Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
I. The Congress declared the attainment of ‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.
II. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if ‘Swaraj’ did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Statement I — Correct
At the Nagpur Session of December 1920, the objective of the Congress was redefined. Its object was declared to be the attainment of Swaraj by the people of India through “all legitimate and peaceful means.”
Through this change, the earlier expression “constitutional means” was replaced with “legitimate and peaceful means.” It allowed the Congress to adopt peaceful non-cooperation instead of remaining confined to constitutional politics.
Statement II — Correct
The Non-Cooperation Movement was planned for implementation in stages.
The initial stage included surrender of titles and boycott of government educational institutions, law courts, legislative councils and foreign goods. National educational institutions, khadi and indigenous alternatives were to be developed alongside the boycott.
If Swaraj was not obtained within one year and the Government resorted to repression, the next stage was to include civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes.
The distinction is important:
Non-cooperation: Withdrawal of voluntarily given cooperation from colonial rule.
Civil disobedience: Open violation of unjust laws while accepting the resulting punishment.
Therefore, both statements are correct and the correct answer is (c) Both I and II.