UPSC 2021 Mains GS1 Model Answer - Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

Model Answer :

Mahatma Gandhi's leadership during the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) was marked by a range of constructive programs aimed at addressing various social, economic, and political issues in India. 

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

• Promotion of Swadeshi some text
  • Boycott of British Goods: Gandhi urged Indians to boycott British-made goods and instead promote the use of Indian-made products. 
  • Support for Khadi: The spinning wheel became a symbol of the movement, and local production of khadi was promoted through community spinning and weaving.
• Educational Reformssome text
  • Establishment of National Schools: Gandhi emphasised the need for indigenous education that was rooted in Indian culture and values. 
  • Promotion of Basic Education: Emphasis was placed on basic education in local languages and the development of a curriculum that was relevant to the needs of rural India.
• Social Reformssome text
  • Promotion of Hindu-Muslim Unity: Gandhi worked tirelessly to promote communal harmony and collaboration within the freedom movement.
  • Campaign Against Untouchability: Gandhi launched a campaign against untouchability, advocating for the social upliftment of the "Harijans". He encouraged their inclusion in mainstream society and worked to eradicate caste-based discrimination.
• Economic Self-Sufficiencysome text
  • Promotion of Rural Industries: Gandhi supported the development of rural industries and crafts to improve local economies and reduce dependency on British goods. This included promoting traditional handicrafts and small-scale industries.
• Political Reformsome text
  • Boycott of British Institutions: Gandhi encouraged the boycott of British-run institutions, including schools, courts, and legislative councils, to protest against British policies and to assert Indian self-determination.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

• Salt March (Dandi March)some text
  • Direct Action Against Salt Tax: By producing salt from seawater, Gandhi aimed to challenge the unjust salt tax and mobilise mass participation in the movement.
• Expansion of Civil Disobediencesome text
  • Non-Violent Resistance: People were urged to refuse to obey laws they deemed unjust, such as those related to taxation, land revenue, and other oppressive measures.
  • Encouragement of Mass Participation: Gandhi sought to involve people from all walks of life in the struggle, making the movement inclusive and broad-based. 
• Promotion of Self-Reliancesome text
  • Continued Emphasis on Khadi: Gandhi believed that economic independence through khadi production was essential for the success of the freedom struggle.
• Social Upliftmentsome text
  • Continued Campaign Against Untouchability: His campaign against untouchability was an integral part of his broader vision for social reform.
• Encouragement of Local Governancesome text
  • Promotion of Village Self-Government: He believed that empowering villages would help build a strong foundation for Indian self-rule.

In both movements, Gandhi's constructive programs were aimed at creating a self-reliant, just, and equitable society. These programs not only supported the political objectives of the freedom struggle but also addressed social and economic issues, thereby laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and self-sustaining independence movement

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