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

(b) the names of the Trade Unions, both registered and unregistered, separately, who are supplied official publications free of cost;

(c) the names of the Trade Unions, both registered and unregistered separately, who were invited to take part in the Tripartite Labour Conference and Committees ; and (d) the reasons for the differential treatment, if any, in the subject matters referred to in parts (b) and (c) ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A list of registered trade unions, whose objects arc not confined to one province, compiled from materials readily available is attached. Particulars regarding unregistered trade unions are not available. (b) I presume the Honourable Member is referring only to unions whose objects are not confined to one province. Copies of certain bulletins, annual reports, etc., have been furnished free of cost, on request, to the two All-India Associations of workers, namely the All-India Trade Union Congress and the Indian Federation of Labour. No official publication is supplied free of cost to any individual trade union as such. (c) The constitution of the Tripartite Labour Conference and the Standing Labour Committee provides for the nomination of workers’ representatives in the following manner: (i) For the Labour Conference— 11 representatives of employees, of whom 4 will be nominated by Government in agreement with the AllIndia Trade Union Congress, 4 will be nominated by Government in agreement with the Indian Federation of Labour, and 3 will be nominated by Government as representatives of other employees interests. (ii) For the Standing Labour Committee— 5 representatives of employees, 4 of whom will be nominated by the Labour Member in agreement with the two All-India Associations of workers and the fifth nominated independently by the Labour Member.

The nominations to the Conference and the Committees have been in accordance with their constitution and there has been no question of any differential treatment between different unions.

(d) It will be clear from the replies to (b) and (c) that no differential treatment has in fact occurred. Central Trade Union registered in the various Provinces Printing Presses—

1. Government of India Press Workers Union. Seamen—

2. Indian Merchants Navy Officers Asssociation, Bombay. Miscellaneous—

3. The All-India Telegraph Line Staff Union, Lahore.

4. The Indian Sugar Industry Employees Association, Lucknow.

5. Indian Sugar Mills Association, Calcutta.

6. Indian Jute Mills Association, Calcutta.

7. Imperial Bank of India, Indian Staff Association, Calcutta.

8. Central Council of Tobacco Manufacturing Workers Union.

9. All-India Telegraph Workmen’s Union, Lahore.

10. The Indian Southern Provinces Sugar Marketing Board, Madras.

Railway and Transport—

11. N. W. Rly. Junior Clerks Association.

12. Bengal Assam Rail Road Workers’ Union.

13. Assam Bengal Rly. Employees Association.

14. E. I. Railway Employees Association, Calcutta.

15. Bengal and Assam Railway Employees Association.

16. B. N. R. Employees Union, Calcutta.

17. B. N. Rly. Indian Labour Union, Kharagpur.

18. N. W. Rly. Employees Union, Karachi.

19. G. I. P. Railwaymen’s Union, Bombay.

20. G. I. P. Railway Accounts Staff Union, Bombay.

21. B. B. & C. I. Railway Employees Association, Ahmedabad.

22. B. B. & C. I. Railwaymen’s Union, Bombay.

23. National Union of Railwaymen of India & Burma, Bombay.

24. B. B. & C. I. Railway Employees Union, Bombay.

25. G. I. P. Railway Contractors & Licenced Coolies Union, Bhusawal.

26. N. W. Railway Accounts Union, Lahore.

27. N. W. Railway Union, Lahore.

28. E. I. Railwaymen’s Union, Lucknow.

29. Railway Workers Association, Moradabad.

30. E. I. Railway Guards’ Association, Lucknow.

31. Railway Workmen’s Union of India, Allahabad.

32. B. N. Railwaymen’s Association, Gorakhpur.

33. E. B. Railway Workers’ Union.

34. Association of Accountants, E. I. Railway.

35. Association of Accountants, N. W. Railway, Lahore.

36. All-India Railway Mechanical Workers’ Federal Union, Lahore.

37. Delhi Sonipat Bus Service Union, Sonipat.

38. Ittehad Motor Union, Panipat.

39. N. W. Railway Guards Association, Lahore.

40. Federated Union of the N. W. Railway Workers, Lahore.

41. Union of the E. I. Railway Ticket Checking staff, Calcutta.

42. E. I. Railway Joint Hands Union, Hooghly.

43. All-India Railwaymen’s Union, Nagpur.

44. United Union of N. W. R. Workers, Lahore.

45. Delhi-Garmuktesar Motor Association.

46. East Indian Railway Muslim Employees Association, Lucknow.

47. S. S. Light Railway Employees Union, Saharanpur.

48. B. N. W. Railway Workers Association, Gorakhpur.

49. E. I. Railway Workers Association, Calcutta.

50. The Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Employees’ Union, Perambur, Madras.

51. The South Indian Railway Labour Union, Golden Rock, Trichinopoly.

52. The South Indian Railway Employees Association, Villupuram.

53. The All-India Railwaymen’s Federation, Mylapore, Madras.

* Communal Composition in the Office of the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour

1. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state : (a) how many office clerks there are in the office of the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway labour ;

(b) how many Inspectors of Railway Labour have been appointed temporarily or permanently from December, 1942, upto the second week of February, 1944; and (c) out of these appointments, how many were recruited from— (i) depressed classes, (ii) caste Hindus, (iii) Muslims, and (iv) members of other communities ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Eleven including a Stenographer.

(b) Five temporary Inspectors only have been appointed from December, 1942, upto January, 1944.

(c) (i) Three.

(ii) and (iv) None, (iii) Two.

139 @ Muslim Inspectors of Railway Labour

2. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state the number of persons who served temporarily as Inspectors of Railway Labour and who were trained hands at the time of the first appointment of Mr. Jadhav, Conciliation Officer (Railways) ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 7th February 1944, pp. 24-25. @ Ibid., p. 25.

(b) How many of these Inspectors were Muslims, and how many of the Muslims who had served temporarily as Inspectors were given chance of appointment to permanent or quasipermanent vacancies ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Two.

(b) Both were Muslims. One has secured appointment elsewhere and the other at present officiating as an Inspector of Railway Labour.

140

* Depressed Class Appointments of Inspectors of Railway Labour

3. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please stale if it is true that five Inspectors of Railway labour posted respectively at Dacca, Tatanagar, Ajmcr, Asansol and Jalpainguri went on deputation to the Central Civil Supplies Department or as Civilian Labour Welfare Officers, in the military Department ? (b) Is it true that all these five long standing officiating vacancies which will continue up to the duration of the War, were filled up by five depressed class Hindu Inspectors who have been appointed arbitrarily by the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour, superseding the claims of two Muslims who have served temporarily for more than six months and who arc trained hands ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes, but all deputations were not to the Civil Supplies Department or as Civilian Labour Welfare Officers.

(b) No, as will be clear from the reply to part (c) of question No. 1 of the same member.

141 @ Depressed Class Appointments of Inspectors of Railway Labour

4. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that five long standing

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 7th February 1944, p. 25. @ Ibid. p. 25.

officiating vacancies of Inspectors of Railways labour occurred because of the deputation of two Muslims, viz., Mr. A. Hamid and Mr. A. Karim, one Sikh, Mr. T. Singh, and two caste Hindus ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is true that the vacancies arose because of the deputations. 142

* Depressed Class Appointments of Inspectors of Railway Labour

5. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that five depressed class appointments of Inspectors of Railway Labour were made without any advertisement and without selection by the Selection Board ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No. Only three Scheduled Class candidates were appointed. Recruitment was not made by advertisement or by a Selection Board. 143 @ Depressed Class Appointments of Inspectors of Railway Labour

6. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour was justified in appointment of all the five new depressed class Inspectors without any selection ? Are they from amongst relatives of his own province of Bombay ? (b) Was the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour justified in appointing his relations and his own community people as clerks and Inspectors ? Is the Honourable Member aware that there were qualified depressed class candidates from other provinces also ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 7th February 1944, p. 25. @ Ibid., pp. 25-26.

(c) Why did not consider the claims of those who once served creditably in officiating vacancies as Inspectors ? (d) Why did the Supervisor of Railway Labour appoint Inspectors without consulting the Selection Board ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a), (c) and (d). I would refer to my reply to the previous question. The candidates appointed are not related to the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour. (b) I have given the information relating to Inspectors. As regards clerks out of eleven only one belongs to the Scheduled Caste whom the present Conciliation Officer (Railways) has appointed.

144

*Depressed Class Appointments of Inspectors of Railway Labour

7. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : Is the Honourable Member for Labour prepared to consider the desirability of filling up the five vacancies of Inspectors of Railway Labour by forming a Selection Board so that the legitimate claims of all communities may not be jeopardized ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The question of filling of vacancies in the grade of Inspectors is under examination of Government.

145 @ Bengalee Inspectors in the Office of the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour

8. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state how many Bengalee Inspectors there are in the office of the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 7th February 1944, p. 26. @ Ibid. p. 26.

Supervisor of Railway Labour ? If there is only one Bengalee, why are not more Bengalees appointed ?

(b) Is it not a fact that there arc sufficient number of qualified Bengalees, both amongst Hindus and Muslims, who are awaiting chances ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Two. (b) There may be sufficient and suitable Bengalees available for appointment but the presumption behind the question that the appointments arc made with any reference to the province of a candidate is not correct.

146

* Qualifications of Mr. D. G. Jadhav, Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour

9. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member state if it is true that Mr. D. G. Jadhav is at present the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour, Government of India ? If so, what are his qualifications ? Was he in Government service or in Railway service before ?

(b) Will the Honourable Member please state if it is a fact that Mr. Adur Rahman Puri, the Head Clerk of the Office of the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour has been degraded to the post of an Inspector ? If so, what are the reasons ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. Mr. D. G. Jadhav at present holds the post. Mr. Jadhav was an elected member of the Bombay Legislative Assembly prior to his present appointment. Besides being an elected member of the Backward Class Board, Bombay, he had served on many Select Committees, Development Boards, Advisory Committees and was an arbitrator of Co-operative Societies in the District of East Khandcsh. He is a B.A., L.L.B., having graduated in 1934 and taken his law degree in 1940. He has not been in Government or Railway Service before.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 7th February 1944, p. 26.

(b) The Honourable Member is presumably referring to Mr. Abdul Hamid Puri. He is reverted to his substantive post of an Inspector on expiry of his tenure of appointment as Head Clerk.

147

* Conciliation Officers (Railways) and Supervisors of Railway Labour

10. Mr. Muhammad Hussain Choudhury : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state who were the Conciliation Officers (Railways) and Supervisors of Railway labour since its creation ?

(b) Does he consider it desirable to post an I.C.S. Officer or otherwise an experienced officer as Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The combined post of Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour was held only by Mr. Khaleeli, I.C.S., before Mr. Jhadev was appointed to it.

(b) I do not consider it necessary that the post should be held only by an I.C.S. Officer or some other person who has had experience as an Officer of Government. 148 @ Output, etc. of Coal in British India and the States

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

(a) the output of coal in British India and in the States, separately, for the years 1941, 1942 and 1943 ; (b) the stocks of coal in British India and in the States as on the 31st December of 1941, 1942 and 1943, and

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. 1 of 1944, 7th February 1944, pp. 26-27. @ Ibid., pp. 37-38.

(c) the despatches of coal, including the colliery consumption, from collieries in British India and in the States during the years 1941, 1942 and 1943 ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The output of coal in British India and the States during 1941 and 1942 was : 1941 1942 British India ... 26,088,600 25,949,800 States ... 3,260,400 3,385,100 (b) Stocks of coal in British India on the 31st December 1941, were 2,767,500 tons. Stocks on 31st December 1942, were estimated by the C.I.M. to have been 2,521,600 tons. The figures reported by collieries were found to be greatly exaggerated when they were checked by the C.I.M. Stock figures of States are not available.

(c) The despatches of coal including the colliery consumption from collieries in British India during the years 1941 and 1942 were 24,257,700 tons and 22,695,800 tons respectively. The despatches of coal excluding colliery consumption from collieries in the States during 1941 and 1942 were 3,243,200 tons and 3,370,500 tons, respectively. Figures of colliery consumption in the States are not available.

It is not in the public interest to disclose figures for 1943 at present.

149

* Coal Position

20. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state to what extent the present output of coal is below the requirements of the country ?

(b) Is it a fact that recently the Department of the Chief Inspector of Mines measured the stocks of the different collieries as reported to him by the respective collieries, and found a large shortage ? If so, what was the quantity of shortage, and how was it explained ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) It is not in the public interest to disclose to what extent the present output of coal is below the requirements of the country.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I, 7th February 1944, p. 38.

(b) Coal Stocks were checked at the end of May 1943, and a shortage of over 2 million tons was found. During 1942 a number of collieries had given fictitious figures of raising probably in order to obtain a better wagon allotment. Proceedings have been taken against a number of collieries for submitting incorrect returns. Periodical checks are now made. 150

* The Coal Mines Safety (Stowing)

Amendment Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I beg to move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Coal Mines Safety (Stowing) Act, 1939. Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): The question is:

“That leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the Coal Mines Safety (Stowing) Act, 1939.” The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I introduce the Bill.

151 @ Lifting of Ban on Employment of Women on Underground Work in Coal Mines Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): The next motion is in the name of Mrs. Renuka Ray. She wishes to discuss the question of permission given to women to work underground in the coal mines at Jharia and other neighbouring areas.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): The only point I would like to submit is that the matter which is sought to be raised on this adjournment motion cannot be said to be a matter of recent occurrence. The original notifications under which the prohibitions were lifted are two; one is dated the 2nd August 1943, and the

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 7th February 1944, p. 55. @ Ibid. p. 93.

other is dated the 18lh August 1943. The notification dated the 24th November 1943, is merely a continuation of the notifications to which I have already referred and which are dated August 1943. There has been a Session of the Legislature after the August notifications were issued.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : What was the notification ? Permitting women to work underground ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes. I would also like to say that I do not wish to take my stand on these formal objections to the motion, and if the House desires to have this matter discussed I am prepared to give in.

Mr. N. M. Joshi (Nominated Non-Official): May I say a word on this point ? Although the Government of India may have issued their notifications before the last Session of the Assembly, actual effect was given to them in the most important coal mining areas only recently. I therefore feel that the subject is of importance and of recent occurrence.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : The notifications of August did not refer to Jharia and other neighbouring areas ?

Mr. N. M. Joshi : No.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : Were these areas excluded from the notifications?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No. We have proceeded stage by stage. The first intention of the Government of India to lift this prohibition was dated the 2nd August 1943. That applied to C. P. and Berar mines.

Mrs. Renuka Ray (Nominated Non-Official): May I point out that the notifications of the 2nd and 18th August 1943 were protested against, but Government took no notice of the protests. In any case I have only brought up Jharia and other neighbouring areas and notifications relating to them came out after the last Session of the legislature.

Mr. President-(The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : That being so and as the Honourable Member in charge has no objection to the motion being discussed, the motion will be taken up at 4 o’clock.

* Conservation of Coal in India

80. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Has the attention of the Honourable Member for Labour been drawn to the observations on the question of conservation of coal in India made by Dr. H. K. Sen, Director, Indian Lac Research Institute, Namkum, Ranchi, and Chairman of the Fuel Research Committee of the Board of Scientific and Industrial Research, in the course of certain lectures delivered in December, 1943, at the Patna University ?

(b) Is it a fact that this question has from time to time been raised for the consideration of Government by different experts ? If so, what action has so far been taken by Government in this matter ?

(c) To what extent and in what manner has the larger utilisation of low grade coal, particularly on the part of the Railways, as suggested by Dr. Sen in his aforesaid lectures, been carried out or is proposed to be carried out in future. (d) Are these questions being taken up for immediate consideration in view particularly of difficulties of the present coal position in the country ?

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

(b) Yes.

(i) In 1939 the Government of India passed the Coal Mines Stowing Act. The Slowing Board has, by assistance given to voluntary stowing achieved considerable success in the conservation of high quality coal.

(ii) Under certain regulations under the Indian Coal Mines Regulations passed in 1939 restrictions were imposed on the dimension of workings which, apart from their safety value, have led to the conservation of coal.

(c) Expert Combustion Engineers have been attached to the office of the Controller of Coal Distribution, one of whose duties will be to ensure that industries that can consume a lower grade of coal are not supplied with a higher grade. The assistance of Provincial Governments has been invited in conducting a survey of coal consuming factories

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central). Vol. I of 1944, 10th February 1944, pp. 203-4.

through the agency of Boiler Inspectors in consultation with Combustion Engineers. Government attach importance to a vigorous fuel economy campaign and this is already receiving the attention of the Coal Commissioner. Low grade coal is supplied to the maximum extent possible for the various services against Railway demands.

(d) These questions are constantly under the attention of Government.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : I think the Honourable Member said that his attention has not been drawn to the observations to which I refer.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : My attention has not been drawn to the lectures to which the Honourable Member refers.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : But they were reported in the press. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: They might have been.

Mr. K. C. Neogy: But is it not expected that the Honourable Member should take some notice of such important observations ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Not everything that appears in newspapers.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : But the gentleman holds rather a responsible position.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I would like the Honourable Member to send me a copy. I have not seen it. Mr. K. C. Neogy : That is rather a pity. May I know whether in connection with the present coal drive he will see to it that as much as possible, and as high a proportion as possible, of the low grade coal is utilised for the purpose ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have already said that Government have undertaken measures in that direction. Mr. K. C. Neogy : I was wanting the Honourable Member’s assurance in connection with the present coal drive. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Certainly. Mr. Hooseinbhoy A. Lalljee : May I ask how many experts have been employed.

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

* Coal Position

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

(a) the latest position regarding coal production in India, and whether there has been any increase or reduction in raisings since the 1st December 1943; and, if so, to what extent;

(b) If he is aware that a number of colliery are not working at all or not working to full capacity;

(c) what steps, with a special reference to the provision of labour, foodgrains, mechanisation and taxation adjustments;

(d) what steps are being taken;

(i) to deal with recalcitrant colliery owners who are deliberately refraining from producing the maximum possible; and (ii) to ensure the efficient distribution of coal, and to prevent its going into the black market, and (e) whether Railway collieries are working to full capacity; and if not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Coal production has recently shown some improvement. Raisings in December 1943, showed an increase of over 20 per cent over November. January figures are not yet available; but it is believed that there has been a still further increase.

(b) Government are not aware of any mines which can be safely and economically worked and which have been closed down. A number of mines have not been able to work to full capacity due to shortage of labour or machinery or to their workings having become flooded during the last monsoon.

(c)(i) A Government labour force up to 10,000 men is being established in the Bengal and Bihar coalfields initially for work on quarrying or loading coal. It is hoped that after some experience it will work underground. The first 1,000 men have already arrived. A force of 1,000 men have also been provided temporarily by the military for coal loading. Government labour has also been provided for railway

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 10th February 1944, pp. 205-7.

collieries and for the Singareni collieries in Hyderabad. Steps are also being taken to prevent colliery workers being employed on other works in the coalfields.

(ii) The mining associations have agreed to provide foodgrains to their labour at the rate of 6 seers to the rupee. The Government of India are arranging with Provincial Governments to provide foodgrains for miners and their dependants in certain quantities. In addition, wages together with dearness allowance have been raised to 50 per cent above their 1939 level. Further, the Government of India are encouraging all collieries to introduce a production bonus based either on attendance or on out-put, and it is understood that many collieries have already introduced such a bonus.

(iii) Every effort is being made to obtain machinery from abroad. Government is prepared to allow depreciation both for Excess Profits Tax and Income-tax on new coal cutting machinery now to be purchased at an annual rate of 50 per cent on the written down value of such machinery. The trade have been asked whether they will accept these terms and if so, to send details of the machinery they require. Their reactions arc awaited. (iv) A proposal to encourage production by granting bonuses on increased out-put free of Excess Profits Tax is under discussion with the trade.

(v) Steps are also being taken to provide consumer goods, standard cloth and medical stores in adequate quantities. (d) (i) Government are not aware of any colliery owner who is deliberately refraining from producing the maximum possible. In order, however, to prevent any such possibility, a scheme is under consideration and is being discussed with the trade by the Coal Commissioner, whereby a target figure of production will be fixed for each colliery. It is proposed under the scheme that where a mine owner fails to produce the target tonnage, the Coal Commissioner will, unless he is satisfied that there is some good reason for such default, issue a formal warning to the mine owner that in the event of persistent default, Government will requisition his mines and may, if circumstances so require, acquire the mines outright.

(ii) The distribution of coal is made by the Controller of Coal Distribution working under the direction of the War Transport

Department in accordance with a rationing scheme approved by the War Resources Committee of Council. All coal despatches are made against licenses or priority certificates issued from the Controller of Coal Distribution’s office. These are based on the quotas fixed for each industry within the general rationing instructions and in line with the recommendations made by the Departments concerned with the various industries. Detailed dayto-day instructions are issued to each colliery as to the consignee against whom they should load. The actual loading on the part of the collieries receives a check at the weighment depot stations. The returns compiled by the depot stations are further scrutinised by the allotment offices. Inspectors working under the Railways and the Controller’s organisation make frequent checks of actual booking at stations of arrival and at destination stations to ensure that collieries have booked the wagons to the consignee for whom the wagon has been allotted in accordance with the priority certificate, and that at the destination stations the wagon is delivered to the proper consignee and not allowed to go into the open market. Several cases of coal having been sold in the black market have been detected and prosecutions have been launched. (e) Every possible step is being taken to develop the capacity of the Railway collieries to their full extent as quickly as circumstances permit. Whilst considerable progress has been made I am not yet in a position to state that all Railway Collieries are being worked to their full capacity. Present difficulties are due to : (i) shortage of labour, (ii) unavoidable delay in the introduction of mechanical plant, (iii) want of line capacity to move the increased output. All these difficulties are expected to be overcome shortly. Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan : In reply to part (b), the Honourable Member said about the collieries which are not working to full capacity. How many of them are represented by European companies ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am unable to give any answer to that at this stage. I do not think we can have any information as to which are not working to full capacity and which of them are European-owned and which Indian-owned. Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan : Will the Honourable Member be pleased to make an inquiry and inform this House during this session before the Railway Budget comes in ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not think I can undertake to make such an inquiry.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : Is the Honourable Member in a position to give the information asked for by Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan, not with reference to the nationality of the owning interest but as to whether all the collieries, big and small, are doing the work properly, and whether the Honourable Member’s scheme is intended to apply to the smaller collieries as much as to the larger ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is intended to apply to all collieries and with regard to the first part of the question put by my Honourable friend all I can say is that I am prepared to undertake an inquiry which will help in producing more coal. I do not want to hold any assize enquiry over the coal mines. Mr. N. M. Joshi : May I ask, whenever the Honourable Member makes a statement that the wages of the miners have been increased by 50 per cent, he will also state at the same time that the cost of living in the colliery areas has increased three times the pre-war cost of living index, in order to avoid misunderstanding regarding the statement which he makes ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I believe that this is a direction to me and not a question.

Nawabzada Muhammad Liaquat Ali Khan : Is any quantity of coal exported from India ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: No, except to Ceylon. Mr. N. M. Joshi: Is it a fact that the Honourable Member had stated that women miners are not compelled to go underground and if he has made such a statement, may I ask how he reconciles that fact with the statement which he has just now made that the Government of India are taking steps to refuse employment to miners elsewhere ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not see any contradiction.

Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan : In reply to part(c) of the question about the taxation adjustment, the Honourable Member has not explained what was the demand of the colliery owners— whether they were unwilling to pay the E. P. T. and whether they have wanted exemption from the Payment of E. P. T. On what ground do they want to be exempted from E. P. T. ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : On the ground that coal was a wasting asset.

Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani: May I know the quantity of coal exported to Ceylon ?

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

154

* Publication of Certain Annual Reports Concerning Labour on Railways

43. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state if the following reports have since been issued ? If not, why not, and when are they likely to be issued ?

(i) Annual report on the working of the Payment of Wages Act, IV of 1936, by the Conciliation Officer (Railways) and Supervisor of Railway Labour, Calcutta; and (ii) Annual report on the working of the Hours of Employment Regulations on the Indian Railways during the year 1941-42 ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The last reports published were for the year 1940-41. Printing of future reports has been temporarily discontinued due to acute shortage of paper.

155 @ The Coal Mines Safety (Stowing)

Amendment Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member) : Mr. President, in view of the desire expressed by some Honourable Members of the House that they would like to have some more time to consider the Bill. I do not propose to make the motion for consideration of the Bill which is put down against my name.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 10th February 1944, p. 210. @Ibid., p. 211.

*Administrative Officers Promoted as Commissioned Officers in Civil Pioneer Force in Provinces

111. Mr. G. Rangiah Naidu : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state:

(a) the number of Administrative Officers promoted as Commissioned Officers in the Civil Pioneer Force in various Provinces in 1941, 1942 and 1943; if not, why not;

(b) if there is any subsequent law passed to restrict the Civil Pioneer Force Officers to apply for Commissioned Officers’ posts in the army; (c) the number of Commissioned and Administrative Officers recruited from among the Hindus such as Non-Brahmins, Backward and Scheduled Communities, Christians, Mahomedans and AngloIndians; (d) the rate of daily rations of the Pioneer and that of the Administrative Officers, separately; and (e) how many clerks who were working in the Civil Pioneer Force Department, were promoted as Administrative Officers in 1941, 1942 and 1943; if not, why not?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a), (c) and (c) With regard to these parts, three statements giving the required information separately are placed on the table of the House.

These refer to 1942 and 1943; the Civil Pioneer Force had not been raised in 1941.

(b) No, but if an officer undertakes service in the Civil Pioneer Force he is under an obligation to serve in the force so long as his services are required— vide Civil Pioneer Force Ordinance, Section 9. At present no officer can be released.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 16th February 1944, pp. 281-83.

(d) Prior to 1st March 1943, no free ration was admissible to Administrative Officers; since then the concession has been extended to them at the same rate allowed to Civil Pioneers, namely, at a cost of Rs. 15 per mensem per head. Of late owing to fluctuations in prices of foodstuffs it has not been possible to maintain the rate. The Provincial Government have, therefore, been authorised to purchase rations on the approved scale at a cost not greater than the prevailing market rates provided the purchase is made by the Provincial authorities themselves. STATEMENT Part (a)

1942 Central Provinces and Berar … … 5 1943 1942 Orissa … … 2 1943 1942 Madras … … 1 1943 Bombay … … Nil … Punjab … … 1942 … 1943 3 United Provinces … … 1942 1943 1 Bihar … … 1942 … 1943 2 Bengal … … 1942 3 1943 11 North West Frontier Province … … 1942 1 1943 2 Total ... 31 It should be noted that the two classes of Officers are of quite separate status. If a candidate is accepted as an Administrative Officer, the Provincial Governments are under no obligation to elevate him to Commissioned Officer grade. In certain cases, however, Administrative Officers, who have proved their worth, have been granted Commissions as 2nd Lieutenants when vacancies occurred.

STATEMENT

Part (c)

Province Non- Brah- mins Brah- mins Back- ward Classes Sche- duled Castes Mus- lims Chris- tians Anglo Indians C. P. and Berar :

Commissioned Officers 5 4 1 2 3 1 … Administrative Officers 8 5 … … … 1 … Orissa :

Commissioned Officers 18 9 1 … 4 2 … Administrative Officers … …. …. …. …. …. …. Madras :

Commissioned Officers 34 … … 7 7 15* … Administrative Officers … … … … … … … Bombay :

Commissioned Officers 2 6 … 3 2 … … Administrative Officers 4 1 1 … 1 … ... Punjab:

Commissioned Officers 11 … … 2 13 1 … Administrative Officers 8 … … … 9 … … United Provinces :

Commissioned Officers 15 … … 4 5 2 1 Administrative Officers 7 2 4 1 Bihar:

Commissioned Officers 17 … … 2 5 2 … Administrative Officers … … … … … … … Bengal :

Commissioned Officers 31 … … 17 56 7 … Administrative Officers … … … … … … … North West Frontier Province : Commissioned Officers … … … … 19 … … Administrative Officers 1 … … … 7 … … TOTAL 161 25 3 39 135 32 1

* Includes both.

STATEMENT

Part (e)

1942 2Central Provinces and Berar … … 1943 Orissa … … 1942 Nil2 Madras … … 1943 1 1942 1Bombay … … 1943

Punjab … … 1942 … 1943 3 United Provinces … … Nil 1942 … Bihar 1943 1 1942 2 Bengal … … 1943 11 1942 … North West Frontier Province … … 1943 1 Total … 24 Clerks in the Civil Pioneer Force are on a relatively low rate of pay consequently not many of them are suitable for promotion to Administrative Officer. Mr. G. Rangiah Naidu : Is it not a fact that in the beginning of the war these Administrative Officers were allowed to apply for posts of Commissioned Officers if and when vacancies arose ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information on the point.

157

*Accommodation for Women Government Servants

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

(a) if there is a Labour Department rule to the effect that no Government servant earning less than Rs. 600 per month is entitled to accommodation in a Government hostel, hotel or other residence in Delhi or New Delhi classified as “first class accommodation”;

(b) whether this rule applies to women Government servants;

(c) if the answer to (b) is in the affirmative, if any variation of the rule is made in the case of women Government servants who live away from their homes and for whom the available accommodation is not suitable, or who, though not drawing more than Rs. 600 per month, are filling posts whose permanent male incumbents draw more than that amount;

(d) the composition of the Accommodation Advisory Committee;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 16th February 1944, p. 283.

(c) if this Committee is empowered to authorise departures from the above rule in suitable cases; and (f) in how many cases this Committee has relaxed the rule in respect of women Government servants ?

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

(b) Yes.

(c) No.

(d) (i) Lt. General T. J. Hutton, C.B., M.C.

(ii) The Honourable Mr. H. C. Prior, C.S.I., C.I.E., I.C.S. (iii) The Honourable Mr. E. Conran-Smith, C.S.I., CLE., I.C.S. (iv) Mr. G. Mackworth-Young, C.I.E., I.C.S.

(e) No, the Committee can only make recommendations to His Excellency the Governor-General.

(f) In view of the answer to (e) above, this does not arise. Sir F. E. James : My Honourable friend is doubtless aware of the hardship which the rigid application of this rule inflicts upon a number of perfectly good, hard-working and deserving women in Government service ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am aware of that. Mr. N. M. Joshi : May I ask if the Government of India propose to introduce rationing of accommodation in view of the difficulty felt by several people ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I can give no answer at this stage.

Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra : May I ask when was this Accommodation Advisory Committee appointed and who appointed it ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information available at this stage.

158 Introduction of Women Labour in Coal Mines

114. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the Honourable Member has re-introduced women labour in coal mines ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1944, 16th February 1944, pp. 285-86.