Samipya 1991 Vol 08 Ank 01 02

Author(s): Pravinchandra C Parikh, Bhartiben Shelat
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 91

signs of capitalist rather than cooperative development, According to the Mahalanobis Committee, in 1955-56 approximately 72 per cent of the poulation had ant income lower than the average per capita annual income (Rs. 225). An anabysis of the income distribution reveals that, the top 10 per cent of the population accounted for as much as 34 per cent income, the top 5 per cent for 23 per cent and the top 1 per cent for as much as 11 per cent of income in 1955-56; while the bottom 25 per cent of the population shared under 10 percent of the income.20
Evalution of Nehra's Socialism:
Discussing the contribution of Nehru's socialism, R. C. Dutt states that the three basic ingredient of socialism were (i) recognition of the existence of class conflict, (ii) belief in Social ownership of the means of production, and (iii) acceptance of the goal of a classless society,21 Regarding recognition of the existence of class conflict, there is no doubt that till the end of his days he accepted the existence of classes, and the fact that the interests of the classes clashed. Speaking to R. K. Karanjia in an interview Nehru said, "class struggle is always there. One can not deny it or put it aside. But the solution need no longer be one of violence or struggle or hatred and that's where Gandhiji's peaceful approach, friendly and constructive approach comes in......." 22
The second criterion is belief in social ownership of the means of production. The type of economy which Nehru created in India is known as the Mixed Economy in which private ownership plays an important role. Nehru justified this role at the intial stages as transitional phenomenon. Later, however, he felt that mixed economy was inevitable in a democracy, but all through it was his firm belief that the public sector should set the tone of the economy by occupying its commanding heights. But in India, the private sector continued to dominate the economy.
The third criterion is the goal of a classless society. The socialists share this objective with the democrats. Nehru believed in the existence of class struggle. For him, democratic equality was only possible in a classless society.
Nehru disliked any form of dogmatism. He liked Marxism because it gave a scientific explanation of the historical processes. but criticised the Communists. He believed in human values, in the dignity of the individual, and, therefore, in civil liberty. These made him a democrat. This approach to socialism from the humanistic, liberal point of view made Nehru's socialism more progressive than the socialism professed by Social Democrats all over the world.
After more than four decades of independence India has still not become a Socialist country. Indeed, the capitalist forces have proved stronger than those of Socialism. Why did this happen? As Nehru had told R. K. Karanjia, the Congress and Country would go as far towards Socialism as he was prepared to lead them,
Jawaharlal Nehru and Socialism 1
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