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

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(g) Yes ; ten per cent of emoluments and not pay. (h), (j) and (k) The information asked for is not readily available and its collection would involve an amount of time and labour that would not be justifiable in war-time. It is impossible that in a large housing estate all houses will be full all the time—some loss is bound to occur from occasional vacancies and from the operation of the ten per cent rule.

(i) None of the leased houses in New Delhi and Darya Gunj are vacant and only four suites of accommodation suitable for officers and three suites of accommodation suitable for clerks are vacant in Karol Bagh.

(1) Government were fully aware.

(m) The rents paid were those fixed by the Rent Controller. So far as is known, in cases where houses had previously been leased, these did not exceed rents previously paid. The latter parts of the question do not arise.

(n) and (o) Government are not in a position to give a definite answer. It is probable that Government will want more houses. (p) No. In view of my reply to other parts of this question, this does not seem to be necessary.

STATEMENT

(a) New Delhi area ... 122 bungalows and flats. Notified area ... 8 bungalows.

Karol Bagh ... 143 fiats (including accommodation suitable for clerks). Darya Gunj ... 34 fiats (suitable for clerks only). First house based on ... Last house based on (b) New Delhi ... 1-4-41 2-2-43 Notified area ... 1-6-41 31-12-42 Karol Bagh ... 7-7-42 15-1-43 Darya Gunj ... 15-8-42 25-10-42 Mr. Lalchand Navalrai: May I know why some of the houses are lying vacant; are they not required by officers and clerks ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : There must be some temporary reason of which I am not at present aware. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai: Is there a demand for more houses for clerks or officers, or not ? Or have you got a full complement ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I must have notice of that question.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : Is it not a fact that Government had to provide so many tents for the accommodation of officers and other people ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: That is quite so. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : This shows that sufficient number of houses are not available.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes.

40

* Improvements in the Combined “C” Type Quarters in New Delhi

279. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) With reference to the answer to part (f) of starred question No. 437, asked on the 18th March, 1940, will the Honourable the Labour Member please state what improvements in the combined “C” type orthodox quarters in New Delhi were asked for in the representations received by Government, either through Tenants’ Associations or from individual residents of such quarters ?

(b) What would have been the cost of all the additions and alterations asked for per quarter ?

(c) Have any additions or alterations been made in any clerks’ or officers’ quarters in New Delhi since the 18th March, 1940 ? If so, which are the different classes of quarters in which such additions, etc., have been made ?

(d) What was the amount of expenditure incurred on each different class of quarter so added to or altered ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A statement containing the information is laid on the table of the House.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 11th March 1943, p. 969.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(b) and (d) The information is not readily available and its collection would involve an amount of time and labour that would not be justifiable in war time.

(c) Yes. Additions and alterations were made in “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “E” type quarters.

Statement (i) The kitchen, the bath and store rooms at the existing sites be dismantled and new ones constructed in lieu thereof in the open space in the courtyard between the latrines and bath room, and a long verandah be provided in front of all the three rooms.

(ii) A window may be provided in each of the rooms towards the inner verandah to make the rooms well ventilated. (iii) A window may be provided adjoining the outer entrance of the first room.

(iv) A door may be constructed in the room on the other extreme opening on the outer verandah.

(v) One more water tap may be provided.

(vi) A servant room.

(vii) An additional bath room with a window therein. (viii) Standard type ventilators in all the rooms and closing of the existing holes in the ceiling.

(ix) Wooden mantles in all the rooms without fire places. (x) Wall almirahs in all the rooms.

(xi) Increasing the inner verandah accommodation, etc. 41

* Improvements in the Combined “C” Type Quarters in New Delhi

280. Sardar Sant Singh : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state the cost of making the following alterations in each combined “C” type orthodox quarter in New Delhi: (i) fitting in of a window in the front room ;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 11th March 1943, pp. 969-70

(ii) provision of regular ventilators, like those provided in other types of quarters, in all the three rooms ; (iii) providing a pucca floor in the courtyard; and (iv) providing another window in the kitchen ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Rs. 415 per quarter. 42

* Improvements in the Combined “C” Type Quarters in New Delhi

281. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that all “D” type orthodox quarters in the D.I.Z. Area, New Delhi, were provided with pucca floors in the courtyard in 1940 or 1941 ? (b) what is the number of such quarters and other quarters in which this modification was made?

(c) What is the total number of combined “C” type quarters which are located in the midst of these “D” type quarters ? (d) What would have been the cost of providing pucca floors in all of these combined “C” type quarters ? (c) What was the amount spent on all “D” type quarters in which this modification was made ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) 1079.

(c) 60.

(d) Rs. 13,500 at present day prices.

(e) Rs. 29,415.

43 @ Inspection of Combined “C” Type Quarters in New Delhi

282. Sardar Sant Singh : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please refer to the answer to two supplementary questions to starred question No. 438 answered on the 18th March, 1940, in which the then

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 11th March 1943, p. 970. @Ibid. p. 970.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Labour Member promised to inspect the combined “C” type quarters in New Delhi, and state whether he actually inspected these quarters ? If so, does he propose to lay on the table a copy of his report on the matter ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No The latter part of the question does not arise.

44

* Improvements in “D” Type Orthodox Quarters in New Delhi

283. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that in 1940 when the galleries inside the “D” type orthodox quarters in the D.I.Z. Area, New Delhi were covered, a suggestion was made that ventilators provided in the walls of the two rooms on either side of the gallery should be of glass case so that they might be closed ?

(b) Is it a fact that only wire gauze ventilators with big holes were provided, instead of the old type glass-case ones on the ground that the Health Officer, New Delhi, objected to the provision of the latter type of ventilators as being unhealthy ?

(c) Is it a fact that it was proposed to cover up the open space between the bath room and lavatory in these quarters in order to provide shelter for storing fuel, etc. ? (d) Is it a fact that this covering up was also objected to by the Health Department, New Delhi ?

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

(c) Yes.

(d) No.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) . The answer to the other questions of Sardar Sant Singh will be laid on the table.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 11 th March 1943, p.970.

* Inspection of Combined “C” Type Quarters in New Delhi

†284. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Education Secretary please state whether the Health Officer, New Delhi, was ever invited to inspect the residential accommodation in New Delhi, and to see that all accommodation for living purposes was provided with proper ventilation, etc. ?

(b) If the answer to (a) be in the affirmative, did this officer ever inspect the combined “C” type quarters in the D.I.Z. Area, New Delhi?

(c) If the answer to (b) be in the affirmative, did the said officer submit any report either to the New Delhi Municipal Committee or to the Government of India about the suitability or unsuitability of the rooms in those quarters for use as bed rooms, etc. ? If so, does he propose to lay a copy of that report on the table of the House ? If he did not submit any report, why not ? (d) If the Health Officer was never invited to inspect these quarters, what were the reasons for not doing so ? Is he prepared to issue instructions that these quarters are thoroughly inspected at an early date ? If not, why not ?

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

(b) and (c) Do not arise.

(d) The design of these quarters was approved by the Municipal Committee before they were constructed and Government have not considered it necessary to have these quarters inspected by the Health Officer. I am however arranging to have these quarters inspected by the Health Officer.

46 @ Transfer to Lien to Allottees of Combined “C” Type Quarters in New Delhi

†285. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that up to last year the allottees

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 11th March 1943, pp. 970-71. @ Ibid., p. 971.

† Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner having exhausted his quota.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

of the combined “C” type quarters in New Delhi on Maud, Ibbetson and Reading Roads, were allowed, on application, to exchange their quarters with lien with the regular “C” type quarters in Havelock Square, Baird Road, Market Road, Irwin Road, etc., as and when such quarters were available ?

(b) What was the longest period which it took to allot a regular “C” type quarter to an allottee of combined “C” type quarter in cases where such allottees asked for an exchange from the very time of allotment of such combined quarters to them ? (c) Will the present allottees of such combined quarters be allowed to exchange with lien this year ? If not, why not ? (d) What is the total number of quarters (regular “C” type) in the squares and roads mentioned in (a) above which will fall vacant this year due to the present allottees having to vacate them permanently for some reason or other, like retirement or allotment of a higher type of quarter ?

(e) Does he propose to see that at least the tenants of these combined “C” quarters are allowed to exchange with lien if they so want ? If not, why ?

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

(b) The information asked for is not readily available and its collection would involve an amount of time and labour that would not be justifiable in war time.

(c) and (e) Yes.: the revised rules are being altered to allow of this as soon as possible.

(d) The information cannot be given unless all applications for next summer and winter seasons are received in. 47

* The War Injuries (Compensation Insurance)

Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I move for leave to introduce a Bill to impose on employers a liability to pay compensation to workmen sustaining war injuries and to provide for the insurance of employers against such liability.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 11th March 1943, p. 976.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): The question is:

“That leave be granted to introduce a Bill to impose on employers a liability to pay compensation to workmen sustaining war injuries and to provide for the insurance of employers against such liability.”

The motion was adopted.

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

48

* Dismissals of Instructors, etc., in the Technical Training Centre, Delhi Polytechnic

311. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur: (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please refer to part (c) of the reply to unstarrcd question No. 75, on the 25th March 1942, and state the reason for frequent dismissals of instructors and Assistant Instructors in the Technical Training Centre, Delhi Polytechnic, especially when there is an acute shortage of skilled men ?

(b) Is it a fact that some Muslims have been discharged without any reason being assigned therefor ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Fourteen Instructors have been discharged since the 1st April, 1942, 13 for inefficiency and one for political activity. (b) According to my information, no.

49 @ Grievances of Employees in the Binding Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi

312. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether the entire employees

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central). Vol. II of 1913, 16th March 1943, p. 1120. @ Ibid.,p. 1121.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, went on strike on the 1st and 2nd December, 1942 and that on the 2nd December, 1942, the Labour Secretary went there and was presented with six demands and that one of the demands was for the annual increment to the Binding Department and that the start of the salary should be from Rs. 30 per mensem and that within the period of 20 years the salary should reach the maximum grade of Rs. 75 per mensem ?

(b) Is it or is it not a fact that the Binding Department since 1927 has been submitting questions and memorials to the Works Committee for an annual increment, and has been putting questions in the Assembly, and the Press Union has also submitted a memorial ?

(c) Is it or is it not a fact that people are receiving a certain pay since the last 15/20 years and most of them, after having paid from their salaries the usual cuts, i.e., for Fund, Society, Water, Quarters, etc., receive only 10/12 rupees per month, with which it is not possible for them to make ends meet easily ? (d) Is it a fact that the Union of the Binding Department had submitted a memorial to the Secretary, Labour Department, in November, 1942 in which it was laid down that until the annual increment is enforced, the employees of the Binding Department should not be retired before 25 years’ service and in this way they be compensated a little ?

(e) Are Government prepared to retain the people in the Binding Department until they have put in 25 years’ service ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes, with the exception of the supervising staff and a few other employees. The question of the introduction of a time-scale of pay in the bindery is receiving attention.

(b) Yes.

(c) No.

(d) No. The Press Workers Union submitted a representation in November 1942. But it does not contain the prayer as stated. (e) No. No employee is ordinarily required to retire before he attains the age of 55 years.

* Grievances of Employees in the Binding Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi @ 313. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state if it is a fact that there are some persons in the Binding Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, who are getting Rs. 30 per mensem ?

(b) Is it a fact that the office mistakenly cut down their service and uptil now that service has not been restored to them with the result that for years they are getting Rs. 30 per mensem though others who are of less service are getting more, for instance those who used to get Rs. 22 and Rs. 25 per mensem are at present getting Rs. 40 and Rs. 45 per mensem ? (c) Is it a fact that those whose services have been cancelled have submitted a memorial to the Controller requesting him for the inclusion of their past service in their present service ? (d) Are Government prepared to include the service of those whose service has been cancelled ? If so, is it possible to make them senior to those who superseded them ?

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

(b) Condonation does not imply that the period previous to the break be counted as service for fixing the pay to be drawn after the break and no mistake has been made. (c) No.

(d) Does not arise.

51 # Paucity of Muslim Engineers, etc. in the Central Public Works Department

319. Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state, community-wise, the number of Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers and Sub-

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 16lh March 1943, p. 1121. @ Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner being absent. # Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 16th March 1943, pp. 1124-25.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Divisional Officers (gazetted and non-gazetted) employed in the Central Public Works Department inclusive of the Aviation and Access Road Works ?

(b) Is it a fact that Muslims are under-represented in each of the cadres mentioned above ? If so, what action do Government propose to take to make up the under-representation of Muslims ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A statement is placed on the table, (b) Yes. The under-representation of Muslims is due to the fact that most of the appointments were made for Aviation works which were urgent and important and required a large number of experienced and qualified officers. Owing to the Japanese threat to India, these officers were required at the shortest notice, and appointments according to the strict communal roster would have led to delay which would have been highly prejudicial to the defence of the country. All the appointments in regard to which communal rules have not been observed, are temporary only, and irregularities will be put right as soon as the present emergency ceases.

Statement Designation of Officers Eruo- peans Anglo- Indians Hin- dus Mus- lims Sikhs Indian Christians Parsees Total

1. Superintending Engineers 5 … 3 … 2 … … 10

2. Executive Engineers 12 4 35 5 1 5 … 62

3. Sub-Divisional Officers Gazetted (Assistant Executive Engineers) 1 5 25 6 2 4 … 43

4. Sub-Divisional Officers Gazetted (Temporary Officers) … 4 43 4 3 … 1 55

5. Sub-Divisional Officers (Non-gazetted) … 3 124 23 22 1 … 173 Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : Are we to understand that when urgent appointments are made, it is only the unfortunate, Muslim community that has to suffer ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That is not the only unfortunate community; there are other communities which are equally affected.

Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : Do Government propose to recruit Muslim officers from provinces if they are found fit ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes.

Mr. Jamnadas M. Mehta : When the communal proportion is restored, will those who have already been appointed be dismissed ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: They are all temporary appointments.

Mr. Jamnadas M. Mehta : So they will be dismissed. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They are temporary. There is no question of dismissal.

Mr. Jamnadas M. Mehta continued standing in his scat even after putting the question.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): When the Honourable Member has asked a question, he ought to resume his seat.

Mr. Jamnadas M. Mehta : I want to ask another question, Sir. That means that those who came to your assistance—at the critical moment will be given a short shrift ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The appointments are temporary and there is no question of dismissal or discharge. Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha : What is the duration of these temporary appointments ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: It is quite impossible to say.

Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha : Is it not laid down in the rules or in the resolution passed by the Government that any temporary appointment for three months and over should be made in accordance with the Resolution of the Government keeping in view the percentages of various communities ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : All that must be subject to emergency.

52

* New Assistant Estate Officers and Assistants to the Estate Officer

320. Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state the number of the new

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 16th Mareh 1943, p. 1125.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

posts of Assistant Estate Officers and Assistants to the Estate Officer created during the last two years ?

(b) Has any of the above posts been given to a Muslim ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Number of Assistant Estate Officers—three ; number of Assistants to the Estate Officer—one.

(b) No.

Three of the posts were filled by selection and promotion from among the Superintendents in the Chief Engineer’s Office. This is the normal method of recruitment to these posts. No suitable Muslim Superintendent was available. The fourth post was filled by an Officer temporarily on deputation from the Burma P.W.D. Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha : May I know if Mr. Karim Baksh was the seniormost Superintendent at the time when these posts were filled up ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I want notice. Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha : May I know if Mr. Brown, Mr. Grant, Mr. Ellis, and Mr. Bronkhurst held the posts of Superintendent ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I must have notice of that.

Mr. Muhammad Nauman : May I know whether all enquiries were made, whether other people were efficient or not, and when the Honourable Member wants notice for everything, he must have come here with proper replies if no Muslim was found fit ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no doubt that proper enquiries must have been made.

Mr. Muhammad Nauman : But the Honourable Member has no information on that at least.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : That is not a question. Next question.

53

* Contracts in Aviation Works

321. Khan Bahadur Shaikh Fazl-i-Haq Piracha: (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state whether it is a fact that in the case of Aviation works it has been the practice of Government

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 16th March 1943, p. 1125.

to award contracts for emergency works by private negotiations without calling for tenders ?

(b) What is the total value of contracts awarded by private negotiations during the calendar year 1942 ? (c) What is the total value of such contracts awarded by private negotiations to Muslim contractors ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The information asked for by the Honourable Member is being collected and will be laid on the table in due course.

54

* Grievances of the Staff of the Binding Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi

338. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state if it is a fact that as the annual increment is not given to the people of the Binding Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, they wish to go to other Departments when vacancies fall vacant there, but their applications are not forwarded ?

(b) Is it or is it not a fact that some people were given a trial in which they were successful, but they have not been provided with a situation until now ?

(c) Is it or is it not a fact that many a time the Manager has been asked that until the annual increment is enforced in the Binding Department, those who are already working in that Department should be given a chance and situations should be provided for successful candidates in preference to outsiders, but the Manager did not heed these requests ? (d) Are Government prepared to take the successful candidates in the ‘Distributory’ section so that those who have passed the test may not suffer?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 20th March 1943, p. 1269.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) No. Transfer of industrial employees from one establishment to another is governed by the National Service (Technical Personnel) Ordinance, 1940.

The application of one warehouseman who applied last January for service in the Air Force was in fact forwarded. (b) One warehouseman qualified as a distributor in the test held in 1941. As there were other candidates who had qualified earlier and as the post of distributor does not lie in the ordinary range of promotion of warehousemen, the qualified warehouseman was not appointed to the vacancies that occurred. (c) The answer to the first part is in the negative. The second part does not arise.

(d) The successful candidates will be considered for distributors’ posts in accordance with the rules.

Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : As regards the answer to part (d) of the question may I know the position exactly as regards those who had been given a trial and were found successful ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I said, there were other candidates who had qualified earlier. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi: But as far as those persons who were found successful are concerned, will their claims be considered ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Certainly. 55

* Selection Grade Posts in the Binding Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi

339. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) When selection posts have been announced in nearly all the Departments of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state why no such selection grade posts are given to the Binding Department ?

(b) Is it or is it not a fact that previously the strength of the Binding Department was 50/60 persons and for the supervision of their work

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 20th March 1943, pp. 1269-70

there was one foreman, one Jamadar and one Binding Examiner, but now that the strength has increased to 135 persons, there are still only three persons in the supervisory rank ? (c) Are Government prepared to divide the Binding Department into two sections and provide one more Foreman Jamadar and Examiner .

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) There is a selection post of Bindery and Warehouse Foreman in the Bindery of the Press.

(b) The previous strength was over sixty and there was only one supervisory post of a Bindery Warehouse Foreman. The present strength in the Bindery is 107 including 20 temporary war posts and there are now three persons in the supervisor rank. (c) No.

Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : I did not quite catch the reply of the Honourable Member. May I know whether he admits the increase of numbers that I have given ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes. I said that the present strength in the Bindery is 107.

Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : With that increase, will the Honourable Member consider the advisability of increasing the supervisory staff in view of the increase in the number of the lower paid ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will consider. 56

* Grievances of the Piece Workers in the Machine Department of the government of India Press, New Delhi

340. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether or not it is a fact that there are several persons in the Machine Department of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, who are employed on piece work and several on salary ? (b) Is it a fact that all piece workers are not given an equal amount of work with the result that some got mere wages than others ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 20th March 1943, p. 1270.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(c) Is it not a fact that officials show partiality and favour to some in the allotment of work in such a way that there is a very unequal distribution of wages and the wages of a large number of piece workers amount to very little and do not suffice for their requirements and the maintenance of their families ? (d) Do Government propose to consider the advisability of giving equal work to all, so that at the end of the month all should have a nearly equal amount of pay and thus redress their grievances ?

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

(b) The answer to the first pail is in the negative. The second part does not arise.

(c) No.

(d) This is actually done but equal work does not ensure equal earning. The attention of the Honourable Member is invited to the reply to part (c) of starred question No. 85 given in this House on 17th February 1941.

Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : May I know whether the Honourable Member has made an enquiry into the allegation that the actual distribution of the work at present does not give equal wages to the persons employed ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The answer is based on enquiry.

57

* Annual Election for the Works Committee of the Government of India Press, New Delhi

341. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that the annual election for the Works Committee of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, which is held on 8lh April, is not properly conducted ?

(b) Is it or is it not a fact that the voters are not called one by one but all the voters gather together and stand in the room where the voles are received ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1993, 20th March 1943, pp 1270-71.

(c) Are Government prepared to make proper arrangements for keeping the voters away from the clerk concerned, and to allow only those to come forward who are called to give their votes ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b) No. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi: Did the Honourable Member make an enquiry as to the complaints that were made to the polling officer at the time the votes were taken and satisfy himself that there were complaints of the kind that I have made in the question ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No. I will make enquiries if the necessity arises.

Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi: Now that I have put the question, will the Honourable Member be pleased to make an enquiry whether it is a fact that the complaints that are made are correct ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes.

58

* Fall in Coal Output of Bengal and Bihar Coal Fields

349. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that the output of coal in the Bengal and Bihar coal fields in the year 1942 was considerably less than that of the previous years ? If so, what were the percentages separately of the decrease as compared to the output for the years 1939, 1940 and 1941 ? What are the factors responsible for this reduction in output ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No. The output of coal in the Bengal and Bihar coalfields for 1942 was very considerably above that for 1939. The peak year to date has been 1940. There was a very slight drop in 1941 on the 1940 figures and a further slight drop in 1942. The total drop on the 1940 figures is less than one per cent.

As the drop in production is so slight no detailed enquiry has been held into its cause.

Mr. K. C. Neogy: Has any representation been made to the Government of India by the trade interests on this particular point, mentioning any grievance due to which this drop might have occurred ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information as yet.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 20th March 1943, p. 1276.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

59

* Criterion for Enlistment of Contractors in Central Public Works Department

417. Mr. Ananga Mohan Dam : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state the criterion for the enlistment of contractors in the Central Public Works Department ? Is this enlistment subject to any fee ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Enlistment of contractors in the Central Public Works Department is made with due regard to their financial status and their experience as evidenced by the extent and quality of the works previously executed by them. In the case of firms, registration under Indian Partnership Act, 1932, is also insisted upon as an essential condition. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the negative. 60 @ Muslims in the Offices and the Subordinate Engineering Services of the Central Public Works Department

418. Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state :

(a) the total strength of the class I and Class II Officers and the Subordinate Engineering Services of the Central Public Works Department.

(b) the strength of Muslims in each of the categories given in part (a); and (c) what steps have been taken so far to make up the deficiency, if any ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Class 1—122. Class 11—63.

Subordinate Engineering Service—1179.

(b) Class 1—14.

Class II—4.

Subordinate Engineering Service—202.

(c) Attention of the Honourable Member is invited to the answer given to part (b) of the starred question No. 319 on the 16th March 1943.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1582. @ Ibid. p. 1582.

* Proposed Retrenchment Scheme for Engineering Establishment of the Central Public Works Department

419. Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state if a retrenchment scheme for the Engineering Establishment of the Central Public Works Department is under contemplation ? If so, will Muslim employees be affected by it even if their strength is short of 25 per cent of the total strength ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Not at present. The second part of the question docs not arise. 62 @ Muslim Lino Operators, Mono Operators, etc., in the Government of India Press, Calcutta

420. Hajee Chowdhury Muhammad Ismail Khan : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state the number of Lino Operators, Mono operators, Mono Casters and forme carriers in the Government of India, Press, Calcutta, and how many of them are Muslims ?

(b) What is the total number of appointments made in these grades during the last three years, and how-many Muslims were appointed in each of these grades ?

(c) What steps have been taken to appoint Muslims in these posts ?

(d) Does the Honourable Member propose to place on the table of the House a detailed statement showing the figures, communitywise, in regard to posts of clerks and copy-holders in permanent and temporary employ in the Government of India Press, Calcutta ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a), (b) and (d). A statement is laid on the table.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1582. @ Ibid., p. 1582.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(c) Orders regarding communal representation in the services are being followed in the Government of India Presses. Statement Post (Permanent) Number No. of Muslims Lino Operators ... 6 2 Mono Operators ... 6 1 Mono Casters ... 10 Forme Carriers :

Permanent ... 12 Nil Temporary ... 10 Nil Statement showing the total number of appointments made in the posts of Lino Operators, Mono Operators, Mono Casters and Forme Carriers in the Government of India Press, Calcutta, in 1940, 1941 and 1942. Post (Permanent)

Appointment in 1940 1941 1942 Lino Operators Nil Nil Nil Mono Operators Nil Nil Nil Mono Casters Nil 1 (Hindu) Nil Forme Carriers (Permanent & Temporary)

Nil Nil Nil Statement Showing Communal composition of clerks and copy-holders (Permanent and temporary) in the Government of India Press, Calcutta. Total Number Hindus Muslim Anglo Indian Indian Chris- tian Other than Scheduled Caste Sche- duled Caste Clerk (excluding computers, Time Keepers etc.) :

Permanent 43 31 1 10 1 Nil Temporary 7 5 Nil 1 Nil 1 Copy-holders :

Permanent 34 23 Nil 5 2 Nil Temporary 4 3 Nil 1 Nil Nil (Regular) Temporary 5 2 Nil 2 Nil 1 (for limited period)

* Muslim Executive Engineers in the Central Public Works Department

421. Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state how many Executive Engineers have been taken in from the various Provinces in the Central Public Works Department during the last two years and how many of them are Muslims ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Twenty-two, of whom two were Muslims. Three, including one Muslim, have been since reverted.

64 @ Temporary Buildings in New Delhi

422. Sir F. E. James : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state:

(a) whether his attention has been drawn to the notice erected near certain temporary buildings in course of construction in Connaught Place, intimating that these buildings are to be demolished immediately after the war; and (b) if the same condition applies to the temporary buildings erected on Queens way ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) All the buildings have been constructed as temporary buildings. The intention is that they shall be pulled down as soon as may be after the conclusion of the war, though no final decision has yet been taken.

Sir F. E. James : Will the Honourable Member explain the difference between immediately after the war and ‘as soon as may be’, because some of the buildings in Connaught Place are placarded as ‘to be demolished immediately after the war’ ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1583. @ Ibid., p. 1583.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not think the placard makes any difference.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai: Why should they be demolished and not used for some other purpose ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I said no final decision has yet been taken.

65

* Paucity of Muslim Officer in the Printing and Stationery Establishment under Labour Department

423. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state whether the Controller of Printing and Stationery, the Deputy Controller, Stationery, the Assistant Controller, Printing, the Assistant Controller, Stationery, and the Assistant Secretary and the Superintendent of the Printing Branch in the Labour Department are all non-Muslims? If so, what steps do Government propose to take to give due. representation to Muslims in these posts ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar . The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative except that the present Superintendent of the Stationery and Printing Branch in the Labour Department is a Muslim. All posts mentioned the question are ordinarily filled by promotion on merit and the communal representation rules do not apply to cases of promotion to selection posts. In the case of appointments to be made subject to communal considerations the rules are and will be followed. Government do not consider that any other steps are necessary.

Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : May I ask the Honourable Member if it is a fact that when two incumbents of the same qualifications were in the field, a Muslim was appointed on Rs. 50 and a non-Muslim of the same qualification was appointed on Rs. 200.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1583.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information.

Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : Will you kindly make inquiries.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will make inquiries.

66

* Paucity of Muslim Officers in Printing and Stationery Establishment under Labour Department

424. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to slate the number of Muslim gazetted officers in the office of the Controller of Printing and Stationery, the Central Stationery Office, Calcutta, the Central Publication Branch, and the various Government of India Presses ?

(b) Is it a fact that the post of Assistant Controller in the office of the Controller, Printing and Stationery, has ever since its creation been held either by Bengali Hindus or Christians and a Muslim has never been considered for this appointment ? If so, why ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Two. One in the Forms Press, Calcutta and the other in the Government of India Press, New Delhi.

(b) The answer to the first part is in the negative. As regards the second part, I may say that this post is filled by promotion and not by direct recruitment. There has never been any Muslim senior enough lo be considered.

Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : In this connection may I ask the Honourable Member if it is a fact that the Muslim appointed on Rs. 50 having found no prospects of being promoted got himself transferred to Bengal where he is getting Rs. 225 and the man who was appointed on Rs. 200 is now getting Rs. 350 and the claim of the

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1584.