NCERT Class 11 Economics — Chapter 7: Employment: Growth, Informalisation and Other Issues

mcqeasy

The phenomenon of rural workers migrating to urban areas and returning to villages during the rainy season is primarily driven by:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AGovernment schemes force them to return.
BUrban jobs are only available during the winter.
CAgriculture is seasonal, and work is available in villages during the rainy season.
DThey prefer the urban lifestyle during summer.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is Agriculture is seasonal, and work is available in villages during the rainy season..

Explanation

The phenomenon described is known as Seasonal Migration or Circular Migration. It is a direct consequence of the seasonal nature of the agricultural sector in India, which creates periods of peak labor demand and periods of unemployment (Seasonal Unemployment).

They prefer the urban lifestyle during summer. is Incorrect: Migration among rural workers is primarily driven by economic necessity and livelihood sustenance rather than lifestyle preferences.
Agriculture is seasonal, and work is available in villages during the rainy season. is Correct: Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on the monsoon (rainy season). The sowing and transplanting phases of Kharif crops require a large labor force. Consequently, workers who migrate to cities during the agricultural lean season return to their villages to participate in farming activities during the rains.
Urban jobs are only available during the winter. is Incorrect: Urban casual jobs, such as construction or rickshaw pulling, are generally available throughout the year. While construction activities may slow down during the monsoon, the assertion that urban jobs are only available in winter is factually wrong.
Government schemes force them to return. is Incorrect: Government schemes like MGNREGA are rights-based and demand-driven; they do not forcibly relocate workers. Migration is a voluntary economic decision based on labor demand.

Key Takeaway: Seasonal Unemployment occurs when people are unable to find jobs during specific months of the year. This is most common in the agricultural sector, driving circular migration patterns between rural and urban areas.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Employment: Growth, Informalisation and Other Issues

With reference to the definition of ‘workers’ in the Indian economy, consider the following statements: 1. Self-employed individuals are considered workers in the Indian economy. 2. A person temporarily abstaining from work due to illness is excluded from the worker category. 3. Those who help main workers in economic activities without receiving direct payment are included in the category of workers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Worker-Population Ratio’ in India: 1. It is defined as the total population divided by the number of workers. 2. The worker-population ratio is generally higher in rural areas compared to urban areas. 3. A higher ratio indicates that a greater proportion of the population is actively contributing to the production of goods and services. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the concepts of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP), consider the following statements: 1. GNP is calculated by deducting the value of exports from the GDP. 2. GDP is the total money value of all final goods and services produced in a country in a year. 3. The net earning from foreign transactions is always positive for a developing country like India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the participation of women in the workforce in India: 1. Women constitute the majority of the workforce in rural India. 2. The worker-population ratio for women is significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. 3. Many household activities performed by women are not recognised as productive work, leading to an underestimation of women workers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The term "Squatters" in the context of the informal sector refers to:

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The correct option is Agriculture is seasonal, and work is available in villages during the rainy season..

Explanation

They prefer the urban lifestyle during summer. is Incorrect: Migration among rural workers is primarily driven by economic necessity and livelihood sustenance rather than lifestyle preferences.
Agriculture is seasonal, and work is available in villages during the rainy season. is Correct: Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on the monsoon (rainy season). The sowing and transplanting phases of Kharif crops require a large labor force. Consequently, workers who migrate to cities during the agricultural lean season return to their villages to participate in farming activities during the rains.
Urban jobs are only available during the winter. is Incorrect: Urban casual jobs, such as construction or rickshaw pulling, are generally available throughout the year. While construction activities may slow down during the monsoon, the assertion that urban jobs are only available in winter is factually wrong.
Government schemes force them to return. is Incorrect: Government schemes like MGNREGA are rights-based and demand-driven; they do not forcibly relocate workers. Migration is a voluntary economic decision based on labor demand.