Chapter 13 Solutions — The Value of Work

Economic activities involve money or are performed in exchange for money or money's worth.

Examples include a farmer selling produce, a lawyer earning a fee, or a factory worker receiving a salary.

Non-economic activities do not generate income. They are done out of feelings like love, care, gratitude and respect.

Examples include parents cooking for the family, youth caring for grandparents, or volunteers teaching for free.

People engage in many kinds of economic activities that involve earning money or money's worth.

Business: A business person selling school bags in the market earns money from customers.

Agriculture: Farmers sell their harvest in the market and receive payment.

Professional services: A lawyer argues a case and earns a fee; a doctor charges patients.

Transport: A truck driver transports goods from place to place and is paid for the service.

Manufacturing: Workers in a car factory produce goods and receive wages.

Skilled work: A carpenter like Rajesh buys wood, makes furniture and sells it — adding value at each stage.

Technical work: A bulldozer operator works at a construction site and earns a monthly salary.

Community service activities are non-economic — people do them without expecting money in return.

Yet they create great value for society.

Sevā (selfless service) at temples and gurudwaras, such as the langar at the Golden Temple, feeds everyone for free and builds a spirit of gratitude and sharing.

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan brings citizens together to keep streets, parks and public places clean — benefiting the whole community.

Van Mahotsav gathers people for tree plantation drives, helping conserve forests.

These activities strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and show that value is not only measured in money.