6.1 Introduction to Human Resources
People are a country's most valuable resource. While land, minerals, and machines are important, it is human beings who discover, develop, and utilise all other resources. Human resources refer to the population in terms of its size, composition, skills, education, and health.
'A country rich in minerals but poor in skilled human resources will struggle to develop. Conversely, a country with limited natural resources but excellent human capital — like Japan — can achieve remarkable prosperity.'
Human Resources vs Human Capital
- Human resources: The population as a factor of production.
- Human capital: The population that has been 'improved' through investment in education, health, and training — making them more productive.
6.2 Population Distribution
Population distribution refers to the way people are spread across the Earth's surface. Globally, population is unevenly distributed — some areas are densely populated, while others are nearly empty.
Factors Affecting Population Distribution
| Factor | Effect | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Topography | Plains attract more people | Ganga plains, Krishna-Godavari delta |
| Climate | Moderate climate preferred | Coastal regions, plateaus |
| Soil and water | Fertile soil + water = agriculture | River deltas |
| Minerals | Mining areas attract settlements | Jharia (coal), Singareni (AP) |
| Industries | Jobs attract migration | Mumbai, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam |
| Transport | Good connectivity boosts population | Cities along highways and railways |
| Social/cultural | Religious or historical importance | Varanasi, Tirupati |
Sparsely Populated Regions
- High mountains (Himalayas).
- Deserts (Rajasthan).
- Dense forests.
- Very cold regions (Ladakh).
- These areas are hard to access and offer limited livelihood opportunities.
6.3 Population Density
Population density is the number of persons per square kilometre. It is calculated as:
Population Density = Total Population / Total Land Area (sq km)
India's Population Density
| Comparison | Persons per sq km |
|---|---|
| World average | ~60 |
| India average | ~382 (Census 2011) |
| Most dense state (Bihar) | 1,106 |
| Least dense state (Arunachal) | 17 |
AP's Population Density
AP has a population density of about 308 persons per sq km (Census 2011), which is below the national average. This is because AP has a significant area under forests, hills (Eastern Ghats), and less fertile Rayalaseema region.
| AP District | Approx. Density (per sq km) |
|---|---|
| Visakhapatnam | ~340 |
| East Godavari | ~470 |
| Guntur | ~290 |
| Anantapur | ~210 |
| YSR Kadapa | ~170 |
6.4 Population Change
Population changes through birth rate, death rate, and migration.
Key Terms
- Birth rate: Number of live births per 1,000 people per year.
- Death rate: Number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.
- Natural growth: Birth rate - Death rate (does not include migration).
- Migration: People moving from one place to another (internal or international).
Components of Population Change
| Component | Effect |
|---|---|
| High birth rate + low death rate | Rapid population growth |
| Low birth rate + low death rate | Slow or stable growth |
| Immigration (in-migration) | Increases population of area |
| Emigration (out-migration) | Decreases population of area |
Causes of Migration
- Push factors: Unemployment, poverty, lack of opportunities, natural disasters, conflict.
- Pull factors: Better jobs, education, healthcare, higher wages, urban amenities.
AP Context: Migration
AP experiences out-migration to other states, particularly to Telangana (Hyderabad), Bengaluru, and Mumbai for IT jobs and construction work. Within AP, there is rural-to-urban migration towards Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati.
'The bifurcation of AP in 2014 caused significant migration — employees of state-run organisations moved from Hyderabad to the new capital Amaravati, while many IT professionals moved in the opposite direction to retain jobs in Telangana.'
6.5 Age-Sex Pyramid (Population Pyramid)
The age-sex pyramid is a graphical representation showing the distribution of various age groups in a population, divided by male and female.
Shapes and Their Meanings
| Shape | What It Indicates | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Broad base, narrow top | High birth rate, high death rate, short life expectancy, rapid growth | Many developing nations (India — earlier) |
| Narrow base, broad middle | Low birth rate, low death rate, stable population | Developed nations (Japan, Germany) |
| Bulging middle | Large working-age population — 'demographic dividend' | India currently |
India's Demographic Dividend
India has a young population — about 65% of Indians are under 35 years of age. This means India has a large working-age population relative to dependents (children and elderly). If properly educated and employed, this 'demographic dividend' can drive economic growth.
AP's age structure: AP also has a young population, but the state's literacy rate (~67%) and school dropout rates need improvement to fully realise this dividend.
6.6 Literacy and Health as Human Capital
Literacy
- Literacy means the ability to read and write with understanding.
- India's literacy rate: 74% (Census 2011).
- Kerala has the highest (94%), while Bihar has the lowest (62%).
AP Literacy Rate
- AP literacy rate: ~67% (Census 2011). Post-bifurcation, AP's literacy rate was affected because the more literate Telangana region (Hyderabad) was separated.
- Male literacy: ~75%
- Female literacy: ~59%
- The gender gap in literacy remains a concern. The state government's 'Amma Vodi' scheme (providing financial incentives to mothers sending children to school) aims to improve enrolment and retention.
Health
- Health is a critical component of human capital. A healthy population is more productive.
- Key indicators: Life expectancy, infant mortality rate (IMR), maternal mortality rate (MMR).
- AP's health indicators are moderate. The state has improved healthcare access through Arogyasri (now NTR Vaidya Seva) — a health insurance scheme for the poor.
6.7 Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Confusing population distribution and density | Distribution = where people live; density = how many per sq km |
| Thinking birth rate alone determines growth | Growth = birth rate - death rate (plus migration) |
| Saying India's density is highest in the world | India has high density, but Bangladesh, South Korea, and Monaco have higher |
| Forgetting migration in population change | Migration is a major factor, especially in urbanisation |
6.8 Exam Focus (AP Board)
| Topic | Marks |
|---|---|
| Population distribution and density | 3-4 marks |
| Age-sex pyramid and demographic dividend | 4 marks |
| Factors affecting population change | 3 marks |
| AP literacy rate and human capital | 4 marks |
| Migration — push and pull factors | 3 marks |
6.9 Quick Self-Test
Q1. What is the formula for calculating population density? A1. Total Population / Total Land Area (sq km).
Q2. What is AP's approximate population density (Census 2011)? A2. About 308 persons per sq km.
Q3. Name two push factors for migration. A3. Unemployment and poverty (also acceptable: natural disasters, lack of opportunities).
Q4. What does a broad base in a population pyramid indicate? A4. High birth rate (many young people).
Q5. What is meant by 'demographic dividend'? A5. The economic growth potential that results from a large working-age population relative to dependents.
Q6. What is AP's approximate literacy rate? A6. About 67% (Census 2011).
Q7. Which government scheme in AP promotes school enrolment by paying mothers? A7. Amma Vodi scheme.
Q8. How is human capital different from human resources? A8. Human capital is human resources improved through investment in education and health.
Q9. Which three factors cause population change? A9. Birth rate, death rate, and migration.
Q10. Why did AP's literacy rate decline after bifurcation in 2014? A10. Telangana, which included the more literate Hyderabad region, was separated from AP.
