Those activities which contribute to the gross national product are called economic activities. All those who are engaged in economic activities, in whatever capacity — high or low, are workers. Even if some of them temporarily abstain from work due to illness, injury or other physical disability, bad weather, festivals, social or religious functions, they are also workers. Workers also include all those who help the main workers in these activities. We generally think of only those who are paid by an employer for their work as workers. This is not so. Those who are self-employed are also workers. The nature of employment in India is multifaceted. Some get employment throughout the year; some others get employed for only a few months in a year. Many workers do not get fair wages for their work. While estimating the number of workers, all those who are engaged in economic activities are included as employed. During 2017-18, India had about a 471 million strong workforce. Since majority of our people reside in rural areas, the proportion of workforce residing there is higher.

There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark your answer as per the options given below.

Assertion: In India working population ratio is higher in urban areas in comparison to rural areas. 
Reasoning: Urban people have a variety of employment opportunities.

Assertion (A) is not true but Reasoning (R) is correct.

The correct answer is Option 4: Assertion (A) is not true but Reasoning (R) is correct.

Assertion: In India working population ratio is higher in urban areas in comparison to rural areas. This is false. In 2017-18, for every 100 persons, about 35 were workers in India. In urban areas, the proportion is about 34, whereas in rural India, the ratio is about 35.

Reasoning: Urban people have a variety of employment opportunities. This is correct. In urban areas, a considerable section is able to study in various educational institutions. Urban people have a variety of employment opportunities. They look for the appropriate job to suit their qualifications and skills.

"In 2017-18, for every 100 persons, about 35 were workers in India. In urban areas, the proportion is about 34, whereas in rural India, the ratio is about 35. 

People in rural areas have limited resources to earn a higher income and participate more in the employment market. Many do not go to schools, colleges and other training institutions. Even if some go, they discontinue in the middle to join the workforce; whereas, in urban areas, a considerable section is able to study in various educational institutions. Urban people have a variety of employment opportunities. They look for the appropriate job to suit their qualifications and skills. In rural areas, people cannot stay at home as their economic condition may not allow them to do so."