Monday, March 15, 2010

Gandhi-Irwin Pact



Gandhi-Irwin pact refers to a political agreement signed by M.K.Gandhi and the then Viceroy of India Lord Irwin on 5th March 1931after first Round Table Conference which was unattended by Congress.Before this the viceroy Lord Irwin announced in Oct 1929, a vague offer of 'dominion status'  for India in an unspecified future and a Round Table Conference to discuss a future constitution . It was signed after meetings between Gandhi and the Viceroy that spanned over three weeks/Many Indian citizens were originally unsatisfied with the conditions of this truce.
The agreement spelled out certain specific action points , to be initiated by the by the colonial Gov.of  India as well as the Indian National Congress. Important action points of the included:
1. Discontinuation of the civil disobedience movement by the Indian National Congress,
2. Participation of the Indian National Congress in the Round Table Conference,
3. Withdrawal of all ordinances issued by the British Govt. imposing curbs on the activities of the Indian National Congress,
4. Withdrawal of all prosecutions relating to several types of offenses except those involving violence ,
5. Release of prisoners arrested for participating in the civil disobedience movement,
6. The removal of the tax on salt, which allowed the Indians to produce, trade and sell salt legally  and for their own private use.