IX Textbook 2024
IX Textbook 2024
Class IX
Reprint 2024
The Royal Education Council would like to thank all specialists, professionals, lecturers
and teachers from different agencies, colleges and schools for their valuable contributions
towards the development of this book.
Advisors:
1. Kinga Dakpa, Director, Royal Education Council, Paro
2. Wangpo Tenzin, Dean, Royal Education Council, Paro
3. Norbu Wangchuk, Curriculum Specialist, Royal Education Council, Paro
Surjay Lepcha
Foreword
Human wants are unlimited while the resources of the world are limited. So the
disproportion between unlimited human wants and resource available to meet
those desires gives rise to the problem of choice and decision making. This leads
to a need for a system of rationalizing the distribution of these finite resources
against the infinite human desires. An answer to such a question can be found
in the field of study called Economics. It explores the best possible means to
achieve the desired economic goals to the optimal level with resources at our
disposal. In a nut shell, Economics is a study about production, distribution and
consumption of goods and services.
Economics education in Bhutan is intended to help our learners to keep abreast
with the fast changing economic trends not only within the country but also in
the rest of the world to explore the opportunities that lie ahead. It will also help
them equip themselves for the world of work and make informed decisions to
become responsible, accountable, and productive citizens of the nation and the
world.
Economics curriculum is entrenched in Bhutan’s philosophy of holistic path to
development, otherwise known as Gross National Happiness, that aims to bring
about a balance between spiritual and material well-being.
It is my ardent aspiration that our learners reap colossal benefits of acquiring
required knowledge, skills and values out of this reformed curriculum for
Economics. I am very much positive that acquisition of all those economic
concepts, principles, theories, skills, and values will nurture our learners to be
nationally rooted and globally competent. This will also facilitate the achievement
of His Majesty’s vision to nurture SMART citizens of Bhutan.
Tashi Delek!
Kinga Dakpa
Director
Table of Conents
Acknowledgment III
Foreword V
Chapter 8- Money 61
Chapter 9- Market 71
Assessments 97
CHAPTER
Introduction
to
1 Economics
Learning Objectives
• Define economics
• Discuss the nature and scope of economics
• Outline the key ideas to define economics
1.0 Introduction
Economics deals with the study of human behaviour with respect to production,
consumption and distribution of goods and services to satisfy human wants. Human
wants are unlimited while resources to satisfy them are limited. Therefore, the study
of economics provides insight into usage of limited resources to satisfy human wants.
It enables us to understand the decision-making process in allocating the resources.
This chapter discusses the key ideas that explain the major definitions, nature and
scope of economics.
The term Economics was originally derived from the Greek word “Oikonomia” which
means household management. With the process of civilization and change in the
economic conditions, the definition of economics has evolved over time.
Reprint 2024 1
Economics Class IX
Adam Smith in his book ‘An Enquiry into Nature and Causes
of Wealth of Nation’ regards economics as science of wealth
which studies the process of production, consumption
and accumulation of wealth. According to him wealth
means goods and services that can be transacted with
the help of money.
2 Reprint 2024
Chapter 1 Introduction to Economics
1. Sort the jumbled words given in Figure 1.1 under the following category.
Wealth Oriented Definition, Growth Oriented Definition, Scarcity Oriented
Definition, and Welfare Oriented Definition.
Wealth Oriented
Definition
Growth Oriented
Definition
Scarcity Oriented
Definition
Welfare Oriented
Definition
Figure 1.1
Share your work with your friends in class.
The continuous evolvement in the subject matter of economics has led to different
views about the scope of economics. Economics is considered as a science as well as
an art.
a. Economics as a Science
Economics is considered a science since the subject matter has laws and theories,
Reprint 2024 3
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
which are universally accepted. Like science, the economics is a systematic study of
knowledge and facts which helps in developing the correlation-ship between cause
and effect. The facts are systemically collected, classified and analyzed to make future
predictions. Therefore, economics is considered as a science.
b. Economics as an Art
Economics is an art because different theories and laws are explained with the help
of graphs, figures, tables, and equations. It makes use of assumptions which help to
define the conditions for the application of theories, laws and relationship between
economic variables.
Review Questions
i) producers.
ii) consumers.
iii) policy makers.
4. Which definition of Economics is the most suitable for Bhutan? Give reasons.
4 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Scarcity
and
2 Choice
Learning Objectives
2.0 Introduction
I WANT IT
ALL!
What do humans
really want?
b
es
s
Did atis
you
ever fied?
put
some
effort
to acquire a want?
a. Necessities
Commodities which are essential in nature are called necessities or needs. Necessities
can be for existence as well as for efficient living. Food, clothing and shelter are
examples of necessities for existence. On the other hand, books for students and
computers in the office are examples of necessities for efficient living.
b. Comforts
Comforts are those commodities which make life easier and comfortable. Comforts
are the additional wants after necessities. For a student in a classroom, a simple chair
could be a necessity, while a cushioned chair could be a comfort. Similarly, in a hot
place, a fan could be a necessity in an office, while air conditioner could be a comfort..
6 Reprint 2024
Chapter 2 Scarcity and Choice
c. Luxuries
Those commodities which are very expensive and acquired to show wealth and
position of a person in the society are known as luxuries. Some of the examples of
luxuries are gold ornaments, expensive electronic gadgets, branded clothes.
Want for more luxuries and comfort commodities results in mass consumerism. There
are some non-economic wants, such as love, affection and happiness, which cannot be
acquired by making monetary payment. Mass consumerism can be addressed by the
philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) to promote healthy and harmonious
society.
1. Classify the following products given in Figure 2.3 into different wants for
different set of people. Give justification to your answer.
i) Teacher
ii) Student
iii) Patient
Reprint 2024 7
Economics Class IX
Causes of Economic
Problems
Human wants differ in their urgency. Some wants are more urgent while others are
less. Some people may prefer a smart phone to a laptop computer while some may
want a laptop computer more than a smart phone. It becomes difficult to decide which
one is to be produced or consumed.
If resources are available in abundance, economic problem would not arise. Limited
resources force individuals and societies to choose from among various alternative
goods and services. Hence, economic problem of scarcity and choice arises.
8 Reprint 2024
Chapter 2 Scarcity and Choice
The basic economic problem is about scarcity and choice. Any individual, organisation,
society or nation has to make three fundamental choices about how to allocate the
available resources.
Basic Economic
Problems
For whom to
What to Produce? How to Produce?
Produce?
Labour intensive
Those who need
Capital Goods technique
Consumer
Goods Capital intensive Those who have
technique purchasing power
a. What to produce?
Should the economy use its resources to build more hospitals, roads, schools or
luxurious hotels? Should Bhutan export more oranges than apple? Do we invest more
on hydropower or tourism industry? Is tourism industry or hydro power a priority
for the growth of Bhutanese economy? The economy must decide what goods and
services to be produced and how much of each is to be produced.
b. How to produce?
Does Bhutan have enough human resources to enhance economic prosperity? Will
the available machineries and technologies help in boosting the production level?
Should countries design new methods of production? The method of production
involves judicious selection of different factor combinations, techniques and other
alternatives of production.
Reprint 2024 9
Economics Class IX
Scarcity of
Goods and
Services
Limited Resources Unlimited Wants
Figure 2.6 Scarcity of resources
Tshering has an hour of leisure time. He can use this time to play either football or
read a book. Tshering plays football instead of reading a book. The opportunity cost
of playing football is the knowledge that a Tshering could have gained by reading a
book. If a person decides to spend Nu. 2000 on buying a pair of shoes, the opportunity
cost would be not being able to save that amount. An economy may decide to invest
in building roads but at the cost of providing education. Bhutan may choose clean
10 Reprint 2024
Chapter 2 Scarcity and Choice
Table 2.1 shows the possible combinations of rice and cloth that a producer can
produce when all its resources are efficiently utilised. The combination A shows a
point where the producer produces 10 kilograms of rice and nothing of cloth. On the
contrary, the combination F shows that the producer produces 5 metres of cloth, but
does not produce any rice. As the producer moves from combination A to B and B
to C, the producer has to sacrifice 2 kilograms of rice to produce 1 additional metre
of cloth. Thus, the opportunity cost of producing 1 extra metre of cloth is equal to
2 kilograms of rice.
Table 2.1 Production possibility
Cloth Rice Opportunity cost of cloth in terms of rice =
Combination
(m) (kg) Change in rice/Change in cloth
A 0 10 -
B 1 8 2
C 2 6 2
D 3 4 2
E 4 2 2
F 5 0 2
y
A
10
B
8
PPC
6 C
Rice (kilogram)
D
4
E
2
F
0 1 2 3 4 5 x
Cloth (metre)
Figure 2.7 Production Possibility Curve
Reprint 2024 11
Economics Class IX
Table 2.1 can be represented in the form of a graph as shown in Figure 2.7. The X
axis represents cloth and the Y axis represents rice. Points A, B, C, D, E and F shows
various combinations of two commodities that can be produced by efficient use of
resources. The movement along the curve shows opportunity cost of cloth in terms
of rice.
1. Suppose you have Nu. 5000. Show how you would spend your money.
Table 2.2
Income Areas of Expenditure Total Expenditure in Nu.
Food
Stationeries
Nu. 5000
Entertainment
Saving
Review Questions
5. How does the concept of opportunity cost help consumers to make informed
decision?
12 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER Economic
Resources
3 and
Production
Learning Objectives
• Describe resources
• Explain the factors of production
• Explain the characteristics of an entrepreneur as a factor of production
• Explain the concept of production and consumption
• Explain the concept of utility and forms of utility
3.0 Introduction
Nature has bestowed us with many gifts which are commonly known as natural
resources. These resources are not enough to satisfy all human wants. Hence, the
limited resources have to be used efficiently. This chapter discusses different types
of resources and factors of production.
3.1 Resources
Resources
Resources are anything
which can be used for
production of goods and
services to satisfy human Natural Human-made
Resources Resources
wants. They are broadly
categorised into natural and
human-made resources.
Renewable Non- Renewable
Resources Resources
Reprint 2024 13
Economics Class IX
a. Natural Resources
Natural resources are free gifts provided by nature that can be used for production of
goods and services. They can be classified into renewable and non-renewable natural
resources.
A renewable natural resources are those which can refill to replace the depleted
portions through natural reproduction or other recurring processes. Some of the
examples are sunlight, water and forest. While non-renewable natural resources are
those that cannot be replaced such as coal, petroleum and natural gas.
NATURAL RESOURCES
14 Reprint 2024
Chapter 3 Economic Resources and Production
b. Human-made Resources
Resources that are created by humans are called human-made resources. Machine,
tools and chemical fertilisers are some examples of human-made resources. They
can be improved through research and development.
Human resources are people who make up the workforce, be it skilled or unskilled.
The qualities of human resources include skill, knowledge, energy and talents. Some
examples of human resources are farmer, teacher, engineer, carpenter, welder, mason
and plumber.
LABOUR
produce goods and services. There ENTREPRENEUR
are four categories of factors of
production.
CAPITAL
a. Land
Labour consists of physical and mental human efforts that are used in the production
of goods and services.
c. Capital
d. Entrepreneur
A person who organises the production of goods and services by combining several
factors of production is called an entrepreneur.
Reprint 2024 15
Economics Class IX
3.4 Entrepreneur
The word entrepreneur is derived from the French word ‘entreprendre’, which means
‘to undertake’. The word was originally used to describe people who 'take on the risk'
in business or who 'undertake' a task such as starting a new venture.
Entrepreneurs are those who organise and combine all the factors of production to
produce goods and services in an economy. They take important decisions regarding
production and bear the risks involved in production. Successful entrepreneurs are
rewarded with profit.
16 Reprint 2024
Chapter 3 Economic Resources and Production
them what to do. While they may actively compete with others, they also constantly
try to improve their own performance and competence.
1. Plan and prepare a field study in your respective teams to carry out an
interview with an entrepreneur in your locality.
Reprint 2024 17
Economics Class IX
3. If you aspire to be a successful entrepreneur, what are the traits you need to
possess and which are the ones that you need to acquire?
5. Do you believe that entrepreneurs are ‘born’ and not ‘made’? Justify your
answer.
3.5 Production
Most of the things that people do every day are economic activities. Any activity
which leads to creation of goods and services to satisfy human wants is termed as
production. Inputs are converted into outputs through the production process which
adds utility to the commodity.
18 Reprint 2024
Chapter 3 Economic Resources and Production
Reprint 2024 19
Economics Class IX
3.6 Consumption
Explore yourself
2. Do you know that there is a consumer protection laws? Mention three provisions
of the law.
PROTEC TION
PRO CONS
TEC UME
TIO R
NL
AW
S
20 Reprint 2024
Chapter 3 Economic Resources and Production
Reprint 2024 21
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
Review Questions
1. Answer the following questions.
22 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Economic
and
4 Non-economic
Activities
Learning Objectives
4.0 Introduction
All individuals engage in some forms of activities with different motivations. Some
individuals work with expectations of earning something in return, while others
devote themselves to derive intangible satisfaction such as happiness. The types of
activities people perform vary from person to person. The efficiency of the work
depends on factors such as knowledge, skill, natural resources and technology. The
economy of a nation can be broadly divided into three sectors on the basis of the
nature of the economic activities.
Every human being keeps themselves occupied in one or the other activity to satisfy
their wants. These activities can be economic and non-economic activities.
a. Economic Activities
All those activities which are legally undertaken with a motive to earn money are called
as economic activities. These activities are economically productive and interlinked
to one another. Every activity assumes equal importance despite differences in their
Reprint 2024 23
Economics Class IX
nature and return. Therefore, one should be sincere, mindful, astute, resilient and
timeless (SMART) in carrying out one’s duties and responsibilities in fulfilling the
aspirations of His Majesty The king.
b. Non-Economic Activities
Non-economic activities are those that are performed to provide services without
monetary gain. The activities such as household chores, voluntary social works,
praying, helping in times of natural disasters are some examples of non-economic
activities. While these activities do not directly lead to productivity and efficiency,
planned non-economic activity such as recreation and vacation which help mental
growth can lead to increased productivity and growth.
24 Reprint 2024
Chapter 4 Economic and Non-economic Activities
1. List down the activities that the members of your family carry out and put
them into two categories as follows:
Non-
Family Economic Time spent Time spent
Economic
Members Activities per day per day
Activities
i) For each family member, calculate the total number of hours for both
economic and non-economic activities.
ii) In which activity do your family members spend more time? What
would be the benefit of spending more time on that particular activity?
2. The activities that are considered economic activities for some people are
non-economic activities for others. Explain.
3. One should consider ethical and moral values while carrying out economic
activities. Discuss.
Raw materials are the primary need for any kind of economic activities. The kind
of economic activities carried out in an area depend on the types of raw materials
available in that area. For instance, a place is likely to have cement factory if there
are gypsum and limestone available nearby.
b. Infrastructural facilities
Reprint 2024 25
Economics Class IX
activities. For example, farm roads and electrification widen the base of economic
activities in rural areas.
d. Access to technology
e. Government policy
Availability of
resources
Infrastructural Access to
facilities Factors technology
affecting
economic
Skilled activities
labour and Government policy
entrepreneurship
Figure 4.2 Factors affecting economic activities
26 Reprint 2024
Chapter 4 Economic and Non-economic Activities
activity through licensing policy, subsidisation and taxation. For example, to promote
the expansion of modern economic activities in rural areas, the government provides
tax holidays, subsidies and access to cheaper financing.
1. What additional factors, other than the ones given in the figure 4.2, determine
economic activities?
2. Can you think of any new economic activity that has been established in your
locality because of the innovation? How has it affected your locality?
3. Discuss the prospects of starting any economic activity in your locality and
prepare a short report describing the possible gains, and challenges you may
face.
The economic activities of a country can be broadly classified into three sectors:
a. Primary Sector
This sector includes those economic activities that involve extraction of raw materials.
It consists of activities such as agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing, and other related
activities that depend on nature.
b. Secondary Sector
c. Tertiary Sector
This sector includes economic activities which provide services. These services include
transport and communication, banking and insurance, trade and commerce, and
professional and administrative services.
Reprint 2024 27
Economics Class IX
Economic Sectors
Trade and
Agriculture Manufacturing
Commerce
Banking and
Mining Construction
Insurance
Transportation
Power
Forestry and
Generation
Communication
Figure 4.3 Type of Economic sectors
4.5 Role of Economic Sectors
Growing apples
(Primary Sector)
Transportation
of apples
(Tertiary Sector) Manufacturing
apple juice
(Secondary Sector)
Sale of apple juice
(Tertiary Sector)
Figure 4.4 Interdependence of Economic sectors
28 Reprint 2024
Chapter 4 Economic and Non-economic Activities
The primary sector plays an important role in the economy as it is the base of all
activities for other sectors.
The primary sector is the source of raw materials to the manufacturing sector. Raw
materials like minerals and agricultural products are essential for the development
of the industrial sector.
The primary sector, especially agricultural products, is the source of food grains in
the economy. It promotes self-sufficiency and a healthy living.
The secondary sector plays an important role in using the outputs of the primary
sector. It adds value to the output of the primary sector.
i. Supply of goods
The secondary sector processes the raw materials into finished goods. Thus, the
secondary sector supplies a wide range of capital and consumer goods in an economy.
Reprint 2024 29
Economics Class IX
The secondary sector supplies infrastructures such as transport, power and capital
goods to foster the growth of other sectors. Availability of infrastructural facilities
enhances productivity and efficiency.
iii. Industrialization
The secondary sector brings about industrialisation in the economy and increases the
nation’s production capacity. The growth of industries leads to large scale production
of goods which are available to the consumers at cheaper rates.
Secondary Sector
The industry sector’s growth decelerated to 2.41 percent in 2017, down by 4.53
percentage points from 6.94 percent in 2016. The sector’s contribution to GDP
growth was 1.05 percentage points. Within the sector, the construction sector
was the main driver of growth although the sector grew by only 6.34 percent as
compared to 13.64 percent in 2016. National Accounts Statistics, 2018 . The total
Gross Value Added was estimated at Nu. 66,786.08 million in 2017, the share
of the secondary sector was 40.57 percent in 2017, down by 0.82% points from
41.39% in 2017.
(Source: National Accounts Statistics, 2018)
The tertiary sector plays a significant role in the economic development of the nation.
The activities within the tertiary sector and its relative share in GDP grow faster than
the primary and secondary sectors when the level of economic development increases.
The tertiary sector facilitates interactions between people rather than the production
of goods. It connects the different sectors of the economy and facilitates the flow of
information and goods among the units of an economy.
30 Reprint 2024
Chapter 4 Economic and Non-economic Activities
The tertiary sector enhances the capacity of human resources through the provision
of better health facilities, education and training services. It is further supplemented
by other facilities including good network of transport and communication system.
A well-developed tertiary sector helps to expand trade with other countries. For
example, one of the reasons for the development of tourism industry in Bhutan is
due to the development of services such as hotel services, infrastructure and banking
facilities.
Reprint 2024 31
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
Review Questions
According to the National Account Statistics 2018, tertiary sector has the highest
share in GDP with 42.06% in 2017 followed by secondary sector with 40.57%
and primary sector at 17.37%. While the tertiary and primary sectors had a
marginal increase in their shares, the secondary sector recorded a decline in its
share in 2017.
1. In Table 4.1, it is evident that the percentage share of secondary and tertiary
sectors is more than the primary sector. Why do you think so?
2. Use the information given in Table 4.1 and draw a bar graph to represent
percentage of contribution to GDP of each sector.
3. Identify some of the challenges faced by each of the economic sectors in the
Bhutanese economy and suggest remedial measures for each.
32 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER Demand
and
5 Law of Demand
Learning Objectives
5.0 Introduction
The terms desire, wants, and demand are generally confused with one another, but
in economics, all these have different meanings. Demand is a fundamental factor
that drives economic activities and it is one of the most important concepts in the
study of economics.
5.1 Price
Price in general is the amount of money that the consumers pay for purchasing goods
and services. It is expressed in terms of units of exchange. Prices are either determined
by the market forces or regulated by the government.
5.2 Demand
In economics, demand is a desire backed by the willingness and the ability to pay
for a particular commodity. Desire means a wish to have something or to enjoy
Reprint 2024 33
Economics Class IX
services, without actually acquiring it. Demand for a commodity is the quantity of
a commodity that a consumer is willing and able to purchase at a particular price in
a given period of time.
There is an inverse relationship between the price of the commodity and the quantity
demanded. With decrease in price, demand for goods and services will rise and if
the price increases, demand will fall.
Consumers’ tastes and preferences for goods and services often change resulting in
change in demand. If consumers’ tastes and preferences are in favour of a commodity,
demand for that commodity will increase and vice versa.
In case of inferior goods, there is an inverse relationship between income and demand
for a commodity. As the income of the consumer increases, the demand for inferior
goods decreases and vice versa.
Price of related goods influences demand in two ways depending on the nature of
the commodity. When the price of a particular good decreases, the demand for its
substitute goods falls. Conversely, when the price of particular good increases, the
demand for its substitute goods rises.
In case of complementary goods, when the price of a particular good decreases, the
demand for its compliment goods rises. Conversely, when the price of a particular
good increases, the demand for its compliment goods falls.
34 Reprint 2024
Chapter 5 Demand and Law of Demand
I eat 10 I think I
strawberry should opt
ice cream in a for chocolate
month. icecream!
3. Explore examples of normal and inferior goods for each of the goods
mentioned below.
i) Pen
ii) Gho
iii) Car
iv) Mobile phone
v) Shoes
vi) Laptops
Reprint 2024 35
Economics Class IX
b. Law of Demand
Law of demand explains the relationship between price of the commodity and
the quantity demanded for the same commodity. The law states that other things
remaining same, demand for a particular commodity increases with the decrease in
price and vice versa. There is an inverse relationship between the price and quantity
demanded. The law can be illustrated with the help of demand schedule and curve.
y D
P
P1
Price
D
x
O Q1
Q
Demand
Figure 5.2 Law of demand
c. Demand Schedule
The tabular representation of the relationship between price and quantity demanded
is called demand schedule.
Table 5.1 Individual Demand Schedule
Price per kg ( Nu.) Quantity Demanded (kg per week)
50 20
100 18
150 16
Table 5.2 Market Demand Schedule
Quantity demanded Quantity demanded
Price per Total market Demand
by Consumer A (kg by consumer B (kg
kg ( Nu) (A+B) (kg per week)
per week) per week)
50 20 16 36
100 18 12 30
150 16 8 24
36 Reprint 2024
Chapter 5 Demand and Law of Demand
With the help of above statement and Table 5.1 and 5.2, construct the meaning
of individual and market demand schedule.
d. Demand Curve
P
Price
D
x
O Q
Demand
Figure 5.3 Demand curve
1. Use Table 5.1 and 5.2 to derive the individual demand curve and the market
demand curve respectively.
2. Study the graph and state the properties of demand curve
Reprint 2024 37
Economics Class IX
Movement along the demand curve is caused by change in price, other factors
remaining constant. In figure 5.4, X-axis represents quantity demanded and Y-axis
represents price of a commodity.
Initially, when the price is OP, the quantity demanded is OQ. When the price falls
from OP to OP2, the quantity demanded increases from OQ to OQ2. This is called
extension of demand.
On the other hand, when the price increases from OP to OP1, the quantity demanded
decreases from OQ to OQ1. This is called contraction of demand.
The movements from point ‘B’ to ‘A’ and ‘B’ to ‘C’ represent the movement along the
demand curve.
y D
Contraction of
A
P1 demand
P B Extension of
Price per unit
demand
P2 C
D
O x
Q1 Q Q2
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.4 Movements along the demand curve
When demand changes due to change in factors other than price, it is called shift in
demand curve. Rightward shift of demand curve indicates increase in demand and
leftward shift of demand curve indicates decrease in demand.
Shift in demand curve is caused by changes in other factors, such as income of the
consumer, change in population, tastes and preferences of consumers.
38 Reprint 2024
Chapter 5 Demand and Law of Demand
Initially, when the price is OP the quantity demanded is OQ. Price remaining the
same at OP, the quantity demanded increases from OQ to OQ2. This is called increase
in demand. Similarly, at the same price OP, the quantity demanded decreases from
OQ to OQ1. This is called decrease in demand.
y D D2
D1
Decrease Increase
P
Price per unit
D1 D D2
O x
Q1 Q Q2
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.5 Shift in demand curve
Reprint 2024 39
Economics Class IX
P
10%
P1
20%
D
Price
O x
Q Q1
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.6 Elastic demand
ii. Inelastic Demand
Demand is said to be price inelastic when percentage change in quantity demanded
is less than percentage change in its price.
y D
20%
P1
Price
10%
O D x
Q Q1
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.7 Inelastic demand
40 Reprint 2024
Chapter 5 Demand and Law of Demand
Demand is said to be unitary elastic when the percentage change in quantity demanded
is equal to the percentage change in price.
y D
P
10%
P1
Price
10%
D
O x
Q Q1
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.8 Unitary elastic demand
iv. Perfectly Elastic Demand
P D
Price
O x
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.9 Perfectly elastic demand
Reprint 2024 41
Economics Class IX
O x
Q
Quantity demanded
Figure 5.10 Perfectly inelastic demand
Study the pictures in Figure 5.11 and answer the questions that follow.
ELASTIC DEMAND
Juice
Juice Apple /-
Apple - 0
Nu 50
/ Nu 10 ET
GOOD FORG
PRICE
! IT!
A B
42 Reprint 2024
Chapter 5 Demand and Law of Demand
INELASTIC DEMAND
MILK
Nu 50/- I STILL
NEEDIT MILK
Nu 100/-
C D
Figure 5.11
1. Which types of the goods have elastic demand:
Reprint 2024 43
Economics Class IX
Review Questions
3. With the help of suitable examples, explain the factors that influence the
demand for goods and services..
5. Why is it necessary for the government to regulate prices for some goods and
services?
44 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER Supply
and
6 Law of Supply
Learning Objectives
• Define supply
• Explain factors affecting supply of goods and services
• State the law of supply
• Differentiate between individual supply and market supply
• Construct a supply curve based on the supply schedule
• Explain price elasticity of supply
• Illustrate and explain determination of equilibrium price of goods and services
6.0 Introduction
Demand and supply are the most important concepts in economics. The interactions
between demand and supply determine the equilibrium market prices. The study of
supply is complementary to the meaningful study of demand.
6.1 Supply
Supply refers to the total quantity of a commodity that a seller is willing to offer
for sale at different prices during particular period. The total quantity of goods and
services that the suppliers are willing to sell at given price is known as quantity
supplied.
a. Factors Affecting Supply
Supply of commodity is determined by various factors. Some of them are discussed below.
i. Price of commodity
Changes in the price of commodity influence producers' decision in production of
commodities. If the price of a commodity increases, producers will produce and
Reprint 2024 45
Economics Class IX
supply more quantity of commodities, and will supply less if the price decreases.
ii. Change in technology
With the advancement in technology, the cost of producing goods and services will
decrease. Therefore, at the same market price, the producers will produce more and
supply will increase.
iii. Price of inputs
Price of inputs directly influences the supply of goods and services. For instance, if
the price of inputs increases, producers will supply less.
b. Law of Supply
Law of supply explains the relationship between price of the commodity and quantity
supplied. It states that other things remaining same, supply for a particular commodity
increases with the increase in price and vice versa. There is direct relationship between
the price and quantity supplied. This law can be illustrated with the help of supply
schedule and supply curve.
y
S
P
Price
S
O x
Q
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.1 Law of Supply
46 Reprint 2024
Chapter 6 Supply and Law of Supply
c. Supply Schedule
The tabular representation of the relationship between price and supply is called
supply schedule.
d. Supply Curve
P1
P
Price
P2
S
O x
Q2 Q Q1
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.2 Supply curve
Reprint 2024 47
Economics Class IX
X axis represents the quantity supplied and Y-axis shows the price of the commodity.
SS is the supply curve which shows the direct relationship between the price and the
quantity supplied.
Initially, when the price of commodities is at OP, the quantity supplied is OQ. As
the price increases from OP to OP1, the quantity supplied also increases from OQ
to OQ1. When price of commodity decreases from OP to OP2, the quantity supplied
also decrease from OQ to OQ2.
Refer Table 6.2 Market supply schedule and answer the following questions.
Movement along the supply curve is caused by change in supply due to change in
price, other factors remaining constant. In Figure 6.3, Y axis represents price and X
axis represents supply.
y S
Extension of
supply
P1
A
P
B
C
Price
P2
Contraction of
supply
S
O x
Q2 Q Q1
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.3 Movements along the supply curve
48 Reprint 2024
Chapter 6 Supply and Law of Supply
Initially when the price is OP, the quantity supplied is OQ. When the price increases
from OP to OP1, the quantity supplied increases from OQ to OQ1. This is called
extension of supply.
On the other hand, when the price falls from OP to OP2, the quantity supplied
decreases from OQ to OQ2. This is called contraction of supply. These movements
from points A to B, and A to C represent movements along the supply curve.
When supply changes due to change in other factors, such as input prices, technology,
and agreement among the producers, it will cause the supply curve to shift. Rightward
shift of supply curve indicates increase in supply and leftward shift of supply curve
indicates decrease in supply.
y S2 S S1
Decrease Increase
P
Price
S1
S2 S
O x
Q2 Q Q1
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.4 Shift in supply curve
As shown in Figure 6.4, when the price is OP, the quantity supplied is OQ. Price
remaining same at OP, the quantity supplied increases from OQ to OQ1. This is called
increase in supply. Similarly, at the same price OP the quantity supplied decreases
from OQ to OQ2. This is called decrease in supply. Rightward or leftward shift of the
supply curve, SS to S1S1 and SS to S2S2, represents shift of the supply curve.
Reprint 2024 49
Economics Class IX
Elasticity of supply shows how the quantity supplied changes in response to the
change in its price.
i. Elastic Supply
Supply is said to be elastic when a percentage change in the quantity supplied is greater
than the percentage change in its price.
y
P1
10%
P
Price
S 30%
O x
Q Q1
Quantity Supplied
50 Reprint 2024
Chapter 6 Supply and Law of Supply
y S
P1
50%
P
Price
S 20%
O x
Q1 Q
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.6 Inelastic supply
Supply is said to be unitarily elastic when percentage change in the quantity supplied
is equal to the percentage change in price.
y
S
P1
10%
P
Price
S 10%
O x
Q Q1
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.7 Unitary elastic supply
Reprint 2024 51
Economics Class IX
Supply is perfectly elastic when change in supply is infinite with small or no change
in price.
y
P S
Price
O x
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.8 Perfectly elastic supply
Supply is perfectly inelastic when there is no change in supply with the change in
its price. y
S
Price
O x
Q
Quantity supplied
Figure 6.9 Perfectly inelastic supply
52 Reprint 2024
Chapter 6 Supply and Law of Supply
The price of the goods and services is determined by the interplay of demand and
supply. The market is said to be in equilibrium when quantity demanded is equal to
quantity supplied. The price at which the quantity demanded is equal to quantity
supplied is called the equilibrium price. Sometimes in the market, quantity supplied
is more than the quantity demanded which leads to excess supply and vice versa.
y D S
Excess supply
P1
P Equilibrium
Price
P2
Excess demand
S D
O x
Q3 Q2 Q Q4 Q1
Quantity
Figure 6.10 Determination of equilibrium price
Reprint 2024 53
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
Review Questions
1. How would a decrease in input price of a particular commodity influence
the supply of that commodity in a market? Explain with the help of suitable
diagram.
2. Explore some examples of goods in your locality that are price elastic supply
and price inelastic supply. Share your findings to the class.
3. If you were a business person, how would you apply the idea of elasticity
of supply?
4. With the help of a diagram, explain how the equilibrium price is determined.
54 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Economic
7 System
Learning Objectives
• Define the term economy
• Define economic system
• Identify different economic systems
• Explain the features of each economic system
• Explain the merits and demerits of each economic system
7.0 Introduction
Every economy must answer the three basic questions of what, how and for whom
to produce. Countries solve these basic questions differently based on the economic
system they follow. The study of economic system is about how economic decisions
are made and how interactions take place among different units of the economy.
All the economic activities that are carried out in a particular area is referred to
as the economy of that area. Thus, an economy is a system prevailing in an area in
which people produce goods and services. The economy of a particular country is
governed by its culture, laws, history and geography. Economy can be classified into
various categories such as national and global, traditional and modern, closed and
open, developed and developing, capitalist and socialist economy.
The concept of green economy is also gaining its popularity across the globe as
countries prioritise sustainable economic growth. This system operates with the end
goal of cutting carbon emissions, restoring biodiversity, relying on alternative energy
sources and generally preserving the environment.
Reprint 2024 55
Economics Class IX
Different economic systems use different methods to solve their basic economic
problems. While some countries follow a socialistic or capitalistic system, others
follow mixed economic system.
56 Reprint 2024
Chapter 7 Economic System
v. Price mechanism
Price mechanism operates based on unobservable market forces which Adam Smith
referred to as ‘invisible hand’ control the functioning of the capitalist economy. The
forces of supply and demand will determine the equilibrium market price and the
level of productions in the economy.
Government owns all the means of production in the interest of society as a whole.
Therefore, the government aims at efficient utilisation of the country’s resources.
The central planning authority allocates all productive resources according to the
social and economic goals set by it. All the important decisions are taken by the state
in the interest of the entire society.
The motive of carrying out any economic activity is to maximise the interest and
welfare of the entire society. The government emphasises on the need of the people
while formulating plans.
Reprint 2024 57
Economics Class IX
v. Elimination of competition
Competitions among different firms do not exist in the socialist economy. The
government takes the monopoly of producing all the goods and services. Therefore,
a spirit of cooperation and goodwill prevails.
Mixed economic system is a system having the features of both capitalist and socialist
economy. This means that individuals, firms and government participate in the
production process and decision making. Capitalism and Socialism are extreme
forms of economic systems that hardly exist. Therefore, a mixed economic system
prevails with different degrees of inclination towards capitalism or socialism.
The public sector makes investments in those fields which are in the interest of the
entire society. The private sector on the other hand, operates with the objective of
earning profits. Public services such as defense, education, health and other basic
amenities are provided by the public sector whereas, production of consumer goods
are undertaken by the private sector.
58 Reprint 2024
Chapter 7 Economic System
In a mixed economic system, both price mechanism and controlled price prevails.
Prices of some commodities are determined by the market forces while prices of
certain essential commodities are controlled by the government.
Government regulates and controls the operation of private sectors through policies
such as taxation, subsidies and licensing policy.
Capitalistic Socialistic
Economy Economy
Mixed
• Right of inheritance
Economy • Collective ownership
• Coexistence of of resources
• Limited role of the
government public and private
sectors • Economic planning
• Private ownership • Coexistence of price
of resources mechanism and • Social welfare
• Freedom of enterprise controlled price
• Economic equalities
• Economic planning
• Price mechanism • Regulation
and control of • Elimination of
private sectors competition
• Profit motive
Reprint 2024 59
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
Review Questions
60 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Money
8
Learning Objectives
• Define money
• Explain the historical development of money
• Explain the history of monetary system in Bhutan
• Examine the characteristics of good money
• Explain the functions of money
8.0 Introduction
In the early human civilisation, human wants were limited to those goods and services
that were necessary to sustain life. With the economic growth and development,
human wants increased and thus, led to increasing interdependence on each other. No
one can produce everything that one needs. Therefore, people have to exchange goods
and services among themselves to satisfy their wants. Thus, money was invented to
serve as a medium of exchange.
Money, in some forms, has been part of human history for at least 3,000 years. In
ancient times the barter system prevailed. The difficulties of barter system made it
necessary for people to devise some means to overcome the limitations. This led to
the invention and use of money. Since then money has been playing a significant role
in an economy. As a result, money evolved through a number of stages and its nature
has been changing from time to time and from region to region.
Reprint 2024 61
Economics Class IX
Money in the present form came into existence through a long process of evolution
from commodity money to fiat money and today, in virtual form. The origin of money
carries a long history of social evolution.
Currency
notes
STAGE VII
STAGE V
STAGE I STAGE III
Metallic
money
Plastic money
Paper money
62 Reprint 2024
Chapter 8 Money
a. Commodity Money
b. Metallic Money
c. Coins
Reprint 2024 63
Economics Class IX
d. Paper Money
With the collapse of goldsmith banks due to over issuance of paper receipts beyond
their worth, the government took over the role of goldsmiths and started issuing
currency notes. The invention of currency notes greatly facilitated trade and commerce
resulting in economic growth and development. Today the central bank of a country
reserves the sole authority to issue paper notes.
Plastic money gained popularity in the form of Credit and Debit cards. With the
invention of such money, it has become more convenient for the people to carry out
economic transactions. Moreover, it has reduced the risk of carrying cash in bulk.
64 Reprint 2024
Chapter 8 Money
The invention of computer and its application has changed the way in which business
is carried out. The concept of e-commerce is gaining popularity. The mode of payment
is being changed from cash to electronic transaction. This form of electronic payment
is referred to as Digital money. Transaction of such money uses technologies such as
smart phone, credit cards and online crypto currency exchanges. In some cases, the
digital money can be transformed into physical cash, for example, by withdrawing
cash from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
The evolution of money is never ending process. As economies of the world are
changing their forms and features, money is also changing accordingly to meet the
needs of the changing economies. Globalization and expansion of e-commerce has
given new dimension to modes of payment and has shaped the nature and features
of money.
Reprint 2024 65
Economics Class IX
Historically, Bhutan started the use of currency notes late. Since time immemorial, the
Bhutanese had used commodities to facilitate exchange. However, due to a broadening
size of market as a result of accessibility and socio-economic development, Bhutan
experienced a series of changes in terms of monetary system.
Barter system prevailed in the country before trade was monetised. In the 18th
century, the first silver coins were introduced mainly for trade with India and Tibet.
Later came alloyed silver, copper and brass coins. Silver coin production continued
even during the reign of the First Druk Gyalpo Ugyen Wangchuck in the 20th century.
Later, in 1928, during the reign of the Second King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Wangchuck,
fine machine-struck silver and copper coins were introduced, marking the beginning
of modern coinage in the country.
In the mid 1950s, during the reign of Third King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
trade began to be monetized gradually. In 1968, the Bank of Bhutan was established,
thereby fully monetising the economy.
Coinciding with the coronation of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye
Wangchuck, the monetary reform started in 1974. The Ministry of Finance issued
the first Bhutanese currency note, Ngultrum.
In 1982, the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) was established to act as the central
bank of the country. Since then, financial and monetary system has been regulated
by the RMA. With the advent of modernisation, the use of plastic money such as
debit and credit cards has become popular. Further, with the increasing popularity of
e-commerce, financial institutions in Bhutan facilitate trade by making it accessible
to consumers through improved communication and internet facilities. Thus the
concept of digital money has been introduced.
(Source: History of currency in Bhutan, Kuensel excerpt, January 28, 2015; Newsletter; Thinley Zangmo)
66 Reprint 2024
Chapter 8 Money
For money to perform its functions effectively and efficiently, it must possess certain
qualities. The money that possesses these qualities or characteristics is termed as good
money. These characteristics are discussed below.
a. Acceptability:
b. Durability:
Good money must be strong and durable. It should withstand a number of exchanges.
c. Portability:
Good money must be easy to carry from one place to another even in bulk. Money
has become portable with the invention of paper and plastic money.
d. Divisibility:
Good money should be divisible. It should be convenient enough for people to give
or receive the exact amount of change after the purchase of good and services.
e. Scarcity:
Scarcity is one of the characteristics of good money. Only if it is scarce, people will
value the money as a commodity that can be used in exchange.
Reprint 2024 67
Economics Class IX
Money has become so important that the modern economy is described as money
economy. Money performs many functions in the modern economy. The most
important functions are given in the form of statement: “Money is a matter of
functions four – a medium, a measure, a standard, a store.”
a. Medium of exchange:
One of the most important functions of money is that it acts as a medium of exchange.
Money is accepted freely in exchange for all goods and services.
b. Measure of value:
c. Store of value:
Money acts as a store of value. A person who wants to store his or her wealth in
some convenient form will find money suitable for that purpose. Suppose one has a
thousand cows, their value can be preserved in the form of money by selling them.
Money is used as a standard for future payments. Business in modern times is based
on credit to a large extent. Therefore, money acts as the basis for credit transactions
without losing its value.
68 Reprint 2024
Chapter 8 Money
(c)
(a) (d)
(b)
(f)
(e)
Figure 8.9
1. Which type of money is convenient for regular exchange of goods and
services? Justify.
2. Examine if the Bhutanese currency notes (Ngultrum) possess the characteristics
of good money.
3. Define money in your own words.
Reprint 2024 69
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
Review Questions
2. ___________ defines money on the basis of its functions such as, medium
of exchange, and measure and as a store of value.
70 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Market
9
Learning Objectives
• Explain market
• Distinguish types of market based on geographical boundary and degree of
competition
• Explain features of perfect competition, monopolistic competition, monopoly
and oligopoly markets
9.0 Introduction
9.1 Market
Market is a place where goods and services are bought and sold. However, in
economics, market has a much wider concept than just a place. It is a situation in
which buyers and sellers interact to carry out exchange of goods and services. For
anything to be called a market, there should be interactions among buyers and sellers
to make a deal on commodities to be exchanged.
As discussed above, market has a very wide scope. Market can be classified based on
the geographical location and degree of competition.
Reprint 2024 71
Economics Class IX
Market
Geographical Degree of
Location Competition
Monopoly
Local Market
Perfect competition
Figure 9.1 Types of market
a. Market Based on Geographical Location
On the basis of geographical location, market can be classified into three types:
i. Local Market
It is a situation or a place where exchange of goods and services takes place within
a locality. Fresh and perishable products are mostly sold in local markets. Some of
the examples of commodities available in the local market are cheese, butter, milk,
vegetables and fruits.
National market is a situation where exchange of goods and services takes place
within the geographical boundary of a country. The sale of bamboo products from
the Kheng region across the country is an example of national market.
A situation in which exchange of goods and services that takes place between
two or more countries is called international market. For example, commodities
72 Reprint 2024
Chapter 9 Market
like electricity, apples and oranges are produced and sold by Bhutan to India and
Bangladesh. Therefore, India and Bangladesh are Bhutan’s international market for
these commodities.
Local Market
Geographical
Location
National International
Market Market
1. List down the similarities and differences among local, national and
international markets.
2. Choose the correct response from the following:
ii) All of the following goods are exchanged in the national market, EXCEPT
A. Hyundai car B. kishuthara C. Cement
iii) Dophu from Pakshikha selling chilli in the Chukha vegetable market
is an example of
A. local market B. national market C. international market
Reprint 2024 73
Economics Class IX
Market can also be classified into different forms based on the degree of competition.
Degree of competition depends on the number of buyers and sellers, nature of
products and capacity of sellers to influence the market demand.
Monopolistic Perfect
Monopoly Oligopoly
competition competition
ii. Oligopoly
Oligopoly is a market structure which is dominated by a few large firms selling either
homogeneous or differentiated products. Intense competition and interdependence
amongst firms prevail in this market. Firms are interdependent on one another since
no single seller can afford to ignore actions and reactions of other firms while making
decisions. They also compete with each other by manipulating both price and volume
of production.
74 Reprint 2024
Chapter 9 Market
Perfect competition is a market structure where there are large number of buyers and
sellers dealing with homogeneous products. No single buyer or seller can influence
the price of a commodity in such a market. They are therefore, considered as price
takers’. Further, firms have the freedom to enter and exit the market.
Perfect Monopolistic
Features Monopoly Oligopoly
competition competition
Number of sellers
Nature of product
Entry and exit
Column A Column B
POLONOMY ……………….. Differentiated product
YOGILLOPO ………………… Homogeneous product
TOPICOMETIN CREPFET Interaction between buyers and
……………. sellers
NOMOCLOPSITI ……………….. Few sellers
KARMET …………….. Abnormal profit
Reprint 2024 75
Economics Class
ClassIX
IX
Review Questions
1. Differentiate between
2. Which are the market structures that deal with differentiated products? Explain
how product differentiation is created in the market.
5. Market has been classified based on the degree of competition. Which market
do you think is more prevalent in Bhutan? Explain which market is better for
the Bhutanese economy.
76 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Trade
10
Learning Objectives
• Define basic concepts of domestic and international trade
• Give examples of domestic and international trade
• Explain the reasons for trade
• Explain the impact of external and internal trade on the countries
• Discuss the concept of absolute and comparative cost theories
• Mention major trading partners of Bhutan and commodities traded
• Examine e-commerce
10.0 Introduction
All countries across the world are endowed with different resources. However, no
nation has enough resources to meet all its needs, and this has resulted in the exchange
of goods and services with other nations. This chapter explains the need for trade
and its associated impacts. Further, the role of information-technology on trade is
also discussed.
a. Domestic Trade
Domestic trade, also known as internal trade, is the exchange of goods and services
within a country. It can be at local, regional or national levels. Trading of cement
within Bhutan is an example of a domestic trade.
Reprint 2024 77
Economics Class IX
b. International Trade
International trade or external trade, is the exchange of goods and services between
two or among more countries. Trade between two countries is called bilateral trade,
while trade involving more than two countries is called multilateral trade.
International trade consists of export and import. Import is the flow of goods and
services into a country while export is the flow of goods and services out of a country.
Export of electricity by Bhutan to India and import of petroleum products from India
to Bhutan are examples of international trade.
Nepal
Bangladesh
Germany
Japan
Thailand China
Figure 10.1 Some trading Partners of Bhutan
1. Figure 10.1 shows some of the trading partners of Bhutan in the year 2017.
Find out whether Bhutan still trades with these countries and list down the
major trading partners in the current year.
2. List down some major import and export items of Bhutan.
78 Reprint 2024
Chapter 10 Trade
Know More
In early days, Bhutan followed the policy of self-imposed isolation, but engaged
in active trading with immediate neighbouring states of India and Tibet. With
the initiation of First Five Year Plan in 1961, trade was emphasised as the engine
of economic growth. Thereon, Bhutan began to open its doors for trade to the
rest of the world. In 1972, Bhutan signed first formal bilateral trade agreement
with India, with an objective to establish a free-trade system between the two
countries. Bhutan signed a free trade agreement with India in 1974 and a
Preferential Trading Arrangement with Bangladesh in 1980. Efforts are being
made for greater liberalization and regional trade initiatives within South
Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA), SAARC Free Trade Agreement
(SAFTA), and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Bhutan has been constantly negotiating
with the international organisations like World Trade Organisation (WTO),
European Union and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to
create an enabling environment for trade.
Trade is the driving force of economic development. Some of the positive impacts of
external and internal trade are as follows.
Internal trade expands market for domestic goods and services. It encourages
establishment of new domestic industries and expansion of the existing ones to cater
to the increased demand.
Reprint 2024 79
Economics Class IX
i) List the disadvantages of international trade you observed from the posters.
ii) Suggest measures to minimise the disadvantages of international trade.
80 Reprint 2024
Chapter 10 Trade
Adam Smith propounded the theory of absolute cost advantage. He states that the
fundamental basis of international trade is the difference in cost. According to the
theory, countries should produce and export those goods in which it has absolute
cost advantage and import those goods that a country has absolute cost disadvantage.
Rice 10 5
Apples 5 10
Assuming that both Bhutan and India allocate same amount of resources to produce
the two products, apples and rice, Bhutan has absolute cost advantage in the production
of apples. In other words, Bhutan can produce apples at a lower cost than India.
Hence, Bhutan should specialise in the production of apples and export it to India,
and import rice from India. On the contrary, India has absolute cost advantage in
the production of rice. Therefore, India should specialise in the production of rice
and export it to Bhutan and import apples from Bhutan.
Although the absolute cost advantage theory is considered as one of the popular trade
theories, critics have pointed out some inherent weaknesses in explaining the two
countries – two commodities trade models. This theory, for instance, fails to explain
the trade situation between the two countries when one has absolute cost advantage
in producing both the commodities. Against this backdrop, comparative cost theory
was developed by David Ricardo.
Reprint 2024 81
Economics Class IX
Theory of comparative cost advantage was propounded by David Ricardo. The theory
states that a country will specialise in the production of that commodity in which
it has greater comparative cost advantage over another. Ricardo believes that two
countries would trade even if one country has absolute cost advantage in production
of all the commodities and the other country has absolute cost disadvantage.
Table 10.2 shows that Bhutan is more efficient in the production of both rice and
apples than India. However, trade can still take place between Bhutan and India.
Bhutan would specialise in production of apples because of the greater comparative
cost advantage. On the other hand, India will specialise in production of rice given
its comparative cost advantage over the production of apples. Thus, Bhutan will
export apples and import rice from India, and India will export rice and import
apples from Bhutan.
1. Identify three main commodities that are traded between the region you come
from with another region. How is this trade beneficial to both the regions?
2. List a few goods that Bhutan can produce as import substitutes. Why each of
these goods should be produced in Bhutan.
10.5 E-commerce
E-commerce refers to the exchange of goods and services through electronic means
such as the internet or mobile phone applications. It is a faster, cheaper and convenient
method of exchange than conventional method of business.
82 Reprint 2024
Chapter 10 Trade
E-commerce is primarily carried out with the use of internet which seamlessly stretch
across traditional, cultural and national boundaries and enables world-wide access.
It is much faster than the conventional mode of business.
The information regarding a product such as price, quality, quantity and availability
are accessible in the form of video, audio, pictures, text and links.
iii. Interactivity
The use of technology in business increase interactions among the producers and
consumers. E-commerce replaces the traditional face-to-face interactions.
Customers do not have to travel long distances to reach their desired stores as
e-commerce allows them to visit e-store online anytime anywhere. This makes
business transactions cheaper and convenient for both the customers as well as
producers.
Reprint 2024 83
Economics Class IX
Buyers
Sellers
Figure 10.3
1. How is the market in Figure 10.3 different from the traditional market?
2. What benefits you would derive, if you use different media to exchange goods
and services?
84 Reprint 2024
Chapter 10 Trade
Explore yourself
1T D 2 D T 4
3 M P
6T E S
7 B A E
A 8F N N T
D
E
ACROSS DOWN
1. The amount by which the value of a country’s import 2. Sale of products or services abroad.
of goods exceeds their export of goods. 4. The trade theory propounded by
3. Buying or acquiring products or services from abroad. David Ricardo.
6. The amount by which the value of a country’s exports 5. The exchange of goods and
of goods exceeds the country’s imports of goods. services beyond a country’s
7. The trade theory propounded by Adam smith boundary
8. The rate at which one currency will be exchanged for
another.
Reprint 2024 85
Economics Class IX
Review Questions
1. Discuss why Bhutan imports more rice from India despite having suitable
climatic conditions for paddy cultivation..
4. Should Bhutan explore more trading partners to gain from international trade.
Justify your answer.
86 Reprint 2024
CHAPTER
Financial
11 Institutions
Learning Objectives
• Define financial institution
• Differentiate the types of financial institutions
• Discuss the functions of central bank
• Explain the functions of commercial banks
• Explain inflation and its types based on degree of rise in price
11.0 Introduction
The evolution of money and its increasing use in daily business transactions have
given rise to a need for financial institutions. Various banking and non-banking
financial institutions were established over the period for financial regulations, and
financial products and services. This chapter discusses the role of central bank and
financial institutions in Bhutan. In addition, the effects of change in the general price
level in an economy is discussed briefly.
Reprint 2024 87
Economics Class IX
provide loans, manage withdrawals and provide general utility services to its clients.
On the other hand, Non-banking financial institutions are those financial institutions
that do not accept deposits repayable on demand but provide all other forms of
financial services to its clients. Based on these functions, non-banking financial
institutions are considered as both supplementary and competitors to the banking
institutions.
The financial institutions operate under the guidance and regulation of the Central
Bank. The central bank of Bhutan is the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA).
1. Accept deposits
1. Risk pooling
2. Provide loans
2. Pension and provident fund
3. Transfer of funds
a. Commercial Banks
Commercial banks are financial institutions which undertake banking business with
the aim to earn profit. They perform a number of functions and provide numerous
products and services to the government and various sections of the society. Some
of the primary functions of commercial banks are:
i. Accept Deposits
Commercial banks accept deposits from the general public. Deposits are accepted in
various forms at different rates of interest.
88 Reprint 2024
Chapter 11 Financial Institutions
Providing loans is another primary function of the commercial banks. Banks mobilise
funds of the savers and provide loans to the clients. Loans can be defined as the
amount of money granted to clients at specific rate of interest for a fixed period of
time. In most cases, the borrower must mortgage their assets to avail the loan.
Banks also facilitate the transfer of funds by means of draft, telephonic and electronic
transfers. Fund transfers can be from place to place, person to person, and institution
to institution.
On authorisation by the central bank, commercial banks deal with foreign exchange.
Commercial banks buy and sell foreign currencies in the country.
Reprint 2024 89
Economics Class IX
1. Visit a nearest bank or any extension banking unit or find information about
the banks to answer the following questions.
Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFI) are those banks that offer various financial
services to the clients but do not accept demand deposits. NBFIs are considered
supplementary as well as competitors to the commercial banks. Financial services
offered by NBFIs include loans and credit facilities, insurance, pension and money
transfer.
Some distinct functions of NBFIs are mentioned below.
i. Risk Pooling
NBFIs like National Pension and Provident Fund (NPPF) provides social securities
90 Reprint 2024
Chapter 11 Financial Institutions
such as pension and provident fund to its members on retirement, disability and
illness. The benefit is also provided to the nominee(s) in case of death of the member.
2. Tshomo runs a small shop in Bajo town. As the number of consumers increases,
she sees the scope of expanding the business. However, she is confused due
to limited financial resources, inadequate knowledge and the risks involved.
Reprint 2024 91
Economics Class IX
92 Reprint 2024
Chapter 11 Financial Institutions
The RMA accepts deposits and provides loans to the government and the commercial
banks at agreed interest rates. It provides ultimate financial help to the government
and the commercial banks during emergencies. For this reason, the RMA is also
called ‘the lender of last resort’.
Self-Service Self-Assisted
Reprint 2024 93
Economics Class IX
1. Explore and write down the different digital financial services available
in Bhutan.
11.5 Inflation
Inflation refers to a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services
over a period of time in an economy. It decreases the purchasing power of money
and increases the cost of living. The excessive demand for goods and services and the
increase in the cost of production are the two main causes of inflation. Additionally,
increase in the volume of money in circulation also leads to inflation.
Types of Inflation
Inflation is categorised into different types based on the degree of increase in price,
time of occurrence and its causes. Depending on the degree of rise in the price,
inflation can be categorized into four types.
i. Creeping Inflation
When the general price in an economy rises at a very slow rate, say between 1 to 3
percent per annum, it is termed as creeping inflation. It is also known as mild inflation
or low inflation.
94 Reprint 2024
Chapter 11 Financial Institutions
If prices rise at a faster rate than creeping, say more than 3 percent but less than 10
percent per annum, it is termed as walking inflation.
A situation when prices rise at an exceptionally high rate, say above 20 percent per
annum, it is called galloping inflation.
Find out the current inflation rate of Bhutan and answer the following questions.
i) consumers
ii) producers
iii) economy
Reprint 2024 95
Economics Class IX
Review Questions
96 Reprint 2024
Assessments
Reprint 2024
98
Economics
Assessment Matrix
Broad assessment based on Knowledge, Skills and Values and Attitudes (KSA)
Class IX
Assessment Summative
Formative assessment Continuous Summative Assessment
type Assessment
Techniques
Debate, Quiz group work, field trip, Field trip
Field trip, case
Question answer case analysis, peer Class Test and Siminar Observation
analysis Exams Exams
sessions interactions presentation
Reprint 2024
Rating scale Pa-
Assessment Checklist & Checklist & anecdotal Paper-pencil Rubrics and Rating scale & Paper-pencil
& anecdotal per-pencil
tools Rating scale notes test check list rubrics test
notes test
Maintain
Maintain Check-
Rating scale Maintain Checklist &
list & anecdotal Chapter-end One Project
& anecdotal anecdotal records for One seminar in Once in a Once in a
Frequency records for class- test for every –assessed at
records for classroom assess- each term term term
room assess- chapter every stages
classroom ment
ment
assessment
T1 = 2.5 T1 = 5 T1 = 2.5
Weighting T1 = 30 T2= 50
T 2= 2.5 T 2= 5 T 2= 2.5
Assessments
100% 3600
Reprint 2024 99
100
ü
û
•
•
•
•
Key:
Sonam
Sonam
Class:
Class:
Economics
Name
Name
No
Yes
Tshering
Tshering
Criteria
Criteria
All arguments were clearly tied to an
Grading scale:
idea (premise) and organized in a tight,
Class IX
Average = C
comfortable during the entire
Admirable= B
The presenter clearly understood
Inadequate = D
field trip
Outstanding =A
the topic in depth and presented the
demonstrated expected information forcefully and convincingly
behavior during the field trip All information presented in the
without a reminder. debate was clear, accurate and
listened to all of the lesson and thorough
helped to create a good learning Every major point was well supported
environment with several relevant facts, statistics
and/or examples
Reprint 2024
Sample rating scale for assessment of debate
Teacher’s Comments
Assessments
Problem and Problem is new, Problem is not new Problem is stated Problem is
meaningful and well but meaningful. but not new and not stated and
hypothesis researched. Hypothesis is clearly so meaningful. Hypothesis is
stated. Hypothesis is not unclear.
Hypothesis is clearly clearly stated.
stated
Background Research is thorough Research is thorough Research is not Research not thor-
research on and specific. but not specific. Most thorough and not ough and ideas are
ideas are explained. not explained.
the hypothesis All the ideas are specific. Few ideas
clearly explained. are explained.
Methodology Procedure and plans Procedure and plans Procedure and A few steps of
are detailed and are detailed but not plans not detailed procedure are listed
sequential. sequential. Most and not sequential. and no concrete
materials are listed. Few materials are plans evident. No
All materials are Ethical issues have listed. Few ethical materials are listed.
listed. Ethical been addressed. issues have been Ethical issues were
issues have been addressed. not addressed.
addressed.
Investigation/ Variables have Variables have been Variables have Missing two or more
Data collection been identified and identified but not somewhat of the variables.
explained. Sample explained. Sample been identified. Sample size is not
size is appropriate size is appropriate. Sample size is not considered. Data
and explained. Data collected from appropriate. Data collected from
Data collected from appropriate number collected from limited number of
appropriate number of sources. reasonable number sources.
of sources. of sources.
Analysis Conclusion is Conclusions are Conclusions are Conclusions are
supported by the supported by the not supported not supported by
data. Explanation data. Not enough by enough data. data. Not enough
is made for how or explanation is Not enough explanation is made
why the hypothesis made for how or explanation for the hypothesis
was supported or why the hypothesis is made for Reflection is not
rejected. Reflection was supported or hypothesis stated.
of what was learned rejected. Reflection Reflection is not
and how it could be of what was learned clear.
made better is made. and how it could be
made better is made.
Format and Correct format Only one aspect of Only two aspects Three or more
editing followed throughout. format is incorrectly of format are aspects of format
Report is free of done. Report incorrectly done. are missing or
errors in grammar, contains a few errors Report contains incorrect. Report
spelling or in grammar, spelling, some errors in contains many
punctuation. and punctuation. grammar, spelling, errors in grammar,
punctuation spelling, and
punctuation.
Bibliography Five or more Three or four One or two No references
references are references are references made.
cited in APA format cited in APA format are cited and
and referenced and referenced referenced
throughout the paper throughout the paper throughout
and presentation. and presentation. the paper and
presentation.
1 Contribution
2 Skill input
3 Responsibility
4 Respect for other
5 Cooperation and
collaboration