Demography and Human Resource Development (VSAQs)
Economics-2 | 2. Demography & Human Resource Development – VSAQs:
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 2: Demography & Human Resource Development. This page covers the key FAQs for Very Short Answer Questions. Each answer is provided in simple English and follows the exam format. This will aid you in mastering the essential topics and achieving top marks in your final exams.
VSAQ-1: Birth Rate
The Birth Rate, sometimes called the population rate, is like a snapshot of how many babies are being born in a country. It measures the number of births per 1,000 people in a population within a year. A high birth rate can happen for various reasons, like traditions that encourage large families, limited access to education, early marriages, or cultural beliefs.
For example, in some communities, having many children is seen as a blessing, which can lead to a higher birth rate. Understanding the birth rate helps us see how a population is growing and what factors are influencing that growth.
VSAQ-2: Death Rate (Mortality Rate)
The Death Rate, or Mortality Rate, tells us how many people are passing away in a country. Specifically, it measures the number of deaths per 1,000 people in a year. A high death rate can be due to several factors, such as poor access to healthcare, low living standards, inadequate nutrition, and unsanitary living conditions.
For instance, in areas where people don’t have access to clean water or good medical care, the death rate might be higher. This information is crucial for understanding the health and well-being of a population and for making improvements to healthcare and living conditions.
VSAQ-3: Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is an important indicator that shows how many babies, under the age of one, die out of every 1,000 live births in a given year. This rate is a reflection of a country’s healthcare quality and overall living conditions for families.
A low IMR means that fewer infants are dying, which usually indicates good access to healthcare, proper nutrition, and clean living environments. For example, countries with well-developed healthcare systems and strong support for mothers and babies tend to have lower infant mortality rates. It’s a critical measure for understanding and improving child health and survival.
VSAQ-4: Sex Ratio
The Sex Ratio is a way to see the balance between males and females in a population. It measures how many females there are for every 1,000 males. This ratio is important because it helps us understand the gender composition of a society.
A balanced sex ratio is generally considered healthy, meaning there’s an equal number of males and females. However, in some places, cultural preferences for male children can lead to an imbalanced sex ratio, where there are fewer females compared to males. This imbalance can create social and demographic challenges, such as fewer women in the population and its impacts on marriage patterns and family structures.
VSAQ-5: Population Explosion
Population Explosion refers to a rapid and sudden increase in the number of people in a population. This usually happens when the death rate drops, but the birth rate remains high. A population explosion can lead to various challenges, such as overcrowded cities, strain on resources like food and water, and pressure on services like healthcare and education.
Imagine a city where the number of people doubles in just a few years. The city might struggle to provide enough schools, hospitals, and homes for everyone. To manage a population explosion, governments often implement policies like family planning and education programs to help balance population growth with available resources.
VSAQ-6: Literacy Rate
The Literacy Rate measures how many people in a population can read, write, and understand a language. Specifically, it looks at individuals over the age of seven who have these skills. To calculate the literacy rate, you divide the number of literate people aged seven and above by the total population of the same age group, and then multiply by 100.
For example, if in a village, 700 out of 1,000 people over the age of seven can read and write, the literacy rate would be 70%. This rate is important because it tells us about the education level of a community and how well people can engage in communication, learning, and other important activities.
VSAQ-7: National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is like a helping hand that reaches out to people living in rural areas to improve their access to quality healthcare. Launched by the government, this mission aims to make healthcare more available and effective in villages and rural regions, where access to doctors and hospitals might be limited.
A key part of the NRHM is setting up healthcare centers in various rural locations. These centers provide basic medical services, maternal care, child health services, and disease prevention programs. The mission’s goal is to ensure that even in the most remote areas, people can receive the healthcare they need to live healthy lives.
VSAQ-8: Janani Suraksha Yojana
The Janani Suraksha Yojana is a government scheme designed to make childbirth safer for mothers and their babies. This program is especially focused on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates by encouraging women to give birth in healthcare facilities instead of at home.
Under this scheme, women receive cash assistance as an incentive to choose institutional deliveries, meaning they go to a hospital or healthcare center to give birth. This ensures that they have access to proper medical care during childbirth, which can significantly reduce the risks associated with delivery and improve the chances of a healthy outcome for both mother and child.
VSAQ-9: Human Poverty Index (HPI)
The Human Poverty Index (HPI) is like a detailed report card that looks beyond just income to measure poverty. It assesses deprivation in three key areas of life: life expectancy, literacy, and standard of living.
For example, the HPI doesn’t just consider how much money people earn but also looks at whether they live long, healthy lives, whether they can read and write, and whether they have access to basic necessities like clean water and safe housing. By taking these multiple dimensions into account, the HPI provides a more comprehensive view of poverty, helping to identify where people need the most support to improve their quality of life.