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NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 Employment Growth, Informalisation And Other Issues - 2025-26

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Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 Questions and Answers - Free PDF Download

Class 11 Economics introduces you to India’s economic development story, from independence to recent reforms. Chapter 6 focuses on fundamental features of a developing economy, structural transformation, and the impact of long-term policy initiatives. Many board papers devote almost 12 marks to this unit, making strong revision and recall essential for scoring well in final exams.

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These NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 help you answer all textbook theory and exercise questions using stepwise explanations and bullet points. You’ll cover key topics like sectoral transformation in India, economic policies, and planning challenges, ensuring all answers match the latest board syllabus for 2025.


If you are searching for a quick summary or need detailed “class 11th economics chapter 6 question answer,” these resources are mapped directly to actual exam needs. You can trust Vedantu for expert-verified, CBSE-aligned content that supports better understanding and effective exam preparation.

Access NCERT Solutions for Economics Class 11 Chapter 6 – Employment: Growth, Informalisation and Other Issue

1. Who is a worker?
Ans: A worker is someone who is hired to do work as per a service contract.

2. Define worker population ratio.
Ans: The worker population ratio is the number of people employed per thousand people. It helps show the employment situation of a country.
This ratio is found by dividing the total workforce by the total population, then multiplying by 100.
Worker population ratio = (total workforce / total population) x 100

3. Are the following people - a beggar, a thief, a smuggler, a gambler - workers? Why?
Ans: No, these people are not considered workers. A worker is involved in activities that legally contribute to the country’s GDP. A beggar, thief, smuggler, and gambler do not engage in legal economic activities that help earn the country money, so they are not seen as workers.

4. Find the odd one out: proprietor of a saloon, a cobbler, a cashier in Mother Dairy, a tuition master, transport operator, production worker.
Ans: The tuition master and proprietor of a saloon are the odd ones out. Both are self-employed, running their own businesses, while the others are employed and work for someone else for wages or salaries.

5. The newly emerging jobs are found mostly in the _____ Sector (service/manufacturing).
Ans: The newly emerging jobs are mostly found in the service sector. This sector includes trade, banking, insurance, health, and other services, and has grown much faster than manufacturing due to globalization.

6. An establishment with four hired workers is called a (formal/informal) sector establishment.
Ans: An establishment with four hired workers is called an informal sector establishment. The informal sector includes enterprises that hire less than 10 workers (except for farming and self-employment).

7. Raj goes to school. When he is not in school, he works on his farm. Can he be considered a worker? Why?
Ans: Yes, Raj is considered a worker because his work on the farm adds to the farm’s productivity. Anyone who helps in economic activity that adds to the country’s GDP is seen as a worker.

8. Compared to urban women, more rural women are found working. Why?
More rural women work compared to urban women due to family needs, less education, and higher poverty.
  • Over 30% of rural workers are women; in cities only 14% are women.
  • Rural women often work on farms because such jobs don't require high skills or specialization.
  • Rural poverty is more common than urban poverty, so more rural women work to support their families.
  • Urban families typically earn more, so there is less need for women to work.
  • Family traditions and lower female literacy also reduce urban women’s workforce share.

9. Meena is a housewife. Besides doing family chores, she works in her husband’s cloth shop. Can she be considered a worker? Why?
Ans: Yes, Meena is considered a worker. She helps in the shop and her work adds to the GDP, which makes her a worker.

10. Find the odd one out: (i) rickshaw puller who works under a rickshaw owner, (ii) mason, (iii) mechanic shop worker, (iv) shoeshine boy.
Ans: The shoeshine boy is the odd one out. The other workers are employed by someone else and get paid wages, but the shoeshine boy is self-employed and works for himself.

11. The following table shows the distribution of workforce in India for the year 1972-73. Analyse it and explain the nature of workforce distribution. This data is about the situation 30 years ago!
In 1972-73, most workers in India were in rural areas and engaged in agriculture.
  • India’s workforce in 1972-73 was 234 million—195 million rural, 39 million urban.
  • 83% of workers were rural, mainly due to agriculture and related sectors.
  • Rural workforce: 64% male, 36% female; urban: 82% male, 18% female.
  • Men worked more than women because women had less education and fewer chances.
  • Poverty, low productivity, disguised unemployment, and low female participation were major issues then.

12. The following table shows the population and worker population ratio for India in 1999-2000. Can you estimate the workforce (urban and total) for India?
Ans:
Estimated no of workers in urban areas = 28.52 x 33.7/100 = 9.61124
Total workforce in India = 100.40 x 39.5/100 = 39.658

13. Why are regular salaried employees more in urban areas than in rural areas?
Regular salaried jobs are more common in cities because cities have more skilled jobs and facilities.
  • Regular salaried workers usually need special skills and training, found more in cities.
  • Cities have more schools, colleges, banks, and companies that offer such jobs.
  • Rural areas lack infrastructure, investment, and high literacy needed for regular jobs.
  • Big companies and modern jobs are mostly in urban areas.

14. Why are less women found in regular salaried employment?
Fewer women have regular salaried jobs because they work more in unorganized, less secure jobs.
  • Many women are in jobs without contracts or steady income.
  • Regular salaried work needs contracts and reliable pay, which women get less often.
  • Women have less bargaining power and often get paid less than men.
  • Most women take temporary or self-employment jobs instead of regular salaried ones.

15. Analyse the recent trends in sectoral distribution of workforce in India.
Summary: Most Indian workers are still in agriculture, but service and industry jobs are increasing.
  • The primary sector (mainly agriculture) employs the majority, especially in rural areas.
  • Secondary sector (industry) employs around 24% of workers, more in cities.
  • Jobs in the service (tertiary) sector are increasing fast, especially in urban areas.
  • Most rural women work in agriculture; men have more chances in manufacturing and services.
  • Women are focused in agriculture, while men are more evenly spread across all sectors.

16. Compared to the 1970s, there has hardly been any change in the distribution of workforce across different industries. Comment.
There has been some change, but most workers still depend on agriculture. In 1972-73, about 74% of workers were in agriculture; it dropped to 50% by 2011-12. Industry and services have grown, but not enough workers have moved from farming. More people work as informal wage earners now, showing rising casual jobs. Still, industry and services need to create more jobs to reduce pressure on agriculture.

17. Do you believe that within 50 years, employment generated within India is as much as the growth of GDP? How?
Employment has not grown as fast as GDP in the past 50 years. GDP grew more than 8% in some years, but job growth was very low (like 0.39% in the 1950s). Modern technology replaced workers with machines, so fewer new jobs were created. Industry and services did not take in enough workers from agriculture. Poverty, low farm productivity, and hidden unemployment in agriculture continued. Most new jobs went to the highly educated, while many people were left unemployed or underemployed.

18. Is it important to generate employment in the formal sector rather than the informal sector? Why?
Ans: Yes, it is important. Jobs in the formal sector come with benefits like pension, provident fund, and gratuity. Formal sector workers get regular salaries, better technology, and better working conditions, which help reduce poverty and inequality.

19. Victor is able to get work only for 2 hours a day. For the rest of the day, he is looking for work. Is he unemployed? Why? What kind of jobs could he do?
Ans: Yes, Victor is unemployed. He works less than he wants to, so he is underemployed. People like Victor could take part-time jobs like delivering newspapers, working in a restaurant, delivering couriers, or as a bank teller.

20. You live in a village. If you are asked to suggest to the village panchayat, what kinds of sports would you recommend for the improvement of your village which would also generate employment?
Ans: Sports and games can help skill and career development. Villagers can train in athletics, kabaddi, kho-kho, cricket, boxing, and wrestling, which can lead to jobs and even coaching in the future.

21. Who is an informal wage labourer?
Ans: Casual (informal) wage labourers are people who do not work the whole year. They work only for a few months, do not get social benefits like pension, and usually earn low wages. Examples include people who work at construction sites.

22. How will you recognize whether or not a worker is working in the informal sector?
Informal sector workers have insecure jobs, no social benefits, and often work in small businesses.
  • They work to earn income by producing goods/services for the economy.
  • They work for small organizations with 10 or fewer employees (except farming/self-employment).
  • This includes farmers, small business owners, and the self-employed—not regular employees.
  • No benefits like provident fund, gratuity, or pension.
  • Not covered by most labour laws except for minimum wage.
  • They have little job security and weak bargaining power.

Important Points from Employment Growth, Informalisation And Other Issues Class 11 NCERT Solutions

  • Learn the definitions of worker, worker population ratio, and informal sector with examples.
  • Understand why jobs in the service sector are rising and more rural women work than urban women.
  • Find out why regular salaried jobs are less common for women and in rural areas.
  • Compare changes in job sectors like agriculture, industry, and services since the 1970s.
  • Explore the need for more formal sector jobs to provide security and reduce poverty.
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FAQs on NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 Employment Growth, Informalisation And Other Issues - 2025-26

1. How do the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 define Indian Economic Development?

The NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Economics Chapter 6 explain that Indian Economic Development is the process of sustained improvement in the country's economic and social well-being. It goes beyond just economic growth to include:

  • An increase in real national income and per capita income.
  • A reduction in poverty, unemployment, and income inequality.
  • Structural shifts in the economy, with a decreasing reliance on agriculture and a growing industrial and service sector.
  • Improvements in the quality of life, measured by indicators like literacy rate, life expectancy, and health standards.

2. What is the correct way to answer questions on the state of the Indian economy at independence, as per NCERT guidelines?

To correctly answer questions about the Indian economy on the eve of independence, NCERT solutions suggest structuring your answer by highlighting these key points:

  • Stagnant Economy: Mention the low growth in aggregate and per capita income.
  • Agricultural Backwardness: Describe low productivity, exploitative land tenure systems (like the Zamindari system), and the impact of partition.
  • Underdeveloped Industrial Sector: Point out the decay of handicrafts, lack of capital goods industries, and limited role of the public sector.
  • Adverse Foreign Trade: Explain how India became an exporter of raw materials and an importer of finished goods from Britain.
  • Poor Social Indicators: Include data on low literacy rates, high infant mortality, and low life expectancy.
Following this structure ensures a comprehensive and high-scoring answer.

3. How do the NCERT Solutions explain the concept of structural change in the Indian economy with examples?

The NCERT Solutions explain structural change as the transformation in the sectoral contribution to a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). For the Indian economy, this means a shift away from the primary sector towards the secondary and tertiary sectors. The solutions provide a step-by-step explanation:

  • At the time of independence, the agricultural (primary) sector dominated the GDP.
  • Post-independence, with the implementation of Five-Year Plans, the contribution of the industrial (secondary) sector started to increase.
  • After the 1991 economic reforms, the services (tertiary) sector experienced rapid growth and now has the largest share in India's GDP.

4. What are the key indicators of economic development that should be included in answers for Chapter 6?

When answering questions from Chapter 6, the NCERT Solutions emphasise including both economic and social indicators for a complete explanation of development. Key indicators include:

  • Economic Indicators: Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Product (GNP), and Per Capita Income.
  • Social Indicators: Literacy Rate, Life Expectancy, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR).
  • Structural Indicators: Contribution of different sectors (agriculture, industry, services) to GDP and employment.
Including these indicators demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic as per the CBSE syllabus for the 2025-26 session.

5. Where can I find correct, step-by-step answers for all the exercises in Chapter 6 of Indian Economic Development?

You can find accurate and detailed step-by-step answers for all the textbook exercises of Class 11 Economics Chapter 6, Indian Economic Development, right here on this page. These solutions are prepared by subject matter experts and are aligned with the latest CBSE 2025-26 syllabus and marking scheme to help you understand the correct methodology for solving each problem.

6. Why is it important to follow the CBSE pattern when solving questions about the Five-Year Plans from Chapter 6?

Following the CBSE pattern, as demonstrated in the NCERT Solutions, is crucial because it ensures your answers are structured, complete, and meet the examiner's expectations. For questions on Five-Year Plans, this approach helps you to:

  • Clearly state the main goals of planning (growth, equity, modernisation, self-reliance).
  • Systematically explain the specific objectives and outcomes of each relevant plan.
  • Address both the achievements and failures of the planning period, providing a balanced view.
  • Use correct terminology and data, which helps in securing maximum marks.
This method transforms a general answer into a well-argued, high-scoring response.

7. How do NCERT Solutions help differentiate between 'economic growth' and 'economic development' in the context of the Indian economy?

The NCERT Solutions clarify this key distinction by explaining that:

  • Economic growth is a quantitative concept, referring to the increase in a country's real output or GDP over time. It is a narrow concept.
  • Economic development is a much broader, qualitative concept. It includes economic growth plus progressive changes in the social and economic structure of the country, such as improved living standards, better education, higher life expectancy, and reduced inequality.
The solutions help you understand that while India has achieved significant economic growth, the path of economic development involves tackling persistent challenges like poverty and unemployment.

8. How do the solutions for Chapter 6 help in structuring a detailed answer on the successes and failures of economic planning in India?

The NCERT Solutions provide a framework for structuring a comprehensive answer on the successes and failures of economic planning. They guide you to break down the answer into two clear parts:

  • Successes: List achievements such as an increase in national income, development of a diversified industrial sector, growth in agriculture (Green Revolution), and expansion of social and economic infrastructure.
  • Failures: Discuss shortcomings like the inability to fully eradicate poverty, persistent high unemployment, rising income inequalities, and inefficient performance of many public sector enterprises.
This balanced approach ensures you cover all aspects of the question as required by the CBSE curriculum.

9. According to the NCERT textbook solutions, what were the main reasons for introducing the economic reforms of 1991?

The NCERT Solutions explain that the 1991 economic reforms were not sudden but a response to a severe economic crisis. The key reasons highlighted are:

  • High Fiscal Deficit: Government expenditure consistently exceeded its revenue, leading to large-scale borrowing.
  • Adverse Balance of Payments: India's imports were far greater than its exports, draining its foreign exchange reserves.
  • Inflationary Pressures: A continuous rise in the general price level was eroding purchasing power.
  • Poor Performance of PSUs: Many Public Sector Undertakings were incurring huge losses, becoming a burden on the government.
  • Fall of Foreign Exchange Reserves: Reserves fell to a level that was not enough to finance even a fortnight's worth of imports, leading to a crisis.