Inter-State Disparities – NCERT Economics Class 9 Chapter 3 Notes & PDF
Topic covered: Inter-State Disparities and MCQs Questions: Poverty as a Challenge (All single detail notes are exam-oriented).
We have discussed in-depth and exam-oriented pointers that can be asked in the board exam of class 9th about the “Inter-State Disparities“ from the NCERT Economics notes for class 9th chapter 3 Poverty as a Challenge.
Download the NCERT Economics for Class 9th Chapter 3 Poverty as a Challenge Notes PDF
Chapter 3: Poverty as a Challenge in Class 9 Economics deals with one of the most pressing social issues in India. The chapter explains how poverty is measured, its causes, and the everyday struggles faced by poor households. Many students often find the terms like “social exclusion” or “vulnerability” tricky, so these notes break them down with examples that are easy to follow. You’ll also get a clear picture of government schemes and policies aimed at reducing poverty. Download the NCERT Economics for Class 9th Chapter 3 Poverty as a Challenge Notes PDF to revise key points quickly and confidently.
Inter-State Disparities

1. General Aspect of Inter-State Poverty:
- Poverty in India shows inter-state disparities – proportion of poor is not uniform across states.
- Overall, poverty at the state level has declined since the early 1970s.
- However, success rates of poverty reduction differ from state to state.
2. States with Low Poverty (2019–21)
- States with Head Count Ratio (HCR) < 10%:
a. Karnataka
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Delhi
d. Punjab
e. Himachal Pradesh
f. Andhra Pradesh
g. Haryana
h. Maharashtra
3. States with Significant Improvement
- Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan have made remarkable progress in reducing poverty.
4. State-Specific Anti-Poverty Strategies
- Kerala – Focus on human resource development.
- West Bengal – Land reforms helped reduce poverty.
- Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu – Public distribution of food grains played a key role.
5. Quick Recall Tip for Exams:
- <10% HCR states (2019–21) – Think of Southern & Developed states + Delhi.
- Strategies – Kerala (HRD), West Bengal (Land reforms), AP & TN (PDS).
Next & Previous Topics of NCERT/CBSE Economics Class 9 Chapter 3: Poverty as a Challenge
Topics No. | Topics Name |
---|---|
1 | Two Typical Cases of Poverty |
2 | Poverty As Seen by Social Scientists |
3 | Poverty Line |
4 | Poverty Estimates |
5 | Inter-State Disparities |
6 | Vulnerable Groups |
7 | Global Poverty Scenario |
8 | Causes of Poverty |
9 | Anti-Poverty Measures |
10 | The Challenges Ahead |
MCQs on NCERT Economics Class 9 Chapter 3 Topic – Inter-State Disparities
Here are the top exam-oriented MCQ-type questions on “Inter-State Disparities” that you should prepare for your CBSE or state board exams:
Question 1. Poverty in India shows differences across states. This aspect is called:
a) Inter-State Disparities
b) Regional Development
c) Income Inequality
d) State-wise Planning
Answer: a) Inter-State Disparities
Question 2. Since the early 1970s, the proportion of poor people in Indian states has:
a) Increased in all states
b) Remained the same in all states
c) Declined significantly
d) Increased in only rural states
Answer: c) Declined significantly
Question 3. The success rate of reducing poverty in India:
a) Is the same in all states
b) Varies from state to state
c) Has been uniform since independence
d) Is higher in northern states only
Answer: b) Varies from state to state
Question 4. Which of the following states had a Head Count Ratio (HCR) of less than 10% during 2019–21?
a) Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan
b) Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Punjab
c) Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam
d) Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar
Answer: b) Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Punjab
Question 5. Which of the following is NOT among the states with HCR below 10% in 2019–21?
a) Maharashtra
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Bihar
Answer: d) Bihar
Question 6. Which states made remarkable strides in reducing poverty, despite high levels earlier?
a) Kerala and West Bengal
b) Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
c) Delhi and Punjab
d) Karnataka and Maharashtra
Answer: b) Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
Question 7. Kerala’s strategy to reduce poverty has mainly focused on:
a) Land reforms
b) Human resource development
c) Public distribution system
d) Industrialisation
Answer: b) Human resource development
Question 8. Which state reduced poverty mainly through land reform measures?
a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu
c) West Bengal
d) Haryana
Answer: c) West Bengal
Question 9. Public distribution of food grains has been responsible for reducing poverty in:
a) Kerala and Himachal Pradesh
b) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
c) Punjab and Haryana
d) Rajasthan and Gujarat
Answer: b) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
Question 10. Which statement is correct regarding inter-state poverty in India?
a) All states show the same poverty ratio
b) Some states have reduced poverty faster than others
c) Poverty reduction is only due to central government policies
d) No state has reduced poverty since 1970s
Answer: b) Some states have reduced poverty faster than others