In which year, constructive programme was announced by Indian National Congress ?

Correct option is A

The Constructive Programme was indeed announced by the Indian National Congress in 1922 during the Nagpur Session. Mahatma Gandhi laid down the basis of this programme with the idea of social reform and nation-building while continuing the struggle for independence from British rule. Unlike the earlier Non-Cooperation Movement, which focused on boycotting British goods and institutions, the Constructive Programme aimed to build India from the grassroots level. It included initiatives like promoting Khadi (hand-spinning and weaving), improving sanitation, the upliftment of women, promoting education, and the removal of untouchability. The focus was on the creation of a self-sufficient, self-reliant India.

The Constructive Programme was intended to be a long-term process of social and economic reforms that would strengthen the Indian community in all aspects, making it a more cohesive, self-sustaining entity capable of sustaining independence in the future.

Information Booster :

The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and most significant political parties in India, which played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Founded in 1885, the INC initially began as a platform for Indians to voice their concerns about the British government’s policies and to seek reforms. However, over time, it transformed into the principal organization leading the movement for Indian independence.

Early History:

• Founded: The INC was founded by Allan Octavian Hume in 1885, primarily as a platform for elite Indians to seek political reforms and represent the interests of the Indian population in front of the British rulers. The first session of the Congress was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) in December 1885.

• Moderate Phase: In its early years, the Congress was dominated by moderate leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and Surendranath Banerjee, who sought gradual reforms within the framework of British rule. They wanted representation for Indians in the legislative councils, better opportunities for education, and a fairer distribution of resources.

Shift to Nationalist Movement:

• Rise of Extremism: By the early 20th century, more radical leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai began to demand more aggressive actions for Indian self-rule. They advocated for self-governance and were critical of the slow pace of reforms under British colonial rule.

• Gandhian Leadership: The most significant turning point in the history of the INC came when Mahatma Gandhi assumed leadership in 1915. Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) became the cornerstone of the Indian independence movement, and under his leadership, the INC launched numerous mass movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), the Salt March (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942), aiming for complete independence from British rule.

Key Movements:

1. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Gandhi called for non-violent resistance to British rule, including boycotts of British goods, schools, and courts. The movement was suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where violence broke out.

2. Salt March (1930): A 240-mile march to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat, led by Gandhi, protesting the British monopoly on salt production and sales. This was a significant act of civil disobedience.

3. Quit India Movement (1942): During World War II, the INC launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an immediate end to British rule. This movement saw widespread protests, mass arrests, and repression by the British authorities.