The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
The organizational structure of the Indian National Congress underwent a significant transformation during the Nagpur Session (December 1920). Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress constitution was amended to convert the party from a select body of the intelligentsia into a mass-based political organization capable of leading the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: To ensure broader mass participation, the Congress reorganized its Provincial Congress Committees (PCCs) on a linguistic basis rather than adhering to the artificial administrative divisions created by the British. This allowed for better communication and mobilization of the people in their regional languages (e.g., separate committees for Andhra, Utkal, Maharashtra, and Karnataka).
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Congress did not prohibit the formation of Praja Mandals. While the Congress initially adopted a policy of non-intervention in the internal affairs of the Princely States (declaring that movements for responsible government should be built by the local people themselves), it did not ban the people from organizing. Consequently, the people of the states formed independent organizations known as Praja Mandals or States' People's Conferences to champion their demands. The Congress supported these movements morally but did not establish direct Congress branches in the states until later phases (specifically after the Haripura Session in 1938).
- Statement 3 is Correct: As part of the strategy to make the Congress a mass organization, the use of Hindi (Hindustani) and respective mother tongues (vernacular languages) was encouraged for conducting party business. This shift was essential to bridge the gap between the leadership and the common masses, moving away from the exclusive use of English.
Key Takeaway
The
Nagpur Session (1920) was a watershed moment for the Congress, introducing linguistic provinces, a reduced membership fee (4 annas), and the use of vernacular languages to transform the party into a genuine mass movement.