Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Manufacturing sector is considered the backbone of development due to the following reasons:

1. Modernises agriculture: Manufacturing industries modernise agriculture and reduce people's dependence on agricultural income by providing jobs in secondary and tertiary sectors.

1. Reduces unemployment and poverty: Industrial development is a precondition for eradicating unemployment and poverty. Public sector and joint sector industries also help reduce regional disparities.

1. Earns foreign exchange: Export of manufactured goods expands trade and commerce and brings in much-needed foreign exchange.

1. Increases prosperity: Countries that transform raw materials into finished goods of higher value are prosperous. India's prosperity lies in increasing and diversifying its manufacturing industries.

1. Supports agriculture: Agro-industries supply farmers with irrigation pumps, fertilisers, pesticides, machines, etc., making agricultural production more efficient.

The economic strength of a country is measured by the development of its manufacturing industries.

Source: Importance of Manufacturing, Chapter 6

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• The question asks you to justify a statement, so frame each point as a reason/argument — use the word "because" or present it as a cause-effect.
• Examiners expect 5 distinct points for 5 marks — one point per mark is the safest strategy.
• All points must come from the textbook passage; avoid adding outside information.
• The concluding line directly echoes the textbook — always a good way to close a "justify" answer.