Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Rising Importance of the Tertiary Sector in India

Over the forty years between 1977–78 and 2017–18, production in the tertiary sector has increased the most among all three sectors. As a result, by 2017–18, the tertiary sector emerged as the largest producing sector in India, replacing the primary sector.

Reasons for the rising importance:

1. Basic Services: The government must provide essential services like hospitals, schools, courts, police, defence, banks, and transport. These are indispensable in a developing country.

1. Support to Primary & Secondary Sectors: Development of agriculture and industry creates growing demand for services like transport, trade, and storage.

1. Rising Incomes: As incomes rise, people demand more services — eating out, tourism, private schools, private hospitals, and professional training.

1. IT and Communication: Over the past decade, services based on information and communication technology have grown rapidly and become essential.

However, not all of the service sector is growing equally. While some services employ highly skilled workers, a large number of workers in small shops, transport, and repairs barely earn a living.

Source: Chapter 2 — Sectors of the Indian Economy, "Rising Importance of the Tertiary Sector in Production"

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• Examiners expect 4–5 distinct reasons with a brief intro and a concluding remark — this structure scores full marks.
• Always mention the statistical evidence (1977–78 to 2017–18 comparison) in the introduction; it shows factual grounding.
• The caveat about unequal growth within the service sector is often asked separately but including it briefly here shows depth.
• Bold key terms (basic services, IT, rising incomes) to help the examiner spot your points quickly.