Read the following passage and answer the questions (46-50):
Charkha
What I object to, is the craze for machinery as such. The craze is for what they call labour-saving machinery. Men go on ”saving labour”, till thousands are without work and thrown on the open streets to die of starvation. I want to save time and labour, not for a fraction of mankind, but for all; I want the concentration of wealth, not in the hands of few, but in the hands of all. YOUNG INDIA, 13 NOVEMBER 1924 Khaddar does not seek to destroy all machinery but it does regulate its use and check its weedy growth. It uses machinery for the service of the poorest in their own cottages. The wheel is itself an exquisite piece of machinery. YOUNG INDIA, 17 MARCH 1927
What does the writer mean by ’saving labour’?
Correct Answer :
Employing machines instead of human beings
Solution :
The correct option is: Employing machines instead of human beings
Explanation:
In the passage, the writer expresses concern over the craze for "labour-saving machinery." The text states: "Men go on 'saving labour', till thousands are without work and thrown on the open streets to die of starvation."
Here, the phrase "saving labour" refers to the practice of using machines to perform tasks that would otherwise be done by human workers. When employers replace human labor with machines to reduce efforts, costs, or time, it leads to widespread unemployment (thousands being "without work"). Therefore, in this context, "saving labour" means replacing human workers with machines, i.e., employing machines instead of human beings.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
