Constructive programme
Topic: The National Movement: Gandhian Era · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 3 "Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement"
Meaning
The constructive programme was Gandhi's plan of social work. It went alongside his political struggle. It promoted khadi (hand-spun cloth), the end of untouchability, Hindu–Muslim unity, prohibition of alcohol and village improvement. Gandhi believed Indians had to reform their own society to be fit for swaraj. When there was no mass movement, this work kept Congress workers in close touch with ordinary people.
Example
Gandhi was released from jail in February 1924, after the Non-Cooperation Movement had been called off. He then gave his energy to spreading khadi and working against untouchability, instead of joining council politics.
Don't confuse with
- Swaraj Party programme: C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru chose to enter the councils and oppose the government from inside. The constructive programme was social work among the people, outside the councils.
Related concepts
- Swaraj Party
- C.R. Das
- Motilal Nehru
- No-changers
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Subhas Chandra Bose
- Bardoli satyagraha 1928
- Vallabhbhai Patel
- Simon Commission
- Dominion status