Gandhian perception of Socio-economic Development

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhi has his own vision on the development strategy for India. Though he was not an economist he has given economic vision. If his vision or thoughts implemented, it could solve many socioeconomic problems in the country. His basic aim was to have an inclusive growth of the society that includes human development along with socio-economic and political development. His thoughts are holistic and multidimensional for the formation of a non-violent society. Gandhi's vision and thoughts are very precisely summarized in 'Hind Swaraj', which was published in 1909; which intended moral, social and political regeneration of the country. His economic visions thoughts have a great impact on the Indian economy. He proposed very constructive economic ideas; emphasized on cottage and small scale industries which have significant importance for the development of the Scio-economic condition of the common people and also adopted the principle of 'Swadeshi'. But now in the age of globalization, large scale industries coming with rampant use of automation are responsible for several socio-economic problems in our country. Therefore, the objective of this paper is analysing the present economic scenario from the Gandhian perspective of economic development or the Gandhian concept of socio-economic development.