Identify the correct statement about development.

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 4

The correct answer is Option (4) → Development means a qualitative change which is always value positive.

Growth is a change in amount, which can go up or down. Development is a change in quality, and it is always a change for the better.

Option (1) Development is a quantitative and value neutral change. — Incorrect. This describes growth, not development. Development is qualitative.

Option (2) Positive growth always leads to development. — Incorrect. A city may grow from one lakh to two lakh people while its housing and services stay the same. It has grown but not developed.

Option (3) Development may have a positive or a negative sign. — Incorrect. Only growth can be positive or negative. Development is always positive.

Option (4) Development means a qualitative change which is always value positive. — Correct. Development takes place only when there is an improvement in quality.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 11-05-2026 (Slot 1).

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.”