Question

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Indian economy ?

• A. Primacy of agriculture
• B. Balance between heavy industry and wage goods
• C. Population pressure
• D. Low per capita income

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1 — Recall the features of the Indian economy:
Some of the major characteristics of the Indian economy are:
- It is primarily an agrarian economy with a large population dependent on agriculture.
- It is a developing mixed economy with both public and private sectors.
- There is the presence of regional imbalance and unequal income distribution.
- The economy faces issues like unemployment, poverty, and underutilization of resources.

Step 2 — Examine the option given:
The option states: "Balance between heavy industry and wage goods."
This is not a correct characteristic of the Indian economy because:
- India has historically faced an imbalance between industrial growth and the production of wage goods (basic consumer goods like food, clothing, etc.).
- Heavy industries (steel, machinery, etc.) were promoted strongly after independence (especially through Five-Year Plans), but wage goods did not keep pace, leading to shortages and inflationary pressures.

Step 3 — Conclusion:
Since a true balance between heavy industries and wage goods has not been achieved, this cannot be called a characteristic of the Indian economy.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (B) : Balance between heavy industry and wage goods.