What are the eleven demands of Gandhiji in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Gandhiji wanted to make use of salt tax as a powerful means to strengthen the nationalist movement and unite Indians against the British Government.

Hence, Gandhiji wrote a letter to Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India on 31^st January 1930 consisting of eleven demands.

The eleven demands that were in the ultimatum are as follows:

a. Reduction in the rate of land revenue

b. Abolition of salt tax

c. Changes in the exchange ratio of rupees and sterling

d. The release of all political prisoners

e. Levy of customs on Foreign cloth

f. Reduction in civil administration expenses

g. Reduction in military expenditure

h. Prohibition of Intoxicants

i. Acceptance of Postal Reservation Bill

j. Abolition of CID department

k. The issue of licences of arms to citizens for self-protection.

Gandhiji had mentioned that if his demands were turned down, he would launch a nationalist movement. But Lord Irwin showed reluctance and Gandhiji started the Civil Disobedience Movement.