Subsequent to which one of the following events, Gandhiji, who consistently opposed untouchability and appealed for its eradication from all spheres, decided to include the upliftment of 'Harijans' in his political and social programme?

(a) The Poona Pact ✓ UPSC's answer
(b) The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact)
(c) Arrest of Congress leadership at the time of the Quit India Movement
(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935

Why the answer is (a)

• The Communal Award of August 1932 gave separate electorates to the Depressed Classes; Gandhi, in Yerwada jail, began a fast unto death against it.

• The Poona Pact of 24 September 1932 between Gandhi and Ambedkar replaced separate electorates with reserved seats in a joint electorate.

• Immediately afterwards Gandhi made the removal of untouchability a central plank of his programme: he founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh, started the weekly 'Harijan' (1933) and undertook a countrywide Harijan tour — option (a).

• The Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931) concerned suspension of civil disobedience; the 1942 arrests and the 1935 Act are unrelated to this turn.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) The Gandhi-Irwin Agreement (Delhi Pact): The Gandhi-Irwin Pact dealt with civil disobedience, not untouchability.
(c) Arrest of Congress leadership at the time of the Quit India Movement: The 1942 arrests came a decade after the Harijan programme began.
(d) Promulgation of the Government of India Act, 1935: The 1935 Act followed, and did not prompt, the Harijan campaign.

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.