |
| Urban unemployed youth | Regular employment, skill training, decent salary and job security. |
| Girl from a rich urban family | Equal freedom as her brother, opportunity to study abroad and freedom to choose her career. |
| Adivasi from Narmada Valley | Protection of land, forest rights, no displacement and livelihood security. |
Table 2World Bank vs UNDP
Difference between World Bank and UNDP criteria of development.
| Basis | World Bank | UNDP |
|---|---|---|
| Main Criterion | Per capita income | Human Development Index |
| Indicators Used | Income only | Income, health and education |
| Focus | Economic condition | Quality of life and human well-being |
| Limitation | Ignores distribution, health, education and public facilities | Broader than income, but still cannot include every aspect of development |
Public Facilities
TopicPublic Goods
Why are public facilities important for development?
Answer:
Public facilities are important because some goods and services cannot be provided properly by individuals alone. Facilities such as schools, hospitals, clean drinking water, sanitation, public transport, electricity, roads, ration shops and vaccination programmes improve quality of life. They are especially important for poor people who cannot afford private services. Public facilities help improve health, education, equality and human development.
Public facilities are important because some goods and services cannot be provided properly by individuals alone. Facilities such as schools, hospitals, clean drinking water, sanitation, public transport, electricity, roads, ration shops and vaccination programmes improve quality of life. They are especially important for poor people who cannot afford private services. Public facilities help improve health, education, equality and human development.
ExamplesCollective Provision
Give examples where collective provision of goods and services is cheaper than individual provision.
Answer:
Examples include government schools, public hospitals, vaccination drives, public parks, public transport, street lighting, roads, drainage systems, water supply systems and ration shops. These facilities are cheaper and more efficient when provided collectively because they benefit many people at the same time.
Examples include government schools, public hospitals, vaccination drives, public parks, public transport, street lighting, roads, drainage systems, water supply systems and ration shops. These facilities are cheaper and more efficient when provided collectively because they benefit many people at the same time.
Human Development
HDIHuman Development Index
What is Human Development Index?
Answer:
Human Development Index or HDI is a measure of development used by the UNDP. It compares countries on the basis of people’s health, education and income. It includes indicators such as life expectancy at birth, years of schooling and per capita income. HDI gives a broader picture of development than income alone.
Human Development Index or HDI is a measure of development used by the UNDP. It compares countries on the basis of people’s health, education and income. It includes indicators such as life expectancy at birth, years of schooling and per capita income. HDI gives a broader picture of development than income alone.
IndicatorsHealth and Education
Important development indicators used in the chapter.
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Infant Mortality Rate | Number of children who die before the age of one year per 1000 live births. |
| Literacy Rate | Percentage of literate population in the age group of 7 years and above. |
| Net Attendance Ratio | Percentage of children in a particular age group attending school. |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | Average expected length of life of a person at the time of birth. |
| Mean Years of Schooling | Average number of years of education received by people aged 25 and above. |
| Gross National Income Per Capita | Average income of people in a country, adjusted for purchasing power. |
Sustainable Development
TopicSustainability
What is sustainable development?
Answer:
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It requires careful use of natural resources, protection of the environment, reduction of pollution and fair distribution of benefits.
Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It requires careful use of natural resources, protection of the environment, reduction of pollution and fair distribution of benefits.
ResourcesRenewable / Non-renewable
Difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
| Type of Resource | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable Resources | Resources that can be renewed naturally if used carefully. | Groundwater, forests, solar energy, wind energy. |
| Non-renewable Resources | Resources that exist in fixed quantity and get exhausted after use. | Coal, petroleum, natural gas and minerals. |
Activity Answers
Activity 1Environmental Damage
A company dumped toxic waste in Ivory Coast. Who benefited and who did not? What should be the developmental goal?
Suggested Answer:
The multinational company and waste-disposal contractors benefited because they saved money by disposing toxic waste cheaply. The local people did not benefit; instead, they suffered health problems, deaths and environmental damage. The developmental goal should be strict environmental protection, safe waste management, health security for people, corporate accountability and justice for affected communities.
The multinational company and waste-disposal contractors benefited because they saved money by disposing toxic waste cheaply. The local people did not benefit; instead, they suffered health problems, deaths and environmental damage. The developmental goal should be strict environmental protection, safe waste management, health security for people, corporate accountability and justice for affected communities.
Activity 2India’s Development
Write a paragraph on what India should do to become a developed country.
Suggested Answer:
India should focus on inclusive and sustainable development. It should improve education, healthcare, employment, public facilities, gender equality, infrastructure, agriculture, industry and technology. Poverty and inequality should be reduced. Clean energy, water conservation, pollution control and sustainable use of resources should be promoted. Development should benefit all sections of society and should not damage the environment.
India should focus on inclusive and sustainable development. It should improve education, healthcare, employment, public facilities, gender equality, infrastructure, agriculture, industry and technology. Poverty and inequality should be reduced. Clean energy, water conservation, pollution control and sustainable use of resources should be promoted. Development should benefit all sections of society and should not damage the environment.
Activity 3BMI Activity
How is BMI calculated?
Answer:
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres.
BMI = Weight in kg ÷ Height in metres²
BMI is used as one indicator of nutritional status. It should be discussed carefully and respectfully without body shaming anyone.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres.
BMI = Weight in kg ÷ Height in metres²
BMI is used as one indicator of nutritional status. It should be discussed carefully and respectfully without body shaming anyone.
Key Terms
GlossaryImportant Terms
Important terms from the chapter.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Development | Progress or improvement in quality of life, including income, health, education, freedom, equality and sustainability. |
| Developmental Goals | Things that people desire for progress, such as better income, security, respect, education and health. |
| National Development | Development goals for the whole country that are fair, just and beneficial for most people. |
| Total Income | The income of all residents of a country or state taken together. |
| Average Income | Total income divided by total population. |
| Per Capita Income | Average income of a person in a country or state. |
| Public Facilities | Facilities provided collectively, such as schools, hospitals, roads, water supply and sanitation. |
| Infant Mortality Rate | Number of children dying before one year of age per 1000 live births. |
| Literacy Rate | Percentage of literate population aged 7 years and above. |
| Net Attendance Ratio | Percentage of children of a particular age group attending school. |
| Life Expectancy | Average expected length of life of a person at birth. |
| Human Development Index | UNDP measure of development based on health, education and income. |
| Renewable Resources | Resources that can be renewed naturally, such as groundwater and forests. |
| Non-renewable Resources | Resources that get exhausted after use, such as crude oil and coal. |
| Sustainable Development | Development that meets present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their needs. |
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