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?
- (a) I only
- (b) II only
- (c) Both I and II ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither I nor II
Why the answer is (c)
• At the Nagpur session of December 1920 the Congress changed its creed to the attainment of Swaraj 'by all legitimate and peaceful means', replacing the earlier goal of self-government within the Empire by constitutional means — statement I is correct.
• The programme was graded: first the surrender of titles and boycott of courts, schools and councils; then boycott of foreign goods and mass resignation; and only at the final stage civil disobedience with non-payment of taxes.
• Gandhi promised Swaraj within a year if the programme was followed and made the move to the no-tax stage conditional on the government's repression — statement II is correct.
• The tax-refusal stage was to begin at Bardoli in February 1922 but was called off after Chauri Chaura.
• Hence both I and II, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) I only
- Statement II on the staged programme is also correct.
- (b) II only
- Statement I on the Nagpur creed of Swaraj is also correct.
- (d) Neither I nor II
- Both statements accurately describe the movement.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.