2013 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2013 · GS Paper I
Question 67: Economy and Social Development
Disguised unemployment generally means
alarge number of people remain unemployed
balternative employment is not available
cmarginal productivity of labour is zero
dproductivity of workers is low
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
Disguised unemployment exists when more people work on a job, such as a family farm, than are needed. They appear employed, but if some are withdrawn, total output does not fall, so the marginal productivity of those workers is zero. It is not the same as open joblessness, lack of alternative jobs or low productivity in general. It is common in Indian agriculture.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong. This describes open unemployment.
- (b) Wrong. Lack of alternative work is a cause, not the meaning.
- (c) Correct. Removing the surplus workers would not reduce output.
- (d) Wrong. Low productivity is not the same as zero marginal productivity.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.