2. The Cabinet Mission and the Untouchables: by Dr. Ambedkar

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

363

* Abolition of Utilisation Branch of Geological Survey of India

37. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state the circumstances that led to the abolition of the Utilisation Branch of the Geological Survey of India ?

(b) Is it a fact that the Advisory Committee attached to the said Branch was at one stage, expected to function as a post-war planning committee with reference to minerals ? (c) Which Committee, if any, is now engaged in considering questions relating to post-war policy about minerals. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The Utilization Branch was established with a view to utilizing undeveloped mineral resources of the country for furtherance of the war effort. On the termination of the war, the emphasis changed from that of war-time production to that of a planned policy of minerals development in the country. The development of such planned policy is an integral function of the Geological Survey of India and is being pushed forward but the necessity for a separate branch for productive purposes no longer exists. (b) Yes, but the change-over in function has necessitated a change in the personnel of the Advisory Committee. (c) The Government of India have recently formed an expert Advisory Board to advise them on problems connected with the mineral development of the country. A copy of the Labour Department Resolution No. M102 (4), dated the 9th January 1946, constituting the committee is available in the Library of the House.

364 @ Indian Bevin Boys

40. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state how many Indians were trained in Great Britain under the Bevin Training Scheme ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 5th February 1946, p. 483. @ Ibid. pp. 484-85.

(b) How many of them have been employed in factories engaged in war production ?

(c) How many of the latter have since been discharged ? (d) Is it a fact that a number of Indian technicians trained under the Bevin Training Scheme have been asked by the Government of India to accept places other than those in which they have specialised ? If so, for what reason, and what is the number of such technicians ?

(e) Is it a fact that, though there was no guarantee of service, assurances were freely given during the stay of the Indian Bevin Boys in the United Kingdom that their services would be utilised for the betterment of the industrial status of India? If the answer be substantially as above, what steps have been, or are proposed to be, taken to ensure the proper employment of these trainees ? (f) Has any representation been received from these trainees indicating their grievances ? If so, to what effect and with what result ?

(g) Is it a fact that one of the objects of the Bevin Training Scheme, with reference to Indian trainees was to give them an appreciation of the Britain methods of cooperation between the employers and workers, and the value of sound Trade Union principles ? If so, how is it proposed to utilise in India the training of these technicians in Trade Unionism ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) 712. A batch of 75 is at present under training.

(b) 414. Another 168 trainees were engaged on essential work in Defence Services in Government (Central, Provincial and Indian States) undertakings including Railways.

(c) 111 from the factories engaged on war production and 9 from the other undertakings.

(d) Orders for employment of Bevin trainees on their return from United Kingdom were issued by the Government of India under the National Service (Technical Personnel) Ordinance. In most cases Bevin Trainees were placed in employment consistent with the training received by them in the U. K. In a few cases they could not be engaged on work for which they specialised and were entrusted with other work which they could perform by virtue of their general training. Government are making a scrutiny of all such cases and every effort will be made to find suitable employment.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(e) No such assurances were given, so far as the Government of India is aware. The prospectus clearly stated that no guarantee of employment could be given but that every endeavour would be made to place trainees in suitable posts. (f) Yes. Their main grievance relates to their prospects of employment in suitable posts in the post-war period. Every endeavour is being made to find employment for the unemployed Bevin trainees in Government and private undertakings. Managers of all Employment Exchanges have been instructed to do their best to help Bevin trainees who register for employment. The position regarding unemployment among Bevin trainees will be reviewed periodically and, as far as practicable, suitable action will be taken to remove legitimate grievances.

(g) Yes. Facilities for the study of the working of trade unionism in Great Britain were made available to Bevin trainees. It is hoped that the experience gained will enable Bevin trainees to take their part in the development of trade unionism on sound lines in India.

365

* Proposed Evacuation of Villages in the Prosecution of the Damodar Scheme Mr. President : May I know when the scheme was started and how far it has proceeded ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member) : I would like to submit that at this stage there is absolutely nothing to be discussed. Government has no doubt under contemplation putting certain dams on the Damodar River, which flows through Bihar and Bengal, but with regard to the specific questions raised in this adjournment motion, which speaks of forced evacuation, all I have to say is this—that we are at a very very preliminary stage—we are merely making an inquiry as to how much land would be submerged by the enclosure of this water, what would be the area that would be affected, etc., and we arc trying to see how many persons will have to be evacuated, the nature of their holdings and what rights

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 7th February 1946, pp. 605-06.

they have. There is really nothing specific, no action has been taken by government at this stage which could be the subject matter of discussion, and what I would like to say is this—that I hope when the government has come to some definite conclusion in this matter I shall be able to circulate a paper to the House containing the conclusions of government and members can then raise the matter for discussion in any way they like. 366

*Electricity (Supply) Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I move for leave to introduce a bill to provide for the rationalisation of the production and supply of electricity, and generally for taking measures conducive to the electrical development of India. Mr. President: The question is— “That leave be granted to introduce a Bill to provide for the rationalisation of the production and supply of electricity, and generally for taking measures conducive to the electrical development of India.”

The motion was adopted.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I introduce the Bill.

367 @ Purchase of Temporary Buildings by Government of India Sri R. Venkatasubba Reddiar : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state :

(a) If his attention has been drawn to the article under the heading “Stop the Loot” in the last column of the 1st page of the Hindustan Times, dated the 4th February, 1946.

(b) if the answer to part (a) is in the affirmative, whether it is a fact that His Majesty’s Government is pressing the Government

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 7th February 1946, p. 616. @ Ibid., p. 689.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

of India to purchase the two buildings mentioned in the article, if so, whether the Government of India has taken a decision regarding that, (c) the value of the buildings at present, (d) the cost of the buildings to his Majesty’s Government, (e) the price at which these buildings are offered, and (f) if the two buildings have only to be pulled down and are not fit for any use ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: (a) Yes.

(b) No. The Government of India themselves have decided to purchase the buildings for housing their officers. The terms of purchase are now under consideration.

(c) No firm figure can be given as the estimates of the present value of the buildings, which depend on several factors, necessarily differ.

(d) Rs. 25,58,000.

(e) Rs. 21,31,667.

(f) The buildings are being occupied by the staff of the Far Eastern Bureau as well as by the Government of India officers and it cannot be said that they arc not fit for any use. They are however temporary buildings and will be demolished when they are no longer required by Government.

Prof. N. G. Ranga : For how many years are they expected to last ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not know. I suppose it might be estimated between 8 to 10 years.

Mr. Sasanka Sekhar Sanyal : Is it voluntary purchase or forced ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Voluntary. Why forced ? If Government need them they have to purchase them. Mr. Manu Subedar : On what basis is the value fixed ? Is it cost of depreciated value or knock down value ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The value is not fixed. The matter is under negotiation.

Sri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : How many years of life from the war? 8 to 10 years have already expired? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They were constructed during the war and I do not know the exact date at the moment. Shri Mohan Lal Sansena : Will the demand for the purchase of these buildings come before the House ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Why ? It is an administrative act.

Sri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : If they were constructed at the beginning of the war and the life is 8 to 10 years and they are to exist three years more, why does the Honourable Member think it necessary to spend Rs. 25 lakhs ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have said the matter is under consideration. No figure has been fixed. Mr. M. Asaf Ali : I do not quite follow the Honourable Member’s last but one answer. He said something about an administrative act which did not require the sanction of this House. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I did not say that. I said it was an administrative act for which the House need not be consulted. The money will be provided for in the Budget. Mr. M. Asaf Ali: I want to know if the money is sanctioned. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It will come up for sanction.

Mr. M. Asaf Ali: In what form are you bringing it up ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That is a matter for the Finance Member.

Mr. M. Asaf Ali: I want him to answer it. It is no use the Honourable Member taking up that high-handed attitude and saying it is an administrative act. He has got to answer us. Mr. Sasanka Sekhar Sanyal: Answer. (No answer — Interruptions.)

Mr. President: Order, order. We will now take up the adjournment motion.

368

* Dearth of Accommodation in Delhi and New Delhi

155. Sir Hassan Suhrawardy : (a) Is the Honourable the Labour Member aware that, in spite of the cessation of hostilities, there is still a great dearth of accommodation in Delhi and New Delhi ?

(b) Is he aware that, in spite of the promulgation of the New Delhi Rent Control Order and the Delhi Rent Ordinance, landlords are still

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 11th February 1946, p. 753.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

harassing tenants and taking advantage of every possible loophole in the law?

(c) Do Government propose to consider the desirability of keeping the aforesaid enactments in force until normal conditions prevail at least and until this Assembly enacts some law to regulate the relations between landlords and tenants in the Delhi Province?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: (a) Yes.

(b) I have not received any complaints recently. (c) It is the intention of the government of India that rents should continue to be controlled in New Delhi and Delhi until normal conditions returns.

369

* British and Non-Indian Public Utility Concerns

172. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state the number of public utility concerns owned by British and other non-Indian interests in India, indicating the amount of the capital involved in such concerns, and the policy of Government in the matter of acquiring these concerns on behalf of the State or Municipal or other statutory bodies in India ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: The question will be answered by the Honourable Member in charge of the Planning and Development on the 18th February, 1946.

370 @ Operation of Scheme for Training of Technicians Abroad

173. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to lay on the table of the House a comprehensive statement regarding the operation of the scheme for sending technicians already employed in Industries abroad for further training

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 11th February 1946, p. 769. @ Ibid

or for enlarging their industrial or professional experience, announced last year, giving particulars specially as regards the number of technicians who have already proceeded to the different countries, the different course they are going to take up, the processes of selection of the said technicians, and the consideration governing such selection ?

(b) How many applicants, if any, arc yet to be sent from among those who have already been selected, how many if any, more technicians are likely to be sent out likewise in the current year, and in what subjects are these technicians likely to be trained and in which countries ?

(c) What will be the estimated cost to the Central Government involved in the training of these technicians, and what will be the cost, if any, to the Provincial Governments concerned? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A statement is laid on the table of the House.

(b) 152 candidates have yet to be sent amongst those already selected. Particulars of the training facilities required for each candidate have been sent to the authorities concerned. Arrangements are made for sending the candidates as soon as intimation is received that the training facilities required by him will be available. It is not possible at this stage to say how many more candidates over and above those already selected will be sent in the current year or the subjects in which they may be trained. This will depend on the availability of training facilities abroad.

(c) Under the scheme the training and other expenses of the candidates are borne by the respective employers i.e., private industry, Central and Provincial Governments and the Indian States, as the case may be. The scheme also provides for financial assistance from the Central Government to candidates from private industry where the training is in a new industry or an industry whose development is considered desirable in the national interest and the employer is unable to bear the full cost. The cost to the Central Government during 1946-47 in respect of candidates selected from amongst Central Government employees and a few cases from private industry where such assistance may be given is estimated to be Rs. 1,01,680.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The estimated cost to the Provincial Governments in respect of candidates selected from amongst Provincial Government employees during 1946-47 will be about Rs. 3,60,000. 371 Accounts Re: Gorakhpur Labour in Coal Mines

31. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether all the expenditure incurred on account of the recruitment and employment of the Gorakhpur labour in coal mines has been regularly audited and has been found by audit to be entirely in order ? Up to which date have such accounts been audited?

(b) What is the name and designation of the Officer in-charge of the Labour Force and what is the name of his Secretary ? What are the emoluments to which they are respectively entitled, and what is the extent of the financial authority of the Officerin-charge. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: (a) First part, Yes, and the accounts have been reported to be in order. (b) First part—Mr. H. J. Walsh, Deputy Director, Labour Supply (Coal). There is no Secretary attached to him. Second part—His scale of pay is 1,925—50—2,075. He has been authorised to incur expenditure at an overall rate not exceeding Rs. 60 per labourer per month, to cover the pay of labourers, pay of clerical, inferior and medical staff, cost of rations, and expediture on T. A. and contingencies. In all cases expenditure incurred must be in accordance with scales approved by Government.

372

* Expenditure on Gorakhpur Labour in Coal Mines

32. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state:

(a) the amount so far spent on the Gorakhpur labour employed in coal mines,

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 11th February 19-16, p. 773. @ Ibid.

(b) the amount realised so far from the owners of mines who employed the Gorakhpur labour, (c) the number of members of the Gorakhpur labour force employed in (i) Railway-owned collieries and (ii) collieries owned by public companies and individuals, and (d) the names of those mines where the Gorakhpur labour has been employed.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Rs. 1,91,05,386 upto the end of January 1946.

(b) Rs. 22,52,311 actually recovered upto the end of December 1945. Rs. 29,48,302 are still outstanding for the period upto the end of December and estimated amount to be billed for January 1946 is Rs. 16 lakhs.

(c) Number employed in— (i) Railway Collieries 7 per cent, (ii) Collieries owned by Public companies 83 per cent, and (iii) Collieries owned by individuals 10 per cent. Total labour force as on 19th January 1946—17,391.

Greatest number employed in any one month.—30,600. (d) A statement is placed on the table.

STATEMENT

List of Mines Surface (1) Madhuband (14) South Tisra (2) Diamone Tisra (15) East Bararee (3) Model Jharia (16) Pure Joyrampur (17) North Bararee (4) A. G. Tisra (18) G. P. C’s. Jinagora (5) Lower Upper Jharia (19) Basudev ‘ A ’ Plot Colliery (6) Indian Jharia (20) Pathardih Sudamdih (7) Bagdigi Kujama (21) Pure Tasra (8) K. P.’s Dobari (22) New Tasra (9) Bhalgora (23) Central Bhowra (10) Ghanuyadih (24) Bhowra (11) Bagechi’s Dobari (25) Mohulboni (12) Pandalbcrra (26) East Ekra (13) Khas Jharia Dobari (27) Busserya

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(28) North Ekra (57) Alkusa Nayadcc (29) Kankanee (58) Jairandih (30) Scndra Bansjora (59) Swang (31) Ekra Khas (60) Parbelia (32) Ekra Khas No. 12 quarry Underground (33) Mudidih (1) Parbelia (34) Tctulmari (2) Sodepur (35) Tata’s Sijua (3) Seetalpur (36) Angarpathra (4) Banksimullah 11 and 12 pits.

(37) Jharia Khas Angarpathra (38) Koiludih (39) Agardih (5) Banksimullah 7 and 8 pits.

(40) North Damuda (41) Isabella (6) Damra (42) Shampur (7) Adjai II Colliary (43) Pure Laikdih (8) Shecbpur (44) Sanctoria (9) Chapui Khas (45) Chapui Khas (10) S.E. Barboni (46) Khas Jamchari (11) Digwadih (47) Jote Dhcmo (12) Jitpur (48) Sirka (13) Pure Joyrampur (49) Rcligarah (14) Bhatdce (50) Junkunda (15) Gaslitand (51) Jambad (16) Standard (52) Dhansar (17) Ekra Khas (53) Bright Kusunda (18) Swang (54) North Bhuggatdih (19) Jairandih (55) Godhur (20) Dhemo Main (56) Pure Kustore (21) Model Jharia.

* Extension in Service to C.P.W.D. Officers

44. Shri Sri Prakasa : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state:

(a) the number of persons, who have retired from, but have been re-employed in the services of the Central Public Works Department as Superintending, Executive and Assistant Engineers, respectively, since 1939; (b) the number of those persons who have been given extensions to their original terms together with the instalments of each term of extension;

(c) if it is a fact that the Finance Department of the Central Government, has expressed itself against the grant of extensions to the original term ; if so, the reasons for any action in this behalf against the instructions of the Finance Department; (d) if such extensions interfere with the recruitment of new hands and the advancement of young officers ; if so, whether any provision is made to compensate those whose prospects are blocked; and (e) if Government propose to take any action in the matter of the termination of such extensions and bettering the prospects of younger officers ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Three. (b) Since 1939, extension of service under Fundamental Rule 56 was granted in three cases, the periods of extension being 6 months, 3 days and 1 month respectively. (c) The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative ; the second part does not arise. (d) and (e) No.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 20th February 1946, p. 1214.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

374

* Instrument for the Amendment of the Constitution of the International Labour Organisation The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I lay on the table a copy of the Instrument for the amendment of the constitution of the International Labour Organisation adopted by the Conference at its twenty-seventh session at Paris on the 5th November 1945 together with a statement of the action proposed to be, taken thereon.

375 @ Indian Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I move for leave to introduce A Bill further to amend the Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926.

Mr. President: The question is :

“ That leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the Indian Trade Union Act, 1926”.

The motion was adopted.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I introduce the Bill.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central) Vol. I of 1946, 21st February 1946, p. 1214. @ ibid., p. 1292.

* Stopping of Women Working in Coal Mines

406. Prof. N. G. Ranga : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state :

(a) When Government propose to stop women working in Coal Mines now that the war is over; and (b) Whether they have any schemes ready to provide these women who have been brought away from their villages any alternative employment or to provide them free return passages and to free them also from any debts that they may have incurred while at work in the mines in the hope of repaying them through their savings at the mines ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Government have no intention of entirely prohibiting the employment of women in Coal Mines. Their employment underground has, however, been prohibited from the 1st February, 1946.

(b) The Welfare Fund of the Central Government has decided to open vegetable farms in the coalfields and the various Mining Associations of employers and the Provincial Governments of Bengal and Bihar were asked to do everything possible to provide at once alternative employment for women released from underground work. Majority of these women have already been provided with surface work in the coal fields. 377 @ Recommendations of Indian Labour Conference

467. Prof. N. G. Ranga : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state:

(a) the recommendations made by the Indian Labour Conference that met in November 1945 ;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 25th February 1946, p. 1427. @ lbid.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(b) the conclusions or decisions reached by government thereon ; and (c) what steps the Government of India propose to take to implement them ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) None. (b) and (c). Do not arise.

378

* Government’s House Building Programme for Big Cities

469. Mr. Manu Subedar : (a) Has the attention of the Honourable the Labour Member been drawn to the editorial remarks of the Statesman of the 23rd January, 1946, that “ Yet it must be remembered that almost no dwelling has been built in any Indian town during the last six years,” and is he in a position to contradict this statement ?

(b) What steps have Government taken to encourage building in congested cities like Bombay and Calcutta ? (c) Are the controls operating still to prevent structures going up, or are they going out of their way to smoothen out difficulties of builders ?

(d) Have the Government of India received from, or sent to, Provincial Governments any concrete plan in order to bring into existence increased number of buildings in India ? (e) Are Government aware that the building trade is the most promising one for the absorption of those who may be retrenched from Government service ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. As we have no information regarding the number of buildings constructed during the last six years by private persons, it is impossible either to support or to contradict the statement as it is worded; but I should like to point out that the controls for the use of building materials were not imposed till about the latter half of 1941. (b) Presumably the Honourable Member has in mind private building. The Government of India have recently taken some steps

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 25th February 1946, p. 1428.

of a general nature to encourage private building all over India and not only particularly in Bombay and Calcutta. They have withdrawn the instructions which they issued to Provincial Governments regarding the exercise of control over building construction. They have advised Provincial Governments generally to encourage private building by all means in their power. They have issued specific instructions about the release of bricks and increased quantities of other building materials like cement, steel, timber, etc. which are under the control of the Government of India,) have been made available to private builders.

Government of India have further decided to convene a meeting in Delhi in the first week of March 1946, of representatives of the building trade in order to discuss with them the factors that are still impending the progress of private building in this country. (c) The Government of India believe that the relaxations are going to make it easier for builders to put up structures in future. (d) The Government of India have addressed provinces in regard to a short term scheme for the encouragement of the construction of housing for industrial labour and those other workers in urban areas who are unable to pay an economic rent. The scheme involves a subsidy from the Centre provided provinces make an equivalent subsidy and will be referred to by the finance Member in his Budget speech.

379

* Government’s Policy re : Residential use of Wartime Temporary Structures

470. Mr. Manu Subedar : (a) Is the Honourable the Labour Member aware of the special measures being taken in the United Kingdom to increase activity in house building ? If so, what are those measure ?

(b) Do Government propose to indicate their policy with regard to the following suggestion made by the Statesman of the 23rd January, 1946.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 25th February 1946, p.1427.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

“The Government would be, therefore, well advised to consider if until the law of supply and demand has reasserted itself, residential use is possible of the temporary structures put up during the war”?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. These measures have been fully explained in the British Ministry of Information pamphlet No. R. 520, a copy of which will be found in the Library of the House.

(b) The suggestion made by the Statesman of the 23rd January, 1946, was in respect of the temporary buildings constructed in Calcutta and I take it that the Honourable Member wants to know the policy of Government in respect of those buildings. I am concerned only with the buildings constructed for Central Government Civil Offices which will no doubt be retained for use until they have become surplus to our requirements.

380

* Working Hours of Factory Workers in India

481. Mr. Vadilal Lallubhai: Will the Honourable the Labour Member kindly state :

(a) the actual daily working hours of factory workers in India according to different industries including collieries and plantations ;

(b) the total number of factories coming under the purview of the Indian factories Act, 1934;

(c) how many of them are working one shift, how many of them two shifts and how many of them three shifts; and (d) the working hours in each shift ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Two satements showing the daily working hours in industries and plantations are placed on the table of the House. No detailed information about the actual working hours in collieries is available. (b) Total number of factories under the Factories Act was 14,922 in 1944, the last year for which figures are available.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 25th February 1946, p. 1428.

(c) and (d). No information available. Statement showing hours of work per day in factories

1. Cotton … … … … 7½—10

2. Jute … … … … 9—12

3. Silk … … … … 7½.-9

4. Woolen … … … … 9—10

5. Engineering (including railway workshops) … 7½,—12 for shift workers (in some cases night shift workers work for 7 hours).

6. Matches … … … … 8½—10

7. Potteries … … … … 8 for shift workers

8. Printing Presses … … … … 7½,-8½

9. Glass … … … … 7½,—9 for shift workers. 10 for general workers.

10. Chemical and Pharmaceutical works … … 7—10.

11. Sugar … … … … … 8 for Manufacturing section. 8—9 for Engineering section.

12. Cotton ginning and bailing … … … 9—10.

13. Rice Mills … … … … 7—10.

14. Cement … … … … 7½—8 for shift workers. 8—9 for general workers

15. Paper … … … … 7—8 in continuous process shifts.

16. Mica Factories … … … … 9.

17. Shellac Manufacture … … … 8—10.

18. Bidi, Cigar and Cigarettes … … … 11—12 for bidi and cigar. 8—9 for cigarettes

19. Carpet Weaving … … … … 9—10.

20. Tanneries and Leather goods Manufacture… … U. P. Madras—8½ 9 Day shift.

8—9 Night shift.

21. Coir Matting … … … … 9 for men. 6 for women.

5 for children.

Statement showing daily hours of work in Plantations. Assam and Bengal— … … Tea Gardens— … … Hazaria basis (normal working time) … … 5—6 Ticca basis (overtime;) … … 3—4 Pluckers … … … … 10—11 Kangra Valley … … … … 8—9 Dehra Dun … … … … 8 Almora … … … … 6 Tea and Coffee Estates in South India … … 8—9 Rubber Estates … … … … 5—7

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

381

* Utilisation of Temporary Building in New Delhi

495. Sri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state:

(a) if all the temporary buildings, built for the War Department and other requirements including the returned American buildings on Queensway and other places are going to be utilized solely for office accommodation; (b) if he will consider the desirability of using at least some of these buildings for housing the government of India personnel, single persons or others, after making slight modifications in those buildings for residential purposes, and thus relieving the present housing shortage in Delhi; and (c) Whether, if Government is not prepared to undergo the necessary expense, he will let these buildings out on contract with the stipulation that they should be let out to the Government servants in the first instance ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) No. (b) Yes—if and when any temporary buildings constructed for office purposes are no longer required as offices—and the sites on which they are constructed are not required for other purposes.

(c) This will be considered, but it is likely that Government will require the buildings for their own staff and in such case be likely to keep them under Government control. 382 @ Governments Policy re: Mica Trade

499. Babu Ram Narayan Singh : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state:

(a) the policy and object of Government in regulating the Mica business and trade;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 25th February 1946, p. 1446. @ Ibid., p. 1447.

(b) the probable date by which the report of the Mica Enquiry Committee is to be printed and published; and (c) the length of time to be taken by Government in considering the desirability of altogether removing or at least modifying the ban on the sale of Crude and Bima Mica under the Mica Control Order ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: (a) The Government of India wish to improve the working conditions in the industry and to organise it on sound commercial lines so that Indian mica gets a fair price in the market. (b) The report is under print and will be published as soon as printed copies are available.

(c) It is not possible to fix any date by which Government will take decisions on the recommendations of the Mica Enquiry Committee. Every endeavour will be made to do it as quickly as possible.

383

* Unemployment Due to Mica Control Order

500. Babu Ram Narayan Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether Government are aware that several lakhs of people in the Hazaribagh District have been thrown out of employment as a result of the introduction of the Mica Control Order ?

(b) Are Government aware that several lakhs of people of the Hazaribagh District have Mica Business as their only means of livelihood ? If so, do Government propose to regulate the Mica business and the Mica Trade so as to safeguard their interests ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: (a) The Government of India have no information that the introduction of the Mica Control Order has resulted the unemployment of several lakhs of people in the Hazaribagh District.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 25th February 1946, p. 1447.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(b) Government are aware that a large number of people are engaged in the Mica business and in any scheme of improvement of the industry Government hope that their interests will not be ignored.

384

* Superintending Engineers in Headquarters

599. Mr. Muhammad Rahmat-Ullah : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please slate if it is a fact that Rai Sahib C. P. Malik is given officiating chances for the post of Superintending Engineers in the Headquarters? (b) Is it not a fact that there are a number of Muslim Executive Engineers senior to him but have not been given a single chance to officiate ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) No. Rai Sahib C. P. Malik has been appointed temporarily to carry on only the current duties of die post of superintending Engineer, Second Circle, Delhi, purely as a meaure of administrative Convenience. (b) Yes. But they have not yet become due for promotion to die grade of Superintending Engineer.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : In view of the fact mat out of 13 Superintending Engineers only one is a Muslim, why was not a Muslim appointed for this particular post ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If the Honourable Member will refer to my reply, he will see that the appointment is not of an officiating character—he is merely asked to carry on the duties.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : Without being called a Superintending Engineer and without any remuneration ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : This is a third method of avoiding the appointment of Muslims, in addition to the two I suggested yesterday, efficiency and seniority—you do not call a post by the name which is given to it—you simply ask a man to carry on the duties ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1946, 28th February 1946, p. 1668.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : My Honourable friend is free to draw any inference he likes. Maulana Zafar Ali Khan : Does the Honourable Member know that there is a feeling abroad that in the matter of appointment of Muslims the Government always meets out stepmotherly treatment to the Muslims ?

Mr. Ahmed E. H. Jaffer: In reply to part (a) the Honourable Member said “as a measure of administrative convenience”. Is it the convenience of the Honourable Member to make it a convenience to avoid appointments of Muslims ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I think it is so simple an expression that everybody ought to understand it. Mr. President: Order, order—next question.

385

* Muslim Gazetted Officers in Labour Department Secretariat

600. Mr. Muhammad Rahmat Ullah : Will the Honourable the Labour Member kindly state the proportion of Muslim Gazetted Officers in the Labour Department Secretariat ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : There are 49 Secretariat Gazetted Officers in the Labour Department, of whom 9 are Muslims.

Mr. Ahmad E. H . Jaffer: Docs it not mean that the proportion of Muslims is not maintained, according to the 25 per cent ratio ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not know that that rule applies.

Mr. Ahmed E. H. Jaffer : 9 out of 49—is it fair to the Muslim community that they should have this low percentage ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: I understand that is not a matter governed by the communal representation ratio.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1946, 28th February 1946, p. 1668.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

386

* Muslim Administrative Officers in Central P.W.D.

601. Mr. Muhammad Rahmat-Ullah : (a) Has the attention of the Honourable the Labour Member been drawn to the article published in the Dawn of the 26th January, 1946, regarding the appointment of a Muslim administrative Officer in the Central P.W. D. ?

(b) Are the facts stated therein regarding his Department correct ?

(c) Is it not a fact that the three Assistants of the Administrative Officer as well as the Financial Adviser are all Hindus ?

(d) Is it not a fact that the Honourable Member is contemplating to appoint a non-Muslim Administrative Officer ? If so, why should the Mussalmans be excluded from this branch of the Central P.W.D. ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) No.

(c) Yes.

(d) The question of filling the post of Administrative Officer in the Central Public Works Department is still under consideration.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad: How long will it be under consideration, because his attention has been drawn several times ? Will he make the appointment after the Assembly session is over ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : He will be appointed in due course.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : Why don’t you call a spade a spade ? Why do you not call this a Hindu Labour Department, or rather a Scheduled Caste Department ?

(No answer was given)

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1946, 28th February 1946, p. 1670.

* Trade Unions in India

54. Mr. Vadilal Lallubhai: (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state the number of trade unions in India and the total membership thereof since 1939 up to date year by year totally and as between different provinces ?

(b) What are their total funds as between provinces and how much of the same comes by subscriptions and how much by donations since 1939 up to date year by year? (c) How many of the total members as between provinces did not pay their subscriptions and still continue to be the members from 1939 upto date year by year ?

(d) What has been the proportion of outsiders in the office bearers of trade unions ever since 1939 onwards year by year ? Is it a fact that this proportion is recently on a decline? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A statement showing the number of registered trade unions, the number of unions that submitted returns and the membership of the latter, during the years 1939-44, is placed on the Table. Statistics for 1944-45 are not yet available.

(b) A statement showing the income, expenditure, opening and closing balances of trade unions during 1939-44 is placed on the Table. Government has no infonnation on the second part of the question.

(c) and (d) The information is not available. 388 @ Industrial Workers in India

55. Mr. Vadilal Lallubhai : Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state :

(a) What is the total number of industrial workers in India and

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. Ill of 1946, 28th February 1946, p. 1670. @ lbid.