Answer :
● 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.
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