Gandhis constructive programme in contemporary political system a study of Ambala district Haryana

Abstract

Gandhi was the first to focus attention on the development of a new approach to rural development i.e. Constructive Programme and give it a new turn, a new direction and a new dimension which is distinctive in many ways. It is a unique and fundamental contribution of Gandhi. It is nothing other than showing the way for the moral regeneration of Indians and the political emancipation of Modern India. It is a village-oriented development concept that challenges the whole basis of modern technological society in which traditional values and institutions were regarded as obstacles to development. In the Constructive programme, Gandhi adopted a broad conception of the self-sufficiency of India. He was in favour of keeping intact old village structures such as Village Panchayats yet he opposes keeping intact old villages devoid of sanitation, having old dilapidated houses etc. The aim of the Constructive Programme is to provide food, shelter, health care, educational facilities etc. to everyone. Its basic principles are freedom, participation, good ends and good means, non-violence, truth, morality, community service, non-possession, Khadi etc. It is a philosophy of ruralism and a concept to brought the common man into mainstream politics. A Constructive programme is a programme that favours the empowerment of all with a special focus on disadvantaged and marginal groups such as untouchables and Tribal so that they may also exercise their choices and voices in the decision-making process. Through the Constructive Programme, Gandhi tries to cover all the aspects of society- social, political, economic, educational, religious and cultural. It is a path of development. If it is properly followed, it will act as a panacea for all of India s ills. It is a holistic and people-centred concept and seems appropriate as a guiding post in addressing the expected problems of contemporary times in a holistic way. newline