Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

Differences between Public and Private Sectors:

| Basis | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|-------|--------------|----------------|
| Ownership | Government owns most assets | Private individuals/companies own assets |
| Motive | Not just profit; aims at public welfare | Profit earning is the main motive |
| Finance | Funded through taxes and government revenues | Funded through private capital |
| Examples | Railways, Post Office | TISCO, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) |

Why Public Sector is necessary:

1. Large investments: Some activities like roads, bridges, dams, and harbours require huge spending beyond private sector capacity.
2. Support to industries: Government supplies electricity at affordable rates to prevent small-scale units from shutting down.
3. Support to farmers/consumers: Government buys wheat and rice at fair price from farmers and sells through ration shops at lower prices.
4. Social responsibilities: Providing health, education, safe drinking water, and housing — especially for the poor — is the primary duty of the government.

Source: Sectors in Terms of Ownership: Public and Private Sectors, Chapter 2

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• Examiners expect both a definition/comparison AND reasons why the public sector is needed — this question carries 5 marks, so covering 4–5 distinct points is essential.
• Use the textbook examples (TISCO, RIL, Railways, Post Office) to show you've read the chapter.
• A simple table for comparison saves time and earns marks efficiently.
• Do not write long paragraphs — crisp points with headings score better in board exams.