2. कॅबिनेट मिशन आणि अस्पृश्य : डॉ. आंबेडकर

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

334

* Public Utility Concerns held by Non-Indian Interests 1591. Mr. T. S. Avinashilingam Chettiar : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state : (a) the number of public utility concerns held by British and other non-Indian interests in India; and (b) whether any attempts were made to acquire these public utility concerns ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b). The information asked for is being collected and will be laid on the table of the House.

335 @ Audit of Accounts of Government of India Presses 1596. Sri K. B. Jinaraja Hegde : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state :

(a) whether the accounts of the Government of India Presses are annually audited by the Accountant General, Central Revenue, New Delhi;

(b) whether copies of the audit reports are sent to his Department for perusal and action; and whether such copies were received in the last two years; if so, the action taken thereon.

(c) whether it is a fact that serious discrepancies in the accounts of paper were found in the last two reports and no action was taken on them; if so, what the reasons are; and (d) whether Government propose to place a copy of each of the audit reports for the last two years of the New Delhi Press on the table of the House ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The accounts of the Presses are audited by the Accountant General, Central Revenue and other Accountants General who act on his behalf.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 4th April 1945, p. 2428. @ Ibid., p. 2431.

(b) Reports are submitted by audit to Heads of Departments. Reference is made to Government of India only on points of importance or matters on which settlement cannot be reached. (c) The 1942-43 report revealed certain discrepancies which were mostly due to wrong entries in registers. The matter is still under examination. The 1943-44 report has recently been received and is under examination by the Controller of Printing and Stationery, India.

(d) No. Important points are included in the Appropriation Accounts of the Year by the Accountant General, Central Revenues. These accounts are examined by the Public Accounts Committee and their report is laid before the Legislative Assembly. Sri K. B. Jinaraja Hegde : May I know with reference to part (d) of the question whether the Honourable Member will please lay the audit reports on the table of the House ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No, Sir, It is not necessary. These are included in the Public Accounts Committee reports.

Sri K. B. Jinaraja Hegde : May I know whether these audit reports are incorporated in full in the Public Accounts Committee reports ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Such parts of it as are necessary for the purposes of the Public Accounts Committee are incorporated.

336

* Central Government Servants not provided with Quarters 1606. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state the percentage of Central Government servants servicing in Delhi and New Delhi and having a monthly salary of below Rs. 600 who have not so far been provided with any Government accommodation ? (b) Is it a fact that a Government servant whose monthly salary is below Rs. 600 is not deprived of his quarter when he becomes out of class until accommodation of a higher type can be provided to him ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 4th April 1945, p. 2439.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(c) Will Government please state the number of Government servants in Delhi and New Delhi who were in possession of Government quarters but have been deprived of them on technical ground of transfer from one Government office to another in New Delhi e.g. from Agricultural Institute, Pusa, Government of India Press, New Delhi, A.G.P. & T. etc., to the Government of India Main Secretariat Departments ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) About 65 per cent.

(b) Yes.

(c) The required information is not readily available and its collection at this stage would not justify the labour involved, but I would inform the Honourable Member that except in the case of the staff transferred from Government of India Press, Agricultural Research Institute and A.G.P. & T’s Office, who have got their separate pool of quarters, no officer is required to vacate his quarter on transfer from one Government office to another in New Delhi.

337

* Plight of Central Government Servants deprived of Quarters on Transfer to another Office in New Delhi 1607. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that in a considerable number of cases where Government servants have been deprived of their quarters, the persons concerned have a total length of permanent service under the Central Government in Delhi and New Delhi for a period of fifteen years or more ?

(b) Are Government aware that under the existing conditions, some of these Government servants who had to wait in the beginning for a number of years before they got Government accommodation, will have no chance during their service-life to get Government accommodation again ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 4th April 1945, p. 2439.

(c) Is it a fact that distinction between orthodox and unorthodox quarters has been abolished with a view to enlarge the scope of a Government servant to get accommodation in Delhi and New Delhi ?

(d) Do Government propose to consider the cases of Government servants referred to in (a) and (b) above and grant them relief in the matter of accommodation by taking into account their length of service under the Central Government in Delhi and New Delhi. If not, why not?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The Honourable Member’s attention is invited to reply to part (c) of starred question No. 1606.

(b) Officers mentioned in my reply to the last question may have to wait for their turn in the general pool, but for how long they may have to wait, I cannot say.

(c) Yes.

(d) The length of service in the general pool is always the deciding factor. Government do not consider it equitable to alter this rule in favour of any particular groups of Government servants.

338

* Applications for Khas Khas Tatties from Occupants of Government Quarters in Delhi and New Delhi

131. Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether he is aware that formal applications in regard to the supply of khas khas tatties in the residences occupied by Government servants in Delhi and New Delhi during the ensuing Summer Season, 1945, were invited by the 20th March, 1945, vide Additional Chief Engineer (Western Zone) Central Public Works Department, circular memorandum No. WII/3708, dated the 20th February, 1945 and No. WII/3708, dated the 13th March, 1945 ?

(b) Is he also aware that the Summer allotment (1945) is not yet out ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 4th April 1945, p. 2449.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(c) If the reply to (b) above be in the affirmative, does he propose to extend the date for applying for khas khas tatties in the case of those Government servants who will be allotted quarters in April, 1945, but have none at present ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) As seasonal allotments have been dispensed with under the latest Rules, this question does not arise. (c) Government servants who have no official quarters now and will be alloted official quarters in April, will be permitted to apply for khas khas tatties upto the end of April, although the supply of such tatties will be necessary somewhat delayed. 339

* Technical Centres opened by Labour Department 1697. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please mention the number of Technical Centres opened by the Labour Department (i) in association with Muslim Institutions, (ii) in association with non-Muslim Institutions, and (iii) in association with independent Institutions not connected with any Engineering Institutions ? (b) How many of the Institutions under (iii) are under Muslim Administration, and how many under non-Muslim administration ?

(c) Does the Honourable Member propose to lay on the table of the House the names of all these Centres for Technicians mentioned in classes (i), (ii) and (iii) ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) (i) 5, (ii) 74, (iii) If by “independent institutions” are meant “private institutions”, there are 36.

(b) Of the 36, 2 are under purely Muslim administration. (c) A statement is laid on the table.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2611.

STATEMENT

I. Technical Training Centres associated with Muslim Institutions A. Engineering :—

1. Abdullah Fazalbhoy Technical Institute, St. Xavier College, Bombay.

2. Anglo-Arabic College Technical Institute, Delhi.

3. Muslim University Engineering College, Aligarh. B. Non-Engineering :—

4. Anjuman Industrial School, Madras.

5. Shia Intermediate College, Lucknow.

II. Technical Training Centres Association with Non-Muslim Institutions (Excluding Centres Associated with Institutions run by Provincial Governments and States and with Railway Workshops). A. Engineering :—

1. B.P. Chdy. Technical School, Krishnagar.

2. College of Engineering and Technology, Bengal.

3. D. J. Industrial School, Rajshahi.

4. Don Bosco Technical School, Krishnagar.

5. I. G. N. Co., Ltd., Sonachara Workshop, Narayanganj.

6. K. K. Technical School, Mymensingh.

Mr. T. S. Avinashilingam Chettiar : What is the nature of these technical centres ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They are centres where technical training is given.

Mr. T. S. Avinashilingam Chettiar : For what industries ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : For many of the trades.

Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan : Is Aligarh one of them ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes, certainly. 340

* Opening of War Technicians Depot or Reception Centre 1698. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : Is the Honourable the Labour Member contemplating to open War Technicians Depot or Reception Centre ? If so, at what places ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2614.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The Government of India propose to have a Reception Depot in each circle where civilian recruits after being selected for training may be sent for short periods before being allotted to a training centre. A statement indicating the reception depots already sanctioned, their capacity and location is placed on the table. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : Are there many centres ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The Honourable Member may see the statement and find for himself. I am placing a statement on the table.

Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : What is the total number of reception centres ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I cannot make a calculation here.

Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): The Honourable Member had better look at the table. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : It is not a big list. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is a big list. I cannot read the whole thing unless you Sir, permit me to do so. India is divided into circles Northern Circle, Central Circle, N.E. Circle, S. E. Circle, Eastern Circle, Western Circle and Southern Circle.

Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : What are their headquarters ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The headquarters or centres for training are : Northern Circle, Lyllpur and Sonepat; Central Circle—Delhi, Akola or Nagpur; N. E. Circle—Aligarh; S. E. Circle—Gulzarbagh (Patna) and Cuttack; Eastern Circle— Hooghly; Western Circle—Worli (Bombay) and Hubli; Southern Circle— Madras, Bewada, Trivandrum and Coimbatore. 341

* Developing of U. P. Technical Training Centres into Politechnique 1699. Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state the technical training Centres in U. P. which Government are contemplating to develop into polytechnique ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2614.

Is it not a fact that Government have selected two places for developing Technical training centres into Polytechnique, i.e. Dyal Bagh and Benares University ? Is the Honourable Member aware of the fact that the Aligarh Muslim University Engineering College has been omitted from the list of the Centres ?

(b) Is it not a fact that Aligarh Centre was included in the list on the special request of the Muslim League Party ? Is it not a fact that one of the Inspectors and Advisers who deal with the War Technicians’ class is a Muslim ? If the answer is in the negative, what is the number of Muslim Inspectors ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) There is no scheme under consideration of the Labour Department at present for developing any training centre, either in the United Provinces or anywhere else, into a polytechnic. The question of selecting any centre for this purpose does not therefore arise.

(b) In view of the reply given to (a) above the fist part of the question under (b) does not arise. As regards the rest of part (b) none of the Regional Inspectors under the Technical Training scheme is a Muslim and there are no officers designated as “Advisers”.

342

* Starting of Canteens and Cafeteria in Industrial Establishments 1700. Sri K. B. Jinaraja Hegde : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state :

(a) whether Government is encouraging starting of canteens and cafeteria in all industrial establishments by the employers where food is made available at cheap rates;

(b) how many such (i) canteens, and (ii) cafetaria are started in the country in 1944-45;

(c) whether Government have offered any such benefits to the workers in the Ordinance Factories in the country;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2615.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(d) whether the Honourable Member is aware that the workers in the Aravankada Factory have demanded such benefits from Government; and (e) whether Government propose to offer such benefits to their workers at Aravankadu ?

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

(b) No statistics of canteens as distinct from cafeteria are maintained. Information available shows that towards the close of 1944, there were 315 establishments for supplying cooked food and the rest provided refreshments.

(c) Yes.

(d) No.

(e) Provision already exists at the Factory for the sale of tea and other light refreshments. The question of providing meals at the Factory will be considered if the demand therefor becomes appreciable.

Shri K. B. Jinaraja Hegde : How many workers should apply for these benefits ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Certainly, if they express a desire it will be considered ?

Sri K. B. Jinaraja Hegde : What is the number of workers that should apply ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : So far we have not prescribed any minimum for a demand of this kind. Prof. N. G. Ranga : Is it one of the task of their welfare officers to encourage employers to provide these facilities for their employees ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We are thinking of that. 343

* Increasing of Dearness Allowance and Scales of Pay of Government of India Press Employees 1706. Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Kazmi : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether Government are aware : (i) that the Unions of the Government of India Presses have formed a Federation of their own ;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2619.

(ii) that a statement has been issued by the Executive Committee of the Government Press Unions Federation, India, narrating the woeful tale of the hardship of the Press employees with some recommendations for an increase in Dearness Allowance and the scales of pay; and (b) If the answers to (a) are in the affirmative, has any action been taken in the matter since the issue of the statement ? If not, when does he intend to take action, and in what way ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) (i) and (ii) Yes. (b) The matter is under the consideration of Government. 344

*Safeguarding of Indian Interests in Mica Mines 1709. Prof. N. G. Ranga : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if his attention has been drawn to an article in the Free Press Journal of the 16th March, 1945, under the title, ‘India Chief Producer of Mica’ in which it is pointed out that British and American interests are trying to get control of mica mines in India ?

(b) If this is true, what precautions are Government taking to safeguard the interests of those engaged in mica industry at present, and of Indian Joint Stock Companies, who have acquired mica interests ?

(c) How many Indian Joint Stock Companies are interested in Mica mines in India ?

(d) Have any applications been received by the Controller of Capital Issues to register new companies in respect of mica, and has permission been given ? If so, to which ones ? (e) Do Government propose to give an assurance that mica interests in the hands of Indians will not be threatened by more powerful British or American interests and that they will not be deprived of the existing rights?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The article in question is not traceable in the Free Press Journal of the 16th March, 1945.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2619.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(b) The question does not arise.

(c) According to the annual returns received for the period ending 31st March 1943, the number is twenty. Later information is not available.

(d) Applications have been received by the Examiner of Capital Issues, and permission has been given in some cases. It is not the practice of the Department concerned to disclose the names of the firms with which they have been dealing. (e) Government are alive to the necessity for putting the Indian Mica industry on a sound footing and they intend to take all possible steps to safeguard the interests of the Indian mica producer.

Mr. Manu Subedar: May I know why Government have not attempted to bring the small mica producers together into a combine under their supervision and guidance and why they are making the way open for foreign interests ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We do not propose to take any step until we receive the report of the Committee we have appointed.

Mr. Manu Subedar: Will Government permit the small Indian interests to be bought out by these foreign interests ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not wish to prejudge the issue.

Prof. N. G. Ranga : Meanwhile what is to happen to this industry ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : There is no need to fear very much on that account.

Mr. Manu Subedar : Will Government give an assurance to the House ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As soon as the report is received we shall take all the necessary measures. 345

* Bad Condition of Timarpur Quarters, Delhi 1722. Mr. Badri Dutt Pande : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether Government quarters in Timarpur were built temporarily ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2630.

(b) Is he aware that these quarters are now in worst condition, that no repairs can stand for long, and that there is always a danger of some of the quarters coming down at any time ? (c) Is he aware that the New Delhi Government quarters are cent per cent better than those in Timarpur ?

(d) Is he further aware that even in C Type of quarters there is only one water tap, whereas in the New Delhi quarters there are three to four taps ?

(e) Is he aware that neither any Executive Engineer nor any higher official has ever gone to these quarters to see whether each one has been properly repaired or not, and that no one looks after the convenience of the tenants there ?

(f) Why do Government charge the same rate of rent from those living in much inferior type of quarters where there are less facilities as compared to the New Delhi quarters ? Do Government propose to have the case examind and reduce the rent ?

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

(b) No, but I am aware that these quarters require frequent repairs. (c) The New Delhi quarters are much superior to the Timarpur quarters.

(d) Yes.

(e) No. On the other hand my information is that the quarters are regularly inspected by responsible officials of the Department. There is an Enquiry Office at site for the tenants to register their complaints. (f) It is not possible to lay down different rates for recovery of rent from Government servants for similar type of quarters though the facilities may be somewhat less. The standard rents of Timarpur quarters are lower compared with the standard rents of similar quarters in New Delhi and consequently a larger number of occupants of these quarters pay less than 10 per cent of their salaries. The question of reducing rents does not arise.

Prof. N. G. Ranga : Have any steps been taken to improve the amenities for the older quarters ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They have already got amenities.

Prof. N. G. Ranga : The Honourable Member stated in his question that water laps and other conveniences do not exist. Will the amenities be improved.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will look into the matter.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

346

* Difficulty re Accommodation of Simla Staff permanently Located at New Delhi 1723. Mr. Badri Dutt Pande : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state the number of staff who have come down from Simla to be located permanently at New Delhi ? (b) Is he aware that much inconvenience is being felt by the staff and others for locating such staff far away from the main Branches of the Departments or Offices ?

(c) Docs he propose to see that each departmental unit is located in one building ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The information is not readily available and its collection does not justify the time and labour involved.

(b) Yes.

(c) Under the present circumstances it is not always possible to accommodate the entire staff of a particular office in one building. Attempts are however made to adhere to this principle as far as possible.

347 @ Government Contribution to Indian Labour Federation 1800. Mr. Badri Dutt Pande : (a) Will the Honourable the labour Member please state whether Government has seen a book entitled “The Story of a Sordid Episode” of Rs. 13,000 grant given by his Department to Mr. M. N. Roy as Secretary, Indian Federation of Labour, published by one Ganpat Raj ? (b) Will Government please lay a statement of accounts showing how the amount was spent ?

(c) Will Government please state whether this grant of Rs. 13,000 per month has been included in the current years budget, and, if so, under what head the figure is shown in Demands for grant ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April, 1945, p. 2631. @ Ibid., 12th April 1945. p. 2797.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) I have, not seen the book.

(b) The attention of the Honourable member is drawn to my answer to his supplementary question to starred question No. 31 by Mr. Lalchand Navalrai on the 2nd November 1944. (c) Yes; it is included in Demands for Grants for 1945-46 under the head “Miscellaneous Expenditure connected with the War-C.5— Expenditure on War Publicity-C. 5 (4)—Labour propaganda”.

Mr. Badri Dutt Pande : The Honourable Member had said the other day that a statement of the accounts will be placed on the table of the House. When is he going to do that? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That does not arise out of this.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai: If the Honourable Member has not read that book, may I tell him that there are two books, one against the other. One is by Mr. Jamnadas Mehta and the other by Mr. Roy. Will the Honourable Member send for these books and read them and he will then find that there is a contradiction between them ? Will the Honourable Member then go into this question and find out how this money has been spent-whether it has been divided half and half between them or what ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I do not propose to spend my money on purchasing them. If they are sent to me, I will read them.

Mr. T. S. Avinashilingam Chettiar : I am sorry I could not catch the answer to part (c) of the question. Will the Honourable Member kindly repeat it ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I said that the grant is in the Demands for Grants.

Mr. T. S. Avinashilingam Chettiar : Has the grant been enhanced or is it the same amount ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is the same amount.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : If I send these books which I have got with me, will the Honourable Member read them ?

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If I find time, I will.

Mr. Badri Dutt Pande : How did the Honourable Member say in reply to my supplementary question that the question does not arise of placing a statement of accounts on the table of the House when it is definitely stated in the question that a statement of accounts should be so laid showing how the amount was spent ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have not been able to follow the question.

Mr. Badri Dutt Pande : You said just now that the question of laying a statement of the accounts on the table does not arise, but that is a definite part of the question as stated in part (b).

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am sorry. Such information as I have I will lay on the table of the House. 348

* Authority for Appointment of Mica Enquiry Committees 1801. Mr. Ram Narayan Singh : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether, according to the 7th Schedule of the Provincial Legislative List, item 27 to the Government of India Act, 1935, Mica Industry is a provincial subject ? If so, is the formation of the present Mica Enquiry Committee by the Government of India within their powers under the Act ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have nothing further to add to the reply I gave to Mr. Satya Narayan Sinha’s short notice question on the same subject on the 20th of November, 1944.

Mr. Ram Narayan Singh : May I ask whether this is an encroachment by the Government of India on the rights of the Provincial Governments ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I said, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April, 1945, p. 2631.

* British-American Mica Mission 1802. Mr. Ram Narayan Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state at whose instance the present joint British American Mica Mission was instituted ?

(b) What is the respective strength of the British and American representatives on the said Mission ?

(c) What are the purposes and functions of the Mission ? (d) Is it only a ware measure or is the Mission to permanently continue even after the war ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The Joint Mica Mission was set up as a result of discussions between the Government of India and His Majesty’s Government, and through His Majesty’s Government with the Government of the United States of America. (b) Three British and three United States of America representatives.

(c) The Mission under instructions from their principals, are responsible for purchasing, inspecting, accepting, paying for and despatching all mica required by the United Nations. (d) It is only a war measure.

Mr. Ram Narayan Singh : May I ask why the Government of India or the Mica industry have not been represented on the Mission ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is unnecessary; it is only a purchasing Mission.

Mr. N. M. Joshi : May I ask whether it is a fact that the mica is sold in America for a much higher price than the price paid to the mica owners in India and if there is a profit—and a large profit—, who takes that profit ?

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

350 @ Candidates from Hindu Backward Classes appointed as Labour Officers, etc.

1803. Mr. M. Ghiasuddin : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state if any labour Officer, Labour Inspector,

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2799. @ Ibid., p. 2799.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Labour Legal Adviser and Labour Welfare Society Officer has been appointed from amongst suitable candidates belonging to the Hindu backward classes, such as Ahirs, Gadariyas, Tcli, Tambolics, Kahars, Lohars, Barhais and Kumhars, who are hereditary occupational and artisan classes and who number sixteen to seventeen crorcs in the country ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : From information readily available, it appears that no officer from such particular classes has been appointed. 351

* Facilities to Candidates from Hindu Backward Classes under Bevin and Other Technical Schemes 1804. Mr. M. Ghiasuddin : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to grant official facilities to the candidates of the backward classes such as Lohars, Barhais, Gadariyas, Kumhars and Kolies, who are hereditary occupational and artisan classes in the Bevin Trainees Scheme and such other technical schemes as are being formulated every now and then ? If not, why not ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Government have already taken special steps to help recruitment of backward classes (Scheduled Castes, etc.) in the Bevin Training Scheme. The National Service Labour Tribunals which make the selections have been directed to follow the orders in force in the different Provinces with regard to communal representation and to see that the various communities and classes are adequately represented. In addition Tribunals have been asked to associate with them a non-official of influence belonging to the Scheduled Caste and if necessary, a Muslim to guide them in determining the adequate representation of Scheduled Caste and other backward class candidates.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 9th April 1945, p. 2619.

* Hindu Backward Classes Representative on Provincial National Labour Service Tribunal 1805. Mr. M. Ghiasuddin : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state if Hindu backward classes have any representative on the Provincial National Labour Service Tribunal ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The Government of India are not aware if there are members of the Hindu Backward Classes on the National Service Labour Tribunals. Representation on the Tribunals on a communal basis is neither necessary nor practicable.

353 @ Summary of Proceedings of the Fifth Meeting of the Standing Labour Committee The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): I lay on the table a copy of the Summary # of Proceedings of the fifth meeting of the Standing Labour Committee held at New Delhi on the 27th June, 1944.

354

† Summary of Proceedings of the Sixth Labour Conference The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member) : I lay on the table a copy of the Summary# of Proceedings of the Sixth Labour Conference held at New Delhi on the 27th and 28th October, 1944.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1945, 20th November 1945, p. 1001.

@ Ibid., Vol. I, 21st January 1946, p. 61.

# Not printed in these debates, but copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

† Ibid., Vol. I, 21st January 1946, p. 61.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

355

* Summary of Proceedings of the Sixth Meeting of the Standing Labour Committee The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member) : I lay on the table a copy of the Summary@ of Proceedings of the sixth meeting of the Standing Labour Committee at New Delhi on the 17th March, 1945.

Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar (Madras ceded District and Chittcr : Non-Muhammadan Rural): On a point of information. May I know why it has taken so long to these papers which were ready on the 27th of June, 1944 and on the 27th and 28th of October, 1944 on the table of the House ? Why were they not placed in the last Assembly Session ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I cannot give an answer, but I will look into the matter.

356 # Indian Mines (Amendment) Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member) : Sir, I move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Indian Mines Act, 1923.

Mr. President : The question is “That leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the Indian Mines Act, 1923.”

The motion was adopted.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I introduce the Bill. 357

† Inadequate Accommodation for Government Servant

24. Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state— (a) the number of clerks and assistants in Government Departments who have applied for quarters but have not yet been allotted accommodation in New Delhi;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 21st January 1946. @ Not printed in these debates, but copies have been placed in the Library of the House. # Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 30th January 1946, p. 247.

† Ibid., 5th February 1946, p. 477.

(b) the number of superintendents who have applied for but not given any Government accommodation so far:

(c) the number of houses or flats requisitioned in New Delhi and Karol Bagh areas for the use of persons in (a) and (b) above during the war;

(d) the number of houses and flats in New Delhi and Karol Bagh which have been handed over or proposed to be handed over to their owners on and from the 1st January, 1946; and (e) when he expects those who have applied for accommodation before the 1st January, 1945, will be allotted Government accommodation ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b). Applicants for quarters arc divided into two categories, viz., (i) officers drawing a pay of less than Rs. 600 and (ii) officers drawing a pay of Rs. 600 or more. All clerks and Assistants and some Superintendents come under category (i). The number of applicants under this category, who have not been allotted accommodation is 16.256. Information regarding the number of clerks and assistants or superintendents, who applied for but were not allotted quarters, is not readily available. (c) The number of flats requisitioned in New Delhi and Karol Bagh areas for officers, drawing a pay of less than Rs. 600 is 188. (d) 3.

(e) It is not possible to furnish the information as an applicant’s propsects of securing an allottment of quarter depend on many factors which cannot all be forseen, such as the date of his posting to New Delhi, the amount of his pay, whether he is single, married or with family, his preference for a particular type of quarter, etc. 358

* Surplus Government Buildings in Delhi

25. Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : Will the Honourable the labour Member please state— (a) if any of the barracks and buildings built to the north and south of the Imperial Secretariat Buildings and in other places in New Delhi for the use of the American, British and Indian personnel have now become superfluous for such use, if so, how many, (b) the total number of rooms, etc., in the buildings in (a) above, (c) whether any offices are now located therein, if not, what is proposed to be done will them;

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 5th February 1946, pp. 478-79.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(d) whether it is proposed to allot such buildings now or in the near future for (i) office use, and (ii) for residential accommodation with slight alterations for kitchens and bathrooms where necessary, (e) if the answer to (d) above is in the affirmative, whether any have been allotted so far, if so, how many, and (f) in particular what is proposed to be done with the American barracks on the Talkatora Road, Gurdwara Road, Queensway and Connaught Place ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b). I take it that the Honourable member is referring to temporary buildings which were till recently occupied by personnel other than that of the Government of India.

A statement containing the necessary information in respect of such buildings as have been surrendered to Government or as will, according to the information in the possession of Government be surrendered within the next three months is laid on the table. (c) I confine my answer to this part of the question to the buildings which have actually been surrendered to Government. The answer is in the affirmative except in the case of the buildings surrendered only very recently which are also required by Government and are proposed to be used by them. (d) I confine my answer to this part of the question to buildings which will be surrendered within the next three months. Such buildings are also required by Government and are proposed to be used for one or the other purposes.

(e) No, the latter part of the question does not arise. (f) The buildings on Talkatora Road and Gurdwara Road are being used by Government for office purposes and will continue to be used so long as these are required by Government. As regards the American buildings on Cannaught place and Queensway, the method of their disposal is under consideration but they are likely to be required for Government purposes. Statement showing the buildings surrendered or to be surrendered to Government within the next three months in New Delhi.

Name of the building Number of rooms, etc., available therein L Block 74 M Block 107 Gurdwara Road 106

Name of the building Number of rooms, etc., available therein Talkatora Barracks 14 barracks 49,000 Sq. ft. 1 barrack 2,890 Sq.ft.

Office rooms (18) 4,446 Sq. ft.

Recreation Hall with 4 adjoining rooms and godown.

5,000 Sq. ft.

Kitchen and Dinning hall.

2,893 Sq. ft.

Officers quarters on the Central Vista 288 rooms Jodhpur Mess 120 (To be surrendered in April 1946) … Canning Road Barracks—’B’ Block 6 barracks (double) 62,406 Sq. ft. (To be surrendered on 21-2-46) 1 barrack 4,598 Sq. ft. 10 office rooms 4,566 Sq. ft.

359

* Appointment of Mr. Harkness as Town Planning Officer, Delhi and New Delhi

26. Shri M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state— (a) if it is a fact that one Mr. Harkness has been appointed as Town Planning Officer for Delhi and New Delhi recently, (b) the terms on which his recruitment has been made, (c) if the post was advertised in India and applications called for from qualified or capable Indians for the post, and, if so, whether any applications were received, (d) if the appointment was made through the Federal Public Service Commission, and, if not, why not, (e) if he has satisfied himself that no Indian of the necessary ability was available before Mr. Harkness was given the job, and (f) whether Mr. Harkness has had previous experience of town planning in a country like India or whether his experience has been confined to Europe and other countries ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) The post has been sanctioned for a period of 3 years and is non-pensionable. It carries a pay of Rs. 2,000 per mensem.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol.I of 1946, 5th February 1946, p. 479.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(c) The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

(d) The post was first advertised by the Federal Public Service Commission but no suitable candidate was available in India.

(e) Yes.

(f) Mr. Harkness’s experience has been confined to Europe and countries other than India.

360

* Handmade paper for Members of Legislative Assembly

31. Seth Govind Das : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether he proposes to procure for future use of and sale to the Members of this House, handmade paper only which is manufactured as a village industry by institutions organised on cooperative basis ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If all the Members of the House agree to accept and use handmade paper of the kind referred to by the Honourable Member, such paper will be procured for sale to them whenever it is available in acceptable qualities.

361 @ Wells and Additional Accommodation for Members of Legislature

33. Seth Govind Das: (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether it is a fact that there is a shortage of bungalows for the residence of members of both the Houses of the Central Legislature ? If so, what steps Government are taking to construct sufficient number of additional bungalows so as to provide residence for all the members ?

(b) Are Government aware that the absence of wells in these localities cause great hardship to such orthodox members of the

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 5th February 1946, p. 481. @ ibid.

families of M. L. As. who have objection to the use of tap water ? (c) Do Government propose to take steps to construct wells, at suitable distances and places in these localities, before the members take up their residences for the next session ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Until the beginning of this Session no shortage was reported to Government and no complaint of shortages was received by them. A small shortage of bungalow type accommodation has just been brought to the notice of Government and the matter is now under their consideration.

(b) No.

(c) Government have not at present any such proposal under consideration.

362

*Re-Constitution of Geological Survey of India

36. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state what action has been, or is proposed to be, taken in the matter of (i) reconstitution of the Geologial Survey of India in order to make it “a potent instrument for the furtherance of Government’s mineral policy”, and (ii) undertaking legislation for the purpose of establishing control over minerals in terms of his statement in the Legislative Assembly on the 12th March, 1945, while defining Government’s policy regarding mineral resources of India ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (i) A very large expansion of the Geological Survey has been undertaken by the Central Government. The superior gazetted staff of the Survey has been increased from its pre-war strength of 27 to 102 which includes specialists, like Geophysicist, Mining Engineer. A copy of the brochure showing the Functions and Organization of the Geological Survey of India is available in the Library of the House.

(ii) Provincial Governments were consulted in the matter and their replies are under consideration.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. I of 1946, 5th February 1946, pp. 482-83.