Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Distinction between Public and Private Sector:

| Basis | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|-------|--------------|----------------|
| Ownership | Government owns most assets | Private individuals or companies own assets |
| Motive | Not primarily profit; aims at public welfare | Guided by profit motive |
| Funding | Funded through taxes and government revenue | Funded through private capital |
| Services | Provided to all, often at subsidised rates | Services provided at market price |
| Examples | Indian Railways, Post Office, MTNL | TISCO, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) |

Why government runs public sector:

• Some activities require huge investment beyond private capacity (e.g., roads, dams, bridges).
• Government supports sectors like electricity by subsidising costs so industries can afford it.
• Essential services like health, education, and food security are the primary responsibility of the government.
• Government procures wheat/rice from farmers at fair price and sells through ration shops to protect both farmers and consumers.

Source: Sectors in Terms of Ownership: Public and Private Sectors, Chapter 2

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Examiners expect a clear tabular distinction (earns easy marks) followed by reasons why government runs public sector — this shows deeper understanding. Always give the textbook examples (Railways, Post Office vs. TISCO, RIL). The last two points on subsidised electricity and food procurement directly use textbook content and strengthen the answer for full marks.