History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c96.s2.49

v7.c96.s2.49

A booklet published by Sriman Narayan for the All India Congress Committee (2nd ed. of 1956, New Delhi) embodies the notable speeches of the Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He starts by saying that private enterprise is useful so far as our country is concerned, that we wish to encourage it, but the dominance which private enterprise had throughout the world during a certain period is no more and that for a planner it has now a secondary place. Later on (p. 2) he states that he uses the word '*socialistic picture of society*' *as meaning largely that the means of production should be socially owned or controlled for the benefit of society as a whole*. On p. 12 he says (at Avadi Session) 'we have laid down that certain basic industries must necessarily be state-owned and there are other industries we should try to encourage the State to start. The plan is an integrated whole and in that integrated whole the public and private sector must also be integrated. They are not rival shows.' On p. 19 he says '*The national aim is a welfare state and a socialistic economy.*' '*Finance is important, but not so much as people think*'*' What is important is trained personnel. The only thing we have to guard against is inflation. Inflation is avoided if there is production corresponding to the money thrown in'. (p 20). 'Everyone in the country should have the primary things of life like food, clothing, housing, education, sanitation, medical help, employment, work' (p. 27). 'The objectives of India's Planning should be socialistic pattern of society It cannot be achieved by mere legislation, but it is all a question of planning' (pp. 30-31). 'Both Congress and Parliament have said that we want a socialistic pattern of society. *Why have we used this vague language? We have done* so deliberately *because we do not want to commit ourselves to any rigid formula*' (p. 55). 'India wants a social revolution by peaceful means, peaceful methods, by mutual agreement, by working together. Hard work is the only way to progress.' Russia had to use force to do in 20 or 25 years what England did in 100 years (pp. 60–66).