In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: The economic growth of China by following the Soviet-based model was insufficient to meet the needs of the growing population.

Reason: The annual growth of 2-3 percent in population was responsible for that.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

This model allowed China to use its resources to establish the foundations of an industrial economy on a scale that did not exist before. Employment and social welfare was assured to all citizens, and China moved ahead of most developing countries in educating its citizens and ensuring better health for them. The economy also grew at a respectable rate of 5-6 per cent. But an annual growth of 2-3 per cent in population meant that economic growth was insufficient to meet the needs of a growing population.