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

(b) If the reply to the above be in the affirmative, do the Government of India propose to make a similar change in the Indian War Injuries schemes, and to bring the rates of allowances paid to men and women on the same level ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Since notice of this question was received, I have ascertained the position in Great Britain. It is a fact that the distinction between rates for relief for men and women has been abolished in Great Britain. (b) The question will be considered.

114

* Insertion in Government Contracts of Condition for Fair Treatment of Labour

48. Mr. N. M. Joshi : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether the subject of the need for insertion in Government contracts of a condition regarding fair treatment of labour was discussed at one of the Tripartite Labour Meetings ? If so, what action do the Government of India propose to take on the subject ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes, it was at the third meeting of the Standing Labour Committee. To be precise the subject discussed was need for insertion of a condition regarding fair wages for labour in Government contracts, and not fair “treatment” of labour. Government have already accepted the principle so far as the Central Public Works Department is concerned and the necessary preliminary steps for enforcing such a provision are under active consideration. The question or the introduction of such a clause in the contracts of other Government Departments will be taken up soon after the scheme has been introduced in respect of Central Public Works Department labour. Mr. Hooseinbhoy A. Lalljee : What is the meaning of “active consideration” ? Is there any time limit involved ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes; I see quite clearly the difference between a matter being under consideration and under active consideration.

Mr. Hooseinbhoy A. Lalljee : Is there any difference of time ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That means that the matter is really nearing completion.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 9th November 1943, p. 68.

* Rules Concerning “Out of Class” Allottees in New Delhi

49. Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that before the introduction of the revised rules for allotment of residences in New Delhi during the war, persons who were allotted quarters were allowed as a concession to remain in occupation of those quarters after they became out of class, when no accommodation of the class to which they were entitled was available ?

(b) If the answer to (a) is in the affirmative, what are the reasons for penalising the same occupants by the introduction of the proviso below rule 7 (2) (b) by relegating them to a junior position by treating the dates on which they became out of class as the dates of their posting ?

(c) Is it not a fact that by the operation of the proviso referred to in (b) above, the persons remain longer in occupation of the lower class of quarters and thus great hardship is caused to persons who are entitled to those quarters under revised rule 4 by compelling them to wait longer than it would be necessary had the proviso not been in operation ?

(d) Does the Honourable Member propose to reconsider, and to remove the grievances of all concerned by deleting the proviso below rule 7 (b) under lists II and III.

(e) Does the Honourable Member realise that by the introduction of the new policy viz., determination of seniority as regards the claim for quarters by the total length of service, practically all new entrants to whatever class of quarters they were entitled will have to go without quarters and be put to great hardship ?

(f) With a view to redressing their grievance, does he propose to consider the feasibility of amending the rule so as to allow the counting of seniority from the date of posting in the case of new entrants who have not been allotted any quarter so far and in the case of others from the date on which they became out of class ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 9th November 1943, pp. 68- 69.

(g) If the amendments suggested were accepted, will they be given immediate effect?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) The penalising arises more from the shortage of accommodation than from the proviso to rule 7(2)xx(b). (c) Yes, but this cannot be helped under the existing circumstances.

(d) No. Nothing can remove the grievances unless there is increased accommodation at the disposal of Government, which does not seem to be possible so long as the war lasts. (e) I do not consider that this is the case, but so long as the accommodation available is short of requirements, whatever rules are made, some persons are bound to be put to hardship. (f) This is already provided for in the rules. (g) Does not arise.

116

* Supply of Foodgrains to Employees of the Labour Department in Bengal at Concession Rates

5. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state the different classes of employees under the control of his Department and employed in Bengal that are in the enjoyment of a concession under which foodgrains are supplied to them at controlled or reduced prices ? (b) What is the total number of such employees and what quantities of rice, wheat and other foodgrains have been supplied to them at controlled or reduced prices, month by month, since January last ?

(c) Who are charged in Bengal with the duty of furnishing supplies for the benefit of these employees and what is the approximate extent of the stocks that they had to maintain from time to time to enable them to discharge their obligation, and through what agencies in Bengal have these stocks been acquired, and at what prices on an average, month by month ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 9th November 1943, p. 81.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The attention of the Honourable Member is invited to reply given by the Honourable the Food Member to starred question No. 55 on the 9th November 1943.

117

* Certain Irregularities in the Working of the Payment of Wages Act

130. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state the number of irregularities detected by the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour, during the years 1939-40 and 1940-41, in the working of the Payment of Wages Act ? If there is an increase during the latter year, what steps do Government propose to take besides reporting to Railway administrations concerned to remedy this ? If none, why ?

(b) Will the Honourable Member please give a reference to the specific provision of the Payment of Wages Act, or rules framed thereunder, sanctioning the course of reporting irregularities to Railway administration instead of to the authorities set up under Section 15 of the Act ?

(c) If there is no such provision, why is not action taken under Section 15(3) of the Payment of Wages Act by Labour Inspectors ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The number of irregularities detected during 1939-40 and 1940-41 were 3,012 and 4,158, respectively, Railway Administrations have recently been directed to take suitable steps to obviate the recurrence of these irregularities. If the irregularities continue to increase, the question of making formal applications under Section 15 of the Act will be considered. Government does not consider it necessary to proceed formality under the provisions of that Section when satisfactory settlement in the individual cases can be otherwise achieved.

(b) There is no such provision in the Payment of Wages Act or the rules framed thereunder.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, pp. 230-31.

(c) The provisions of Section 15(3) are not mandatory and there is nothing in the Act to prevent an Inspector from making reports to Railway Administration and getting any claims settled amicably. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : Have these Inspectors enough power to make recommendations ?

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

Mr. N. M. Joshi : May I ask if these irregularities are found on the Company-managed railways or even on the State-managed railways ?

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

118

* Activities of the Conciliation Officer (Railways)

131. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to refer to his reply to Mr. N. M. Joshi in regard to starred question No. 147 asked by me on the 19th February, 1943, stating that he would consider extending the field of activities of the Conciliation Officer (Railways), and state whether any action has been taken in the matter ? If so, is it proposed to make a brief statement on the subject ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The question is still under consideration and I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : What is delaying the consideration so much ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I said that the matter is under consideration.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : Why is it taking so long ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not think it has taken a long time.

Mr. Hooseinbhoy A. Lalljee : When will it reach the stage of active consideration ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The stage of consideration is now complete.

Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : Since when has the matter been under consideration ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, p. 231.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : For a long time and particularly since the time when Mr. Joshi asked his question. 119

*Institution of Engineers

136. Mr. Ananga Mohan Dam : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state :

(a) whether the Institution of Engineers is an examining body whose diploma of A.M.I.E. is recognised by the Government of India as being equivalent to degree standard in Engineering ; (b) whether the Government (Central or Provincial) financially help this Institution ; if so, the amount of aid granted ; (c) whether it is not a fact that the Institution has for its patrons and Honorary Members, Their Excellencies the Viceroy and the Provincial Governors ;

(d) whether Government are aware that this Institution has obtained the Royal Charter;

(e) whether it is a fact that sister Institutions in England, e.g., the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Electrical Engineers, have not yet recognised the examinations conducted by the Institute of Engineers, India ; and (f) if the Government of India propose to move His Majesty’s Government to request these British institutions to accord recognition to this Indian Institution ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) The Central Government do not render any financial help to the Institution, but I have no information whether Provincial Governments do so or not.

(c) His Excellency the Viceroy and provincial Governors are Honorary Members of the Institution.

(d) Yes.

(e) Government have no information.

(f) It is for the Indian Institution itself to raise the question, if necessary. I would, therefore, suggest to my Honourable friend that he addresses that Institution in the matter.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13lh November 1943, pp. 233-34.

* Constructing a Large Hotel for Indian Clerks in New Delhi @ 145. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether Government have considered the advisability of constructing a large several storeyed building in New Delhi in the form of a big hotel in order to provide lodging and boarding facilities for Indian clerks who are otherwise put to considerable difficulties in obtaining these at present ?

(b) Is it a fact that many buildings have been constructed for the accommodation of European single non-Commissioned Officers, etc., and that these are being run as hostels ? (c) Are Government prepared to provide similar facilities for the Indian single clerks ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Government are considering the possibility of erecting a hostel for clerks. (b) Yes.

(c) Government have already provided chummries of Orthodox and Un-orthodox types for Indian single clerks and they are considering whether there will be an adequate demand to justify the erection of a hostel.

121

†Delay in Attending to the Complaints Made to Minto Road and Havelock Square Enquiry Offices, New Delhi @ 147. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether Government are aware that complaints made to the Enquiry Offices at Minto Road and Havelock Square regarding repairs, etc., to orthodox clerks quarters in those neighbourhoods are attended to generally after considerable delay ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, pp. 242-43.

† Ibid., pp. 243-44.

@ Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner being absent.

(b) Are Government aware— (i) that some of these complaints are not attended to at all; and (ii) that letters sent on the subject to the Executive Engineer, Construction III Division, or to other authorities in ‘B’ Division, remain unacknowledged and without any action being taken on them?

(c) Are Government prepared to issue instructions to the authorities concerned to acknowledge all letters sent to them, and to take appropriate action thereon ? If not, why not ?

(d) Are Government aware— (i) that a lot of inconvenience is being caused to their tenants by the irregular method adopted by the contractors regarding whitewashing, etc.;

(ii) that they send men round to the quarters and the tenants are asked to keep their rooms clear of furniture on a certain day, and then while-washing labour is not sent for several days later; and (iii) that when white-washing is finished the cleaning of doors and glass panes is not done at once, and the tenants are unable to arrange their houses for several days ? (c) Are Government prepared to take action to redress these grievances of their tenants ? If not, why not ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) No.

(b) (i) No.

(ii) Action on letters received by Executive Engineers is taken at once and necessity is not felt of acknowledging all letters. (c) Yes.

(d) (i), (ii) and (iii) No.

(e) Yes, Government intend issuing instructions to Executive Engineers to make frequent personal inspections. 122

* Newly-Constructed E-Type Orthodox Quarters in the Open Space Between Baird Square East and Irwin Road in New Delhi @148. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Is the Honourable the Labour Member aware that a number of E-Type orthodox quarters have been

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, p. 244. @ Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner being absent.

constructed in the open space lying between Baird Square, East and Irwin Road in New Delhi ?

(b) Is he aware— (i) that this area now looks very much like a congested portion of the city containing small gallies and lanes ; and (ii) that the present officials of the Central Public Works Department have totally ignored the original idea of the layout of New Delhi, and have made the said area very congested ?

(c) Is it a fact that it is proposed to construct more E-type orthodox quarters ?

(d) Are Government prepared to consider the advisability of constructing new quarters in such a manner that the “Clerks’ residential areas” do not become more congested than they are at present, and that provision is made for lawns and open spaces near these quarters ?

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

(b) (i) and (ii) No.

(c) Yes.

(d) Government have always acted in this manner. 123

* Desirability of Closing Certain Passages in Havelock and Baird Squares New Delhi @149. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that all the squares of D-type orthodox clerks quarters in the D.I.Z. Area of New Delhi had their four corners open as passage ?

(b) Is it a fact that these passages were closed later ? (c) Was one of the reasons to protect the lawns in front of the quarters in those squares ?

(d) Are Government aware— (i) that in Havelock and Baird Squares, B and C-type of quarters, there are passages after every two quarters except at the corners ; and

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, pp. 244-45.

@ Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner being absent.

(ii) that coolies and labourers use these passages regularly, and cross the lawns at different places with the result that the lawns in these two squares are disfigured by foot tracks ?

(e) Are Government prepared to have these passages closed and grass relaid on these tracks ? If not, why not ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b) Yes. (b) No.

(c) Yes.

(d) Government will examine the suggestion.

124

* Growing of More Vegetables in Orthodox Quarters in New Delhi @150. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) With reference to the general appeal of Government to grow more food and vegetables, will the Honourable Member for Labour please state whether the Government of India staff living in New Delhi at orthodox type of quarters can grow vegetables in large quantities ? (b) Is it a fact that the courtyards of D-type particularly, and of E, C and B-type orthodox quarters generally, are very small in size, and cannot be used to produce any large quantity of vegetables, etc. ?

(c) Are Government prepared to allot some extra land outside their quarters to such members of their orthodox staff who may ask for it for the purpose of growing vegetables, etc., and to have such land duly enclosed ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Vegetables may be grown in small quantities for the domestic consumption of the staff occupying these quarters.

(b) Yes.

(c) No. The proposal if accepted would soon result in destruction of lawns. Fencing is expensive and cannot be provided by Government, and it is unlikely that the staff living in these quarters will be able to make adequate use of such extra land.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, p. 245. @ Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner being absent.

* Commissioned Officers in Civil Pioneer Force, United Provinces

29. Mr. Piare Lall Kureel : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state :

(a) the total number of commissioned officers (different ranks) so far recruited in the Civil Pioneer Force, United Provinces ;

(b) how many of them are Hindus, Muslims and members of the Scheduled Castes;

(c) how many of these commissioned officers have been promoted to higher ranks ;

(d) if any scheduled caste commissioned officer has so far been promoted to the higher rank ; and (e) if the answer to (d) be in the negative, if Government propose to make such promotion now ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b) Twentyfive officers of commissioned rank have been appointed. The ranks and communities of the officers are— Muslims Scheduled Castes Others Commandants ... ... ... 2 (One Christian). Captains ... ... ... 2 (One Christian).

Lieutenants ... ... ... 7 (Two Christians). 2nd Lieutenants ... 4 3 7 (c) Two Commandants and two Captains were appointed in those ranks on first commission. Seven 2nd Lieutenants have been promoted to the posts of Lieutenants. (d) No.

(f) Promotion to higher rank can only be made within the authorised establishment of those ranks as vacancies become available. Subject to the authority of the Central Government, the power to make promotions is entrusted to the provincial Government. Except to

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, pp. 24849. Na 4635—44 a

prevent positive injustice it is not considered desirable to interfere with the discretion of the Provincial Government in this matter, particularly as regards the higher posts. Promotions are regulated by two considerations (1) Efficiency and (2) Seniority. Since efficiency of the Unit must depend on the efficiency of its officers, efficiency must be the basis of promotion. But in case where efficiency is equal, seniority of service in the Force is also taken into account in making promotions.

126

* Counting of Services of Commissioned Officers in Civil Pioneer Force as War Services

30. Mr. Piare Lull Kureel : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state :

(a) whether the services of the commissioned officers in the Civil Pioneer Force will be counted as war services ; if not, why not; and (b) if the answer to (a) above be in the negative, if Government propose to revise their decision ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) Does not arise.

127

* Beveridge Report for Post War Social Security

229. Khan Bahadur Mian Ghulam Kadir Muhammad Shahban : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state :

(a) whether Government have considered the Beveridge Report for post-war social security ;

(b) whether they have any social security plan in view for India after the cessation of hostilites ;

(c) whether, if the matter has not yet engaged their attention, they will take it up now with a view to evolving a plan similar to what is known as “Beveridge Plan” for this country ; and

*Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 13th November 1943, p. 249.

*Ibid., 17th November 1943, pp. 410-11.

(d) on what lines, if any, the Post-War Reconstruction Committee is working ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) It is not for the Government of India to consider the Beveridge Report submitted to the Government in the United Kingdom. The Government of India are, however, aware of the Report. (b) and (c). I would invite the attention of the Honourable Member to the resolution on this subject passed at the last meeting in September, 1943,. of the Tripartite Labour Conference. Copies of the resolution are placed on the table of the house. The Government of India is giving active consideration to the question of implementing the resolution. (d) I would invite the Honourable Member’s attention to the statement laid on the table of the Council of State on the 4th August, 1943, by the Honourable Sir Jwala Prasad Srivastava in reply to question No. 74 by the Honourable Pandit H. N. Kunzru.

Resolution passed at the Tripartite Plenary labour Conference held at New Delhi on the 6th and 7th September, 1943. This Tripartite Labour Conference recommends that with a view to provide adequate materials on which to plan a policy of social security for labour the Central Government in co-operation with the Governments of the Provinces of British India, the Indian States and the Chamber of Princes should immediately set up machinery to investigate questions of wages and earnings, employment and housing and social conditions generally, and that as soon as possible after receipt of the required statistics and data the Central Government should appoint a mixed Committee to formulate plans of social security.

128

* Neglect of Lawns in Front of Orthodox Clerks’ Quarters in D.I.Z. Area, New Delhi

232. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that the lawns in front of

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, p. 412.

orthodox clerks’ quarters in the D.I.Z. area of New Delhi are not properly maintained ?

(b) Is it a fact that most of the ground is covered with dried up stunted grass ?

(c) Is it a fact that the roads bordering these lawns have almost in all cases lost their alignment, and that some portions of the road are covered with grass, while in other cases the grass has completely disappeared and is covered by bajri and soil ? (d) Is it a fact that there are malis regularly employed by the Horticultural Division to look after these lawns ? (e) Is the Honourable Member aware that these malis water the lawns only once or twice a month and do not pay any attention to anything else ?

(f) Are Government prepared to take action to see that these lawns are properly maintained ?

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

(b) No.

(c) No.

(d) Yes.

(e) The malis not only water the lawns but also keep them in proper order.

(f) The question does not arise, but Government will be prepared to enquire into any bonafide complaints on this subject. Sardar Sant Singh : Has the Honourable Member simply given the reply on the note prepared by the Department or has he taken pains to see the conditions of these quarters to satisfy himself whether the allegations made in the question are correct or not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no reason to suppose that the information supplied to me is not correct. 129

* Operation of the Payment of Wages Act on East Indian Railway

236. Nawab Siddique Ali Khan (on behalf of Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi): Will the Honourable the Labour Member be

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, p. 414.

pleased to state :

(a) the number of cases of contravention of the Payment of Wages Act (Act IV of 1936), detected on the East Indian Railway during each of the years 1941, 1942 and upto the 15th October, 1943 ;

(b) the number of applications made to the authority appointed under section 15(1) of the Payment of Wages Act by the Inspectors for offences committed by the East Indian Railway authorities since the Act was brought into force in 1937; and (c) the number of cases in which penalties were imposed under section 20 against the East Indian Railway Officers ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The number of cases of contraventions of the Payment of Wages Act on the East Indian Railway were 334 during 1941-42, 481 during 1942-43 and 123 from 1st April to 15th October 1943.

(b) Nil.

(c) Nil.

130

* Operation of the Payment of Wages Act on East Indian Railway

237. Nawab Siddique Ali Khan (on behalf of Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi): (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is or it is not a fact that the Inspectors of Railway Labour have to obtain prior sanction, from the Supervisor of Railway Labour for any action they may intend to take against offenders under the Payment of Wages Act ?

(b) If the reply to (a) above be in the affirmative, what is the number of instances when such permission was sought and sanction accorded relating to cases of contravention of the Payment of Wages Act on the East Indian Railway year by year from 1937 ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) It is only the Supervisor of Railway Labour and his Deputy who have been appointed Inspectors under Section 14 of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, any formal action under the Act has therefore necessarily to be taken by these two officers and the question of taking their prior sanction does not arise.

(b) In view of the reply to part (a), this does not arise.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, p. 414.

* Operation of the Payment of Wages Act on East Indian Railway

238. Nawab Siddique AH Khan (on behalf of Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi): (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is or it is not a fact that lack of effective and proper supervision of the conduct of the Payment of wages Act is responsible for such frequent contravention of the Payment of Wages Act on the East Indian Railway ?

(b) Do Government propose to consider the advisability of making changes in the existing machinery with a view to affording proper and effective check on such contraventions of the Payment of wages Act by the Railway officers ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) What the Honourable Member suggests is not a fact. The very fact that such a large number of irregularities are brought to light every year and rectified at the instance of the Supervisor of Railway Labour proves the effectiveness of the Machinery which now exists for this purpose.

(b) Does not arise.

132 @ Representation from Mr. V. G. Balwaik re War Bonus to Workers

239. Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state :

(a) if he has received a representation from Mr. V. G. Balwaik, President, Central Provinces and Berar Provincial Workers’ Federation, Nagpur, in the month of October, 1943, in connection with war bonus to workers ;

(b) if Government have arrived at any decision regarding the condition attached to the additional war bonus by the Empress and Model mills, viz., the Government of India to decide whether more

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, pp. 414-15.

@ Ibid., p. 415.

than two months’ wages as war bonus can be treated as expenditure on which the company will have to pay no tax ; if so, what their decision is; and (c) if he is aware of the decision of the Working Committee of the Central Provinces and Berar Textile Workers’ Federation to go on strike from the 15th November, 1943, if the mill-owners in the Province will not pay this additional or second instalment of the war bonus by the 14th November 1943 ?

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

(b) No. The general question of limitation of bonuses admissible as revenue expenditure is under consideration and it will not be expedient to give further details at the present stage. (c) Yes.

Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : May I know the reasons why it would not be possible to arrive at a conclusion at an earlier date and give details ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We are doing our best to arrive at a conclusion as early as possible. Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : What time it will take, because the withdrawal of the strike has been made under my instructions that the Government of India will decide this question and the strike had better be postponed ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am unable to give any detail.

Mr. N. M. Joshi : May I ask whether the Government of India is aware that there is very great discontent among the textile workers of Central Provinces on account of the fact that the Government of India have not decided this question early ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information on the point.

133

* Students Admitted to Dhanbad School of Mines

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

(a) the number of students admitted to the Dhanbad School of Mines, and the number of Muslims therein during 1941, 1942 and 943 ;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, p. 416.

(b) whether any quota is fixed for the admission of Muslims ; and (c) the total number of Muslims who applied for admission during the last three years ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) 24 students were admitted during each of the years 1941, 1942 and 1943. No Muslim student was admitted in 1941 and 1942. In 1943 two were admitted but one did not join the School. (b) No; and (c) 34.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : What is the reason for the non-admission of Muslim students ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That is because they do not qualify themselves at the entrance examination. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : As for academic qualifications I can prove that there are any number of Muslims who are fit to join that institution. But is it not a fact that scholarships are not given to Muslims ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I cannot say ; I shall want notice of that.

Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : Is it a fact that last year qualified Muslims applied but they were rejected outright ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No. If I may explain to the Honourable member, the method of admission to the school is that first of all 50 per cent. of the places are filled as a result of an entrance examination which is open to all students. After that a certain quota is filled for the purpose of representing each province according to a quota that has been fixed. After that the balance of students is taken purely on the basis of merit. At this school there is no reservation with regard to any particular community at all.

* Drop in the Output of Coal

250. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to refer to his statement in reply to starred question No. 349, asked by me in the Legislative Assembly on the 20th March, 1943, to the effect that the drop in the production of coal was so slight that no detailed enquiry had been held into its cause, and state whether it is a fact that there has been a considerable drop in the output of coal both in British India and in the Indian States since January last ?

(b) If the answer to (a) be in the affirmative, is the Honourable Member in a position to indicate the extent of such drop, month by month, ever since it was noticed ?

(c) Was any warning given about the threatened coal shortage by any trade organisation or any individual member of the trade to the knowledge of Government ? If so, when did such warning come to the knowledge of Government for the first time, and what steps, if any, were taken thereupon ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Compared with the corresponding month of last year, the output of coal in British India and Indian States has shown a decrease during 1943. During the first 5 months of the year the drop was slight; but from June onwards it has become more considerable. (b) 1940 was the peak year for coal production. Since then production has fallen slightly year by year. The fall assumed serious proportion from June 1943. Compared with the corresponding months of 1942, the output in June, July and August of this year fell by about 353,000 tons each month, while September showed a decrease of 299,000 tons.

(c) A warning was given by an individual member of the trade in August 1943. Government were already well aware of the situation by that time and were actively considering remedial measures. The following are some of the principal steps that have been taken to improve the situation.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, pp. 421-22.

(1) More wagons have been provided to take away coal, particularly in the Bengal and Bihar fields.

(2) Efforts are being made to ensure the prompter delivery of colliery stores and machinery.

(3) Women have, since August, been permitted to work underground in the Central Provinces and Berar coalfields.

(4) Action has been taken to prevent interference with colliery labour from military activities in the coal fields. (5) Schemes are under preparation to provide a greater quantity of consumer goods for collieries and in particular of food, and arrangements are being made to ensure an adequate ration at concession rates to the miners. (6) Welfare officers are about to be appointed in the Bengal and Bihar coalfields to promote the health and general welfare of miners.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : Is the Honourable Member in a position to indicate the principal factors that contributed to this coal shortage ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, the principal factor that contributed to the shortage of coal is undoubtedly the shortage of labour. That was due to the fact that labour was drawn away from coal fields by the ‘Grow More Food’ campaign and by the military works that were started near about the area where the coal mines are situated.

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* The Coal Trade Conference at Delhi

251. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether the principal object of the Conference of representatives of coal trade and other interests, that was held in Delhi on the 23rd October last under his chairmanship, was to consider the question of increasing the output of coal ? If so, what were the circumstances that led to the decision to hold the conference, and the result of the discussions thereat ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, pp. 422-23.

(b)Has the present effort to increase the output of coal been influenced in any degree by the necessity of stimulating an increased export of coal from India for war purposes or otherwise ?

(c) Is it a fact that in a letter issued by the department of Labour to the invitees at the Conference, mention was made of the persistent and increasing fall in the output of coal coupled with the increasing demand for Indian coal, both inside and outside India, which was stated to have caused the Central Government acute anxiety ? When was such anxiety first caused to the Government of India and due to what circumstances, and what action has been taken ever since for the purpose of improving the situation, and with what result ? (d) Is the internal supply of coal in the country likely to be affected in any manner by any policy that Government may have in view with the object of stimulating the export of coal on Government or private account?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes, Government believed that one of the principal reasons for the decline in output was shortage of labour. If this shortage could be made good, the fall in production would be arrested and an increase to the target figures would become probable. Government were anxious to secure the full co-operation of employers in any measures they proposed for this purpose. The principal result of the discussions was an agreement that in Bengal and Bihar the Employers’ Associations should initiate schemes on uniform lines for the supply of foodgrains and other commodities to their labour and the Government of India should assist the Associations in giving effect to such schemes. (b) An increase in output of coal is necessary to meet the internal requirements of Indian industry as these have increased and output has diminished.

(c) Yes. Since the beginning of the War, Government have been anxious to maintain the output of coal at its maximum. The peak year for coal production was 1940. There was a very slight fall in 1941 on the 1940 figures and a further slight drop in 1942. It seems more than likely that the 1943 figures will show a further drop on the 1942 figures.

From about June of this year, it became plain that output was not going to be sufficient to meet the increased demands for coal being made by essential consumers such as War Industries, railways and for military projects of the first importance. Supplies of coal for all consumers have accordingly been rationed. In order to meet these rationed demands, and such outside demands as it might feel necessary to meet, Government have to ensure that

25.65 million tons of coal per annum will be made available for consumption. This is a larger quantity than has ever been made available before; and measures to increase production have, therefore, become of the utmost urgency.

As regards the action that has been taken to improve the situation, the Honourable Member is referred to the answer given to part (c) of his starred question No. 15. It is too early yet to assess the results of these and other measures. (d) No.

Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : Is it a fact that in order to increase the output of coal production, female labour has been employed underground in coal mines ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I said so. Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : If it is so, will the Honourable Member say how long female labour will be employed in these mines ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Well, while the emergency lasts.

Mr. Govind V. Deshmukh : Will the Honourable Member tell me what precautions have been taken to look after these female labour employed underground in the mines ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We are contemplating measures and if my honourable friend will table a question some time in the next Session, I will give him some information. Mr. K. C. Neogy: Has there been any suggestion from His Majesty’s Government for the purpose of stimulating export of coal?

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

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

* Appointments of Managers of Government of India Presses, New Delhi and Calcutta

253. H. A. Sathar H. Essak Sait: Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state :

(a) whether he is aware that for the recent appointment of Managers of the Government of India Presses, New Delhi and Calcutta, the claims of the senior-most Muslim assistant Managers were overlooked ; if so, the reason therefor;

(b) whether it is a fact that the Manager of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, refused to relieve a Muslim clerk recently selected for a clerical job in the office of the controller of Printing and Stationery, while he relieved a number of non-Muslim clerks selected for clerical posts in the Controller’s Office, Assembly Department and Supply Department;

(c) whether it is a fact that the Assistant Manager of the Government of India Press, New Delhi, ordered the transfer of six Muslim piece-composition of the Lino Section ; if so, the reasons for such wholesale transfer of Muslims from this Section ;

(d) whether it is a fact that the post of a correction checker in the Government of India Press, New Delhi, was recently filled by the officiating Manager by the appointment of a junior new-scale man, overlooking the claims of the senior incumbent in the old scale ; if so, why;

(e) whether the Managers and Assistant Managers of Government Presses are empowered to make appointments and promotions and order transfers and declare certain posts selection posts ; if so, whether any rules have been laid down for their guidance in these matters; (f) whether the Honourable Member proposes to institute an enquiry to find out whether these rules are strictly observed by these officers in all cases ; and (g) in view of the frequent and increasing complaints about arbitrary and unjust actions in these matters by the authorities of the

*Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, pp. 424-25.

Government of India Presses, whether the Honourable Member proposes to consider the advisability of constituting an independent committee with powers mentioned in (e) above ?

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

(b) No.

(c) Yes. This was done in the normal course of sectional interchange which takes place every 3 months to allow each worker periods of easy and strenuous work. Three non-Muslim piece compositors were also transferred along with the Muslims and 2 Muslim piece compositors brought on to the Lino Section.

(d) Yes. The post of Correction Checker being a selection post, the best man available was selected on merit.

(e) Managers of the Government of India Presses are empowered to appoint and promote men to certain classes of posts in accordance with the rules laid down in the Departmental Handbook. They are not competent to declare any post as selection post. (f) and (g). No specific irregularities of the nature mentioned above have so far occurred necessitating the action suggested. Mr. H. A. Sathar II. Essak Sait: With reference to part (d) my Honourable friend admitted that the claims of a Muslim were overlooked for certain reasons. Is he aware that the Muslim whose claims were overlooked had worked for 22 years ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am prepared to accept that from my Honourable friend, although I have no information. Mr. H. A. Sathar H. Essak Sait : Then he said that the answers to (a) and (b) were in the negative. Will he take it from me that with regard to (a) the appointments have been made this year. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I must have notice of that.

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* Trade Unions Supplied with Government Publications, etc.

35. Mr. Muhammad Azhar Ali : Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state:

(a) the names of the Trade Unions, both registered and unregistered, separately, whose objects arc not confined to one province ;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 17th November 1943, pp. 438-40.