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The blueprint of Gram Swaraj is the key to understand the Gandhian perspective on planning. Discuss. 15 Marks. (UPSC CSE Mains 2024- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 1)
Gandhi believed that true freedom and social progress could only be achieved if power and decision-making authority were decentralized and brought down to the grassroots level, specifically to the villages. In 1944, Sriman Narayan Agarwal authored The Gandhian Plan, in which he emphasized the promotion of small unit production and agriculture, based on Gandhian economic ideas. Its key characteristic was economic decentralization, with self-contained villages and cottage enterprises.
Features
- Self-Sufficiency:Gandhi believed that villages should produce their own food, clothing, and other essential items. This would reduce dependence on external resources and promote economic independence.
- Swadeshi:Gandhi encouraged villagers to produce and use locally-made goods, as opposed to relying on imported products. This idea of swadeshi (self-reliance) was seen as a means to strengthen local economies.
- Decentralization of Power:Gandhi believed that decision-making should be in the hands of the villagers themselves, allowing them to govern their own affairs and solve their own problems. This decentralization was seen as a way to promote direct democracy and reduce the role of the central government.
- Non-Violence and Cooperation:Gandhi believed that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means, and communities should work together for the common good. This approach was in contrast to the divisive and violent tactics used in many political movements.
- Equality and Social Justice:Gandhi''s vision of Gram Swaraj advocated for the removal of caste-based discrimination and the upliftment of marginalized sections of society. He believed that villages should be inclusive and provide equal opportunities for all residents.
- Environmentally Sustainable:Gandhi encouraged sustainable farming practices and the preservation of natural resources. He believed that villages should live in harmony with nature, rather than exploiting it for short-term gains.
Gandhi believed that the revitalization of India''s villages was crucial for the overall progress of the nation. His ideas on Gram Swaraj continue to influence discussions on rural development, decentralization of power, and sustainable living in India and beyond.