Which of the following are correct with reference to the concept of '…

Which of the following are correct with reference to the concept of 'Development'?

(A) Development refers to changes over a period of time.
(B) Development is quantitative and value neutral.
(C) Development means a qualitative change.
(D) Positive growth does not always lead to development.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → (A), (C) and (D) only

Growth is a change in amount, such as more people or more money. Development is a change in quality, a change for the better. Both take place over time, but only development is always positive.

(A) Development refers to changes over a period of time. — Correct. Development does not happen in a day. Like growth, it is a change that takes place over time.

(B) Development is quantitative and value neutral. — Incorrect. This is true of growth, not development. Growth is a change in numbers, and it can go up or down, so it is value neutral. Development is qualitative and always value positive. NTA put development in the place of growth, and a true line became false. Read every word before you mark the answer.

(C) Development means a qualitative change. — Correct. Development is about how good life becomes, not only how much there is. It always means a change for the better.

(D) Positive growth does not always lead to development. — Correct. A city may grow from one lakh to two lakh people. If its housing and basic services stay the same, the city has grown but not developed.

NCERT (2026-27): “GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT … Both growth and development refer to changes over a period of time. The difference is that growth is quantitative and value neutral. It may have a positive or a negative sign. This means that the change may be either positive (showing an increase) or negative (indicating a decrease).”

“Development means a qualitative change which is always value positive. This means that development cannot take place unless there is an increment or addition to the existing conditions. Development occurs when positive growth takes place. Yet, positive growth does not always lead to development. Development occurs when there is a positive change in quality.”