Collect more information about the constructive programme put forth by Gandhiji.

● In addition to the non-cooperation movement, Gandhi introduced a constructive programme to address certain pertinent issues which were being faced by the nation as a whole.

● To make political independence more meaningful, there were certain weaknesses in the Indian social structure which needed to be strengthened.

● Conflicts between different religious groups (mainly Hindus and Muslims), untouchability, fear arising out of ignorance, economic disparities, the decaying condition of our villages, the plight of Adivasis, kisans and the labourers, and the position of women were areas of major concern.

● So, in a small booklet, entitled, “Constructive Programme: its meaning and place”, he appealed to all Congressmen and others engaged in the freedom struggle to address these issues.

The original thirteen items were:

i. Communal Unity

ii. Removal of Untouchability

iii. Prohibition

iv. Khadi

v. Village Industries

vi. Village Sanitation

vii. Nai Talim or Basic Education

viii. Adult Education

ix. Women

x. Knowledge of Health and Hygiene

xi. Provincial languages

xii. National Language

xiii. Economic Inequality.

To this, he added five more items:

i. Kisans

ii. Labour

iii. Adivasis

iv. Lepers

v. Students

● The 18 point constructive programme thus became his framework for the new India he wished to see after Swaraj.