UPSC Mains 2021 GS1 Q12 — Gandhian Movements

• Identify specific social and economic activities undertaken during the intervals and active phases of NCM.
• Identify the evolution of constructive work during CDM, including the focus on self-reliance and rural upliftment.
• Explain the strategic link between these constructive works and the 'Struggle-Truce-Struggle' (S-T-S) strategy.
• Briefly highlight how these programmes expanded the mass base of the national movement.

• Focusing too much on the political agitations (boycotts, picketing) instead of the social and economic constructive work.
• Failing to distinguish between the nature of activities in 1920-22 versus 1930-34.
• Neglecting the long-term impact of constructive work, such as communal unity and untouchability, treating them as mere 'fillers' between movements.
• Writing a generic biography of Gandhi instead of sticking to the timeline of the two specific movements.

Allocate 30-40 words for a brief introduction on the concept of 'Constructive Programme'. Spend 80-90 words on NCM-era works (Charkha, Hindu-Muslim unity, National education) and 80-90 words on CDM-era developments (Harijan upliftment, Village industries, Salt as a symbol). Reserve the final 30-40 words to conclude on how these programmes prepared the masses for the 'Do or Die' phase later.