If gross value added is defined as the sum of net value added and depreciation, then the difference in the gross value added per worker is maximum between which of the following pairs?

Gross value added is defined as the sum of net value added and depreciation.

Let's calculate gross value added per worker for all industries:

Industry 1: (3178+41)/9066 = 0.35 lakhs 

Industry 2: (2284+149)/877 = 2.77 lakhs

Industry 3: (23640+6667)/5656 = 5.35 lakhs

Industry 4: (5831+1044)/1099 = 6.25 lakhs

Industry 5: (71739+25674)/7508 = 12.97 lakhs

Industry 6: (42434+3515)/3333 = 13.78 lakhs

Industry 7: (72290+11246)/15670 = 5.33 lakhs

Now checking the option one by one;

a) industry 6 -industry 3 = 13.78 - 5.35 = 8.43 lakhs

b) industry 7 -industry 1 = 5.33 - 0.35 = 4.98 lakhs

c) industry 5 -industry 2 = 12.97 - 2.77 = 10.2 lakhs

d) industry 6 -industry 4 = 13.78 - 6.25 = 7.53 lakhs

Hence the difference between industry 2 and 5 is maximum, hence option c is our answer.