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?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation In the context of Indian economic statistics (Census and National Sample Survey Office), a worker is defined as a person who participates in any economically productive activity with or without compensation, wages, or profit. Participation includes physical or mental work, supervision, and direction of work. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. Self-employed individuals are explicitly considered workers. The category of "Self-employed" includes own-account workers, employers, and unpaid helpers in household enterprises. They constitute a significant portion of the Indian workforce. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. A person who is engaged in economic activity but is temporarily abstaining from work due to illness, injury, vacation, or other similar reasons is not excluded from the worker category. They are treated as workers who have a job or enterprise but are temporarily absent. - Statement 3 is Correct. Individuals who assist in the operation of an economic activity (such as a family farm or business) without receiving direct payment are classified as unpaid family workers or helpers. They are included in the definition of workers because they contribute to economic production. Key Takeaway The definition of a 'worker' in India is broad and includes self-employed persons, unpaid family helpers contributing to economic activity, and those temporarily absent from work due to illness or leave.

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the definition of ‘workers’ in the Indian economy, consider the following statements:

Self-employed individuals are considered workers in the Indian economy.
A person temporarily abstaining from work due to illness is excluded from the worker category.
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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

In the context of Indian economic statistics (Census and National Sample Survey Office), a worker is defined as a person who participates in any economically productive activity with or without compensation, wages, or profit. Participation includes physical or mental work, supervision, and direction of work.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. Self-employed individuals are explicitly considered workers. The category of "Self-employed" includes own-account workers, employers, and unpaid helpers in household enterprises. They constitute a significant portion of the Indian workforce.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. A person who is engaged in economic activity but is temporarily abstaining from work due to illness, injury, vacation, or other similar reasons is not excluded from the worker category. They are treated as workers who have a job or enterprise but are temporarily absent.
Statement 3 is Correct. Individuals who assist in the operation of an economic activity (such as a family farm or business) without receiving direct payment are classified as unpaid family workers or helpers. They are included in the definition of workers because they contribute to economic production.

Key Takeaway

The definition of a 'worker' in India is broad and includes self-employed persons, unpaid family helpers contributing to economic activity, and those temporarily absent from work due to illness or leave.

Your note

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

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:

easy

With reference to the definition of unemployment by the National Statistical Office (NSO), consider the following statements: 1. It includes those who are not working due to lack of work. 2. It excludes those who seek work through employment exchanges. 3. It includes those who express their willingness for work under prevailing conditions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. Self-employed individuals are explicitly considered workers. The category of "Self-employed" includes own-account workers, employers, and unpaid helpers in household enterprises. They constitute a significant portion of the Indian workforce.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. A person who is engaged in economic activity but is temporarily abstaining from work due to illness, injury, vacation, or other similar reasons is not excluded from the worker category. They are treated as workers who have a job or enterprise but are temporarily absent.
Statement 3 is Correct. Individuals who assist in the operation of an economic activity (such as a family farm or business) without receiving direct payment are classified as unpaid family workers or helpers. They are included in the definition of workers because they contribute to economic production.