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?  

  • I only  
  • II only  
  • Both I and II  
  • Neither I nor II 

Answer: (c) Both I and II 

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) was formally adopted by the Indian National Congress at the Nagpur Session in December 1920 (presided over by C. Vijayaraghavachariar). The Congress accepted Gandhi’s programme of non-violent mass struggle aimed at achieving Swaraj by withdrawing cooperation from British institutions.
  • The Congress declared that the attainment of Swaraj through legitimate and peaceful means would be its objective. Gandhi emphasised non-violent methods (Ahimsa) and moral resistance against colonial authority. The strategy involved persuading Indians to withdraw support from British administration rather than using violent rebellion.
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement was planned as a phased programme.
  • Initial stage (Non-Cooperation):
    • Renunciation of government titles and honorary positions
    • Boycott of government schools, colleges, courts and legislative councils
    • Boycott of foreign goods, especially cloth
    • Promotion of Swadeshi, Khadi and Charkha
    • Establishment of national schools, colleges and panchayats as alternative institutions
    • Resignation from government services and participation in picketing liquor and foreign cloth shops
  • Next stage (if conditions persisted):
    • Gandhi declared that if Swaraj was not achieved within one year or if the government resorted to repression, the movement would escalate to Civil Disobedience, including non-payment of taxes.
    • The movement also supported the Khilafat issue, demanded the repeal of the Rowlatt Act, and promoted Hindu–Muslim unity, leading to wide participation by lawyers, students, women, and Congress volunteers.