SPINNING FRANCHISE

[Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav]

Prof. Dr. Yogendra Yadav

Gandhian Scholar

Gandhi Research Foundation, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India

Contact No. – 09415777229, 094055338

E-mail- [e-mail];[e-mail]

 

 

SPINNING FRANCHISE

 

 

 “Spinning as a voluntary sacrifice is all right, but as a qualification for franchise it is galling.” This is the substance of the objection that I hear against my proposal. I must confess I am surprised at the objection, for it is offered not because it is spinning that matters, but because with the critics it is the restriction, the obligation that matters But why If a monetary qualification, that is, restriction, may be imposed, why not a working qualification? Is it more honourable to pay than to labour? Is it galling in a temperance association to require every member to be a teetotaler? Is it galling in a naval association to require every member to possess certain naval qualifications? Is it galling, say, in France where military skill is considered a necessity of national existence, to require every member to practice the use of arms? If it is not galling to have the requisite test in any of these cases, why should it be galling in an Indian National Assembly to have spinning and the wearing of khaddar, which is a national necessity, to be the qualification for the franchise, or which is the same thing, the test of membership? Is it not the easiest and readiest method of popularizing it and bringing it home to the people? Of course, my argument is addressed only to those who regard as absolutely necessary that India should be self-contained in so far as her clothing is concerned and that, principally, through the spinning-wheel and the handloom.