TLDR;
This video discusses the Congress rule in the provinces of British India, focusing on the elections to the Provincial Legislative Councils, the positive and negative impacts of Congress's governance, and the factors that influenced their policies. It also emphasizes the importance of focusing on studies and utilizing available resources for the upcoming UPSC exam.
- Congress achieved significant electoral success in the provinces.
- The party aimed to promote self-governance and uplift Indian society.
- Limitations in power and resources hindered comprehensive reforms.
Introduction [0:00]
The session will discuss the Modern History chapter on Congress's governance in the provinces, focusing on the Provincial Legislative Council elections. The discussion will cover the positive and negative aspects of Congress's rule, which is important for the Mains exam. The speaker urges UPSC aspirants to focus on their studies, utilize available resources like one-shot videos, and practice previous year's questions and mock tests due to the limited time remaining before the exam. PW platform is conducting mock tests, and the link is in the description box.
Gandhi's Advice [6:54]
Gandhi advised Congress members to approach government participation with ease, viewing it as a means to assess progress towards their goals rather than seeking power. The success of Congress in forming governments in various provinces increased its prestige, highlighting it as a victory for the people and a responsibility entrusted to their representatives for the welfare of the public.
Actions Under Congress Ministries [10:39]
The Congress ministries worked towards civil liberties by revoking emergency powers granted to provincial governments under the 1932 Public Safety Act. They removed restrictions on books, periodicals, and the press, and reinstated licenses and weapons confiscated during the Civil Disobedience Movement. Police powers were curtailed, political surveillance was stopped, and political prisoners were released. However, some Congress ministers faced criticism for making inflammatory speeches.
Agricultural Reforms [17:28]
The Congress government didn't bring significant changes to the agricultural structure due to limited authority and financial resources. The existing administrative structure could only be altered by the Viceroy or Governor. The presence of a second house in many states, dominated by landlords and moneylenders, also posed a challenge. Laws were introduced to provide relief from land taxes and debt, but they had little impact on agricultural laborers.
Attitude Towards Labor [22:24]
Congress ministers generally supported laborers and tried to mediate between them and factory owners. They aimed to improve laborers' financial conditions and increase their wages.
Social Welfare Reforms [24:48]
Congress implemented prohibition in certain areas and took measures for the welfare of Harijans, such as allowing temple entry and ensuring access to public amenities. Scholarships were provided to children from these communities, and efforts were made to increase their representation in government jobs. Focus was placed on primary, technical, and higher education, and priority was given to public health and sanitation. Khadi was promoted through subsidies, prison reforms were initiated, and indigenous industries were encouraged. In 1938, Subhash Chandra Bose formed the National Planning Committee to develop future strategies.
Other Parliamentary Activities [27:46]
Congress established public education campaigns and set up Congress police stations, panchayats, and public grievance committees to address local issues.
Evaluation [28:39]
By the end of 1939, opportunism and internal conflicts began to surface among Congress members. However, their parliamentary work increased their prestige. The 28-month rule of Congress was significant because it emphasized the necessity of Indian self-governance for fundamental social change and played a crucial role in the social, political, and cultural advancement of Indians. The ministries made efforts to curb communalism and somewhat controlled opposing elements like landlords. Due to the political crisis arising from World War II, the Congress ministries resigned in October 1939 to pressure the British government for independence.
