The Economy of Permanence: A Quest for a Social Order Based on Non-violence (स्थायी अर्थतन्त्र)

Economy of Permanence
Similarly, planning should ensure wholesome conditions for the growth of
human beings. What is put forth by them is not the end or aim. The method of
starting with a predetermined output and working towards it, is not the way of
nature. We may, by such methods, Obtain forced results but that, not being a
natural growth, will fade away and may even leave behind an aftermath of
decay. Such forced pace is like a Chrismas tree well decorated with tinsel
candles etc., and overladen with presents-drums, bugles, dolls etc.; neither the
decorations nor the presents being natural to the tree it cannot pride itself on
it. As the X'mas tree is but a branch cut off from the live plant, it cannot draw
the sap of life from mother earth through roots and so the leaves, though they
may retain their freshness for a while, will droop down and the branch itself
will dry up, being thereafter fit only for firewood. Such also will be the fate of
plans that follow the glamour of plenty.
The condition and environment for the full growth of the faculties of man that
have to be ensured are the primary end of planning. Every individual has to
have enough wholesome and balanced food, sufficient clothing to protect the
body from changes in weather, adequate housing accommodation, full op-
portunities for training the mind and body for life, clean surroundings to
safeguard health and ample facilities for human intercourse, economic
production and exchange. Such then are the planners' objectives. Beyond these
all other accomplishments should be left to the initiative of the people
themselves. Only then will they have room to afford them chances of exercising
their freewill and their scale of values, which would make their lives, not mere
existence, but something worthwhile and that will produce a culture as a
consequence, which will be lasting and will be a definite contribution to the
progress of mankind.
No planned way of life can deprive the human being of his right to choose his
own method of Jiving, as long as the chosen form does not infringe on the
rights of his fellow-beings. The planned life is only to ensure that-each person
gets his minimum human needs at the least. Over and above that, every
individual must have as much scope as possible for the individual sense of
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