2. कॅबिनेट मिशन आणि अस्पृश्य : डॉ. आंबेडकर

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Muslim who is already senior and also drawing Rs. 250 has been overlooked ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information but if my Honourable friend so desires, I can make inquiries.

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

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

67

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

425. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state : (a) the present strength of the Assistant Managers of the various Government of India Presses and how many of them are Muslim ?

(b) the number of Muslim Assistants and clerks, separately, in the Printing Branch of the Labour Department, and in the Administration Branch of the office of the Controller of Printing and Stationery ; and (c) the number of Muslim Superintendents in the office of the Controller of Printing and Stationery and in the Publication Branch ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Three. One of them is a Muslim.

(b) In the Stationery and Printing Branch of the Labour Department there is one Muslim Assistant and in the Administrative and Finance Branch of the Controller’s Office one Assistant and one clerk.

(c) None.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1585.

* Discrimination Between Muslim and Non-Muslim Apprentices in the Printing and Stationery Department

426. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state whether it is a fact that suitable men are trained as apprentices in the Printing and Stationery Department of the Government of India ?

(b) Are these persons eligible for appointment to higher posts in the various presses ?

(c) Is it a fact that one such apprentice, Mr. B. C. Sen Gupta, has been appointed in the Government of India Press, New Delhi, on Rs. 200 per mensem and another such apprentice—a Muslim—was not given any suitable job and had ultimately to get himself transferred to the Government Press, Calcutta, as Assistant Manager ?

(d) If the reply to part (c) is in the affirmative, what are the reasons for such discrimination ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. (b) Yes, they are eligible, but have no specific claim. (c) Mr. Sen Gupta was initially appointed by mistake on the old scale of Rs. 200-10-250. On discovery of the mistake he was brought on to the proper new scale starting at Rs. 100.

The Muslim was appointed in the proper new scale starting at Rs. 100.

Since then both have been promoted.

(d) Does not arise.

Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : May I know if both of them have been promoted to the same scale of salary ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I should think so.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1585.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

69

* Repair of Machines of the Government of India Press, New Delhi

427. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state the amount of expenditure incurred on the local repair of machines of the Government of India Press, New Delhi ? (b) Is it a fact that there is a mechanical section in the said Press ? If so why are the repairs not carried out there ? (c) Is it a fact that the Head Mechanic personally gets the parts repaired in the city, and the letter to the firm undertaking repairs never gives instructions regarding the nature of the repairs but simply states that these will be explained by the Head Mechanic ? If so, why are the full details of the repairs not given in the letter to the firm undertaking the repairs ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The total amount spent on local repairs to plant during 1942-43 is Rs. 1,177-2-0.

(b) The answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, only such work is entrusted to an outside agency as cannot be done in the Press. (c) No.

70 @ Extra Staff in the Government of India Press, Aligarh

†428. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please State how much extra work has been received from the Calcutta Forms Press by the Aligarh Press in connection with the dispersal of stocks of forms, and for that purpose

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, pp. 1585-86.

@ Ibid., pp. 1585-86.

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

how much extra staff has been appointed by the Manager, Government of India Press, Aligarh ?

(b) Is the staff appointed commensurate with the work received ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A statement showing the work received up to the 16th March 1943 and the staff appointed is laid on the table (b) The answer is in the affirmative.

Statement Sr.

No.

Form No. No. of copies required Sr.

No.

Form No. No. of copies required 1 I.A.F.A. 176 13,000 books 11 I.A.F.A.-2 (Large)

37,000 books 2 I.A.F.O. 1287 3,00,000 12 I.A.F.F.-1068 43,000 books 3 I.A.F.O. 1435 1,400 books 13 I.A.F.O. 1367-A 1,50,000 4 I.A.F.M. 1213 1,000 books 14 A.F.O.-1810A 7,500 books 5 I.A.F.Z. 2187A 30,000 15 A.F.W 3010 9,000 books 6 I.A.F.Z. 2197 35,000 books 16 I.A.F.Z. 2135 6,000 books 7 I.A.F.Z. 2011* 50,000 books 17 S. 90-A 1,00,000 8 I.A.F.Z. 2011** 40,000 books 18 S. 90-B 50,000 9 I.A.F.Z. 2157 2,500 books 19 S. 97-A 4,00,000 10 I.A.F.A. 175 7,000 books

* Small

** Large Statement showing appointments made in connection with the primary of forms, etc., received from the Forms Press, Calcutta. 3 Compositors on Rs. 25.

1 Reader in the grade of Rs. 90-4-110.

1 Copy holder in the grade of Rs. 28-2-38. 3 Stercotypers on Rs. 20.

1 Typesupplier on Rs. 20.

3 Paper Issuers on Rs. 20.

3 Computors in the grade of Rs. 35-2-75. 2 Clerks in the grade of Rs. 35-2-75.

1 General Foreman in the grade of Rs. 125-5-150. 1 Assistant Foreman Primer in the grade of Rs. 55-3-70. 1 Assistant Foreman Compositor in the grade of Rs. 50-3-65. 1 Head Computor in the grade of Rs. 70-3-100. 1 (Clerk) Assistant Stationery and Store Keeper in the grade of Rs. 80-4-100.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

71

* Complaints Against Manager, Government of India Press, Aligarh

429. Maulvi Syed Murtuza Sahib Bahadur : (a) Will the Honourable Member for Labour please state how many envelope-makers have been appointed in the Government of India Press, Aligarh, within one year, and in what proportion of different communities ?

(b) Is it a fact that the Manager, Government of India Press, Aligarh has appointed them without any trial, and most of them are non-Muslims ?

(c) Is it a fact that the Manager, Government of India Press, Aligarh appoints technical staff without any practical test, and always fills in the unreserved posts and sometimes also reserved posts by appointing non-Muslims ? If so why ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) 43 envelopemakers were appointed in 1942 of whom 29 arc Hindus 11 Muslims and 3 belong to other minority communities. (b) No.

(c) No.

72 @ Temporary Rooms, etc., in the South and North Blocks of the Secretariat in New Delhi

431. Bhai Parma Nand : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state whether it is a fact that some corridors or verandahs in the South and North Blocks of the Secretariat in New Delhi were converted into rooms and are being used as such by the staff of the different Government of India offices ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 16th March 1943, p. 1586. @ Ibid., p. 1587.

(b) Is it a fact that some of these converted rooms face the sun nearly the whole day ?

(c) Is it a fact that such rooms as mentioned in part (b) have only ordinary glass panes to keep the sun out from them ? (d) Is it a fact that some of these rooms are very narrow ? (e) What is the width of the narrowest of such converted rooms which face the sun nearly the whole day ? What is the number of such rooms ?

(f) What was the temperature in these rooms in the day time, say, in the second fortnight of February, and in the first fortnight of March ? What was the temperature in these converted rooms (facing the sun) during the months of April, May, June, July and October 1942?

(g) Is it a fact that these rooms are just like burning ovens where the staff are roasted for the whole day ? (h) Have these rooms ever been inspected by any Health Officer to see that they were fit for occupation during the summer ? If so, has his report been that they were fit for occupation ?

(i) if the answer to the latter part of (h) be in the affirmative, are Government prepared to consider the allotment of these rooms to gazetted officers of the various offices concerned and put the staff at present working in them in the rooms originally built for them ?

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

(b) Some of these converted rooms, which face South, are exposed to sun in the afternoons.

(c) No. Such rooms are provided with curtains in addition to glass panes.

(d) No.

(e) The narrowest width of these converted rooms is 8 ft. 3 inches. The number of such rooms is 3.

(f) A statement containing the information asked for is laid on the table of the House.

(g) No.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

(h) Yes ; these rooms were inspected by the officers of the Health Department but no objection was raised. (i) Some of these converted rooms were actually occupied by the Gazetted Officers during the last summer season. Statement Second fortnight of February … … 60°F First fortnight of March … … 75°F April 1942 … … … 98°F May 1942 … … … 104°F June 1942 … … … 106°F July 1942 … … … 96°F October 1942 … … … 90°F 73

* Insufficient Lighting of Clerks’ Lavatories, etc. in the North Block Secretariat, New Delhi @ 432. Bhai Parma Nand : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if most of the clerks’ Lavatories in the North Block Secretariat, New Delhi, specially on the first floor are not fitted with electric bulbs ?

(b) Is it a fact that all the officers’ lavatories in that building are equipped with electric bulbs ?

(c) Is it a fact that some clerical staff work till late in the evening ?

(d) Do Government expect these men to use the lavatories in the dark or do they expect them not to feel the necessity of using lavatories after dark ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, pp. 1587-88.

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

(e) What are the reasons for not providing electric bulbs in the lavatories for clerks only ?

(f) Is it a fact that certain stairs are not sufficiently lighted, or in parts are left without lights after dark ? (g) Is it a fact that the whole of the area surrounding the secretariat buildings is fully and brightly lit up each evening ? (h) If the answer to part (g) be in the affirmative, why cannot the stairs especially the main ones, inside the buildings be sufficiently lit up ?

(i) If it is not practicable to light up the stairs, are Government prepared to issue definite instructions to all offices not to allow any of their staff to stay after dark, so that they may not have to grope their way down these stairs ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) A certain number of bulbs had been fused and could not be replaced on account of paucity of bulbs.

(b) Yes ; not only officers lavatories but all lavatories are equipped with electric bulbs.

(c) Yes.

(d) No.

(e) The reason why some of the lavatories were partially fitted with bulbs for some time was that bulbs were not available. A consignment of bulbs has recently been received and action has already been taken to replace those which were fused. (f) The lighting in stair-case was reduced in keeping with the general reduction in lighting which had to be effected owing to the shortage of power. They are partially lit.

(g) I take it that the Honourable Member is referring to road lighting. This is adequately lighted as it must be owing to the amount of traffic.

(h) The lighting standard will be increased when sufficient power becomes available.

(i) This does not arise as sufficient light is generally provided in the stairs. In cases where there is doubt I will have the lighting improved in so far as the power position permits.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

74

* Hardships under the Delhi Rent Control Order

436. Sardar Sant Singh : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that a representation was submitted by the New Delhi House Owners’ and Lessees’ Association in December last against the provisions of the Rent Control Order to the Labour Department ? If so, has the representation been examined by the Department ? If so, what conclusions have been reached ?

(b) Is the Honourable Member aware that the Rent Control Order is causing great hardship ? If so, are Government prepared to replace it by the Punjab Rent Restriction Act, 1941, which is in force in Old Delhi ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. The representation is still under consideration. (b) No. The latter part of the question does not arise but I would refer the Honourable Member to the reply to part (c) of starred question No. 231.

Sardar Sant Singh : May I ask the Honourable Member if he has seen the recent judgment of the Honourable the Chief Commissioner of Delhi in this connection ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have not. 75 @Licences for Exploration and Scientific Prospecting of Potential Oil Sources

441. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state whether it is a fact that licences for carrying on

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1590. @ Ibid., p. 1594.

exploration work and scientific prospecting in respect of certain potential sources of oil in India, have been granted to British and American Companies ? If so, to which parties have such licences been granted, and what are the terms thereof? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Except in Centrally Administered Areas, the licences referred to are granted by Provincial Governments. The Central Government has no information regarding licences granted by Provincial Governments. No such licences have been granted in Centrally Administered Areas.

The second part of the question docs not arise. Mr. K. C. Neogy : In view of the fact that the Department of Geological Survey has recently started Utilisation Branch, do Government think it necessary to keep themselves informed about licences granted by the Provincial Authorities in the case of important minerals ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Certainly. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Do I take it that according to the information of the Government of India, particularly of the Geological Department, no such licences have been granted by any Provincial Government ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We have at present no information. If My Honourable friend wants I can collect it for him.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : I understand from a scientific journal that licences have actually been granted to British and American companies for exploration work in connection with minerals. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If my Honourable friend wants the information I will collect it for him. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Thank you.

76

* Desirability of Partitioning Compounds in front of Orthodox Quarters in New Delhi in Furtherance of ‘Grow More Food’ Campaigns

444. Hajee Chowdhury Muhammad Ismail Khan : With reference to the propaganda made by Government in regard to growing more

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1595.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

food, does the Honourable the Labour Member propose to consider the desirability of partitioning the joint compound in front of the A, B and C type of orthodox quarters in New Delhi by hedges to enable the tenants thereof to follow that scheme ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : There has been no general demand from the tenants concerned and if concrete suggestions are put forward by the tenants I am prepared to consider.

77

* Desirability of Allowing Government Servants Living in the New Area to Apply for Quarters in the Old Area of New Delhi

89. Mr. Amarendra Nath Chattopadhyaya : (a) Is the Honourable Member for Labour aware that: (i) according to Classification Rules the quarters in New Delhi for the ministerial establishment of the Government of India, are divided into two areas (a) Old Area (near the Secretariat) and (b) New Area (Minto Road side);

(ii) when a member of the staff goes out of a certain class of quarter and becomes eligible for a higher class, he is required to live in the New Area at least for a year before he is provided with a quarter in the Old Area ;

(iii) the Government of India have recently passed new rules for allotment under which persons holding Lens on quarters have been debarred from applying for any other quarters in the same class;

(iv) under the new rules referred to above, new applicants have straight off become eligible for quarters in the old area whereas persons, who have been living in the New Area for a sufficiently

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943, p. 1595.

long time and whose names have been on the waiting list, have been deprived of this privilege which they have been enjoying for a long time without any cogent reason; (v) the Government of India have framed the new rules without consulting the Imperial Secretariat Association, Attached Offices Association and the General Headquarters Association who watch the interests of the ministerial staff;

(vi) persons living in the New Area have pay at least six annas per day per head on bus or tonga hire while coming to, and going back from, office ; and (vii) members of the staff living in the New Area are not drawing any conveyance allowance ?

(b) If the replies to parts (a) (i) to (vii) above in the affirmative, does he propose to remove this disability, with a view to allowing Government servants living in the New Area (Minto Road Area) to apply for quarters in Old Area ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) (i) and (ii) No. (iii) Yes.

(iv) Change of quarters is not allowed under the new rules except in the case of ‘C’ combined orthodox type, but as stated in the reply to (a) (i) the quarters are not divided into areas. (v) Yes.

(vi) I am prepared to take this fact from the Honourable Member.

(vii) No conveyance allowance is given to the tenants of any quarters.

(b) I am prepared to have the matter Considered. 78

*Operations of the Utilisation Branch of the Geological Survey of India in Respect of Certain Minerals

92. Mr. K. C. Neogy : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to make a detailed statement indicating the progress of the

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 30th March 1943 pp 1596.98.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

operations of the Utilisation Branch of the Geological Survey of India in respect of lead, sulphur, wolfram, tin, copper and mineral waters ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : A statement is laid on the table.

Statement

1. Lead.—In 1941-42, a thorough examination was made by the Geological Survey of certain long abandoned leadzinc ore mines in Rajputana. It appeared that the most promising lead-zinc deposits in India were the mines at Zawar in Udaipur State which were at one time worked but have been abandoned for over 100 years. The mineral rights appertained to the Mewar State who had leased them to a commercial firm. As this firm was not in a position to exploit its lease rapidly (and rapid exploration was necessary if assistance was to be given to the war effort) Government decided to buy out their rights and themselves take a lease from the State. This has been done (fair compensation being paid to the commercial firm) and Government are carrying out their exploration under the terms of a lease granted by the Mewar State. Operations began at the end of May, 1942. They have been planned in two stages—(1) a detailed plane-table survey and deep drilling operations to be followed by (2) the opening up of deposits and the erection of a pilot ore-dressing plant as soon as drilling operations establish the workability of the lode. The old workings are being opened up by 4 Adits or headings. One of these headings has encountered a lode of lead-zinc ore which is of wide extent but which is not at present as a whole as rich as is desired. Another heading has entered some old workings which suggests rich ore. The other two headings have still to meet the lode. The progress of these operations has been satisfactory considering the difficulty in obtaining mine stores and machinery. It is not possible at present to say that any of the four headings must necessarily encounter high grade lead ore. They are merely initial operations and until they are fully conducted it would be premature to speculate as to the size and richness of the deposit.

Under peace-time conditions another two years development at the present rate of progress would be advisable before any decision is taken as to the plant required. The Government of India are, however, anxious to secure the earliest possible production in the interests of the war effort. It is hoped that in about three months’ time it will be possible to gauge at least to some extent the character of the ore. Should payable ore have been found at the end of this period, Government will take steps to order and to erect ore-dressing machinery.

2. Sulphur.—On the outbreak of war the Geological Survey of India, as part of its drive for the discovery of menerals required for war purposes, devoted particular attention to sulphur. The most promising occurrence of sulphur in India is in a crater of an extinct volcano at Koh-i-Sultan in Baluchistan. Having carried out the original prospecting and examination of the working of the deposits to the administrative charge of the Supply Department, who established a small mining section under a special officer. The mining operations have however required more technical planning than it was first contemplated and with the formation of the Utilisation Branch of the Geological Survey it was found more convenient that that Branch should take over the mining and this has been done. There are two workable areas at Koh-i-Sultan—(i) Miri—which is higher up, less accessible and has not yet been worked ; and (ii) Batal—which is the deposit at present being worked. Considering quantities of+50 per cent, sulphur ore have been delivered to Indian industry. Proved reserved in the deposit at Batal are now nearing exhaustion in regard to +50 ore though there is still some quantities of lower grade ore and the Utilisation Branch are actively considering opening up the Miri deposits which are expected to be considerably richer than at Batal but there are considerable difficulties in regard to transport. The climate at Koh-i-Sultan, particularly at Miri, is very severe ; extreme cold being experienced during the winter and intense heat and high winds in summer. Labour is consequently difficult to attract. Owing to the

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

inaccessibility difficulties are likely to be experienced in the Transport of ore down from Miri, but all possible steps are being taken to overcome them.

So far only +50 per cent., sulphur ore has been extracted and the Utilisation Branch is now considering the possibility of opening up lower grade ores and washing the ore near Koh-iSultan to improve its quality. The Utilisation Branch is also carrying out operations to prove some old sulphur mines near Sanni in Kalat State. At present boring operations are in progress there.

3. Wolfram.—The Utilisation Branch has been exploring two small deposits of wolfram-one in the Bankura district of Bengal and the other in the Nagpur District, C. P. A. certain quantity of wolfram has been extracted from the former deposit and supplied to the Supply Department. This deposit is not particularly attractive as the wolfram occurs dispersed in the rock reef and must be extracted therefrom. Quite a steady output has, however, been obtained from several scattered old low grade occurrences and it is now being considered whether machinery should be installed. The deposit in the Central Provinces is even poorer than that in Bengal. Owing, however, to the great value of wolfram for the war this deposit too is being further investigated and it is hoped to extract a certain quantity of wolfram. The principal occurrence of wolfram in India occurs in Jodhpur State and these mines are being worked by the Jodhpur Government. At the request of the State authorities the Utilisation Branch is giving every assistance by means of technical advice where required and in the supply of machinery.

4. Tin.—The Utilisation Branch has concentrated on a possible workable occurrence of tin ore in India in the Hazaribagh District of Bihar. Samples taken from the dump heaps show that tin ore has been worked in this area extensively. Efforts are being made to open up the old mines which appear to have extended deeply but are now filled with water. De-watering operations are now in progress, but have been hampered up to date by lack of or proper pumping equipments. Efforts are being made to secure pumping machinery.

5. Copper.—The Utilisation Branch have investigated the possibility of re-opening an abandoned copper mine in Bihar. These old mines

will also require de-watering and extensive underground survey and assays will have to be made before it will be possible to state whether they are workable. One or two other copper occurrences are also being investigated. They appear rather disappointing, but if assays are good, further exploration will be made.

6. Mineral waters.—The Geological Survey has made an exhaustive examination of the mineral springs in India and for the last 18 months experimented with 6 types of’ ‘Indian spring’ Waters. They have been bottled as Red label (acid), White label (neutral), Green label (neutral), Blue label (Gastein), Blue label (Axis-les-Bains) and Yellow label (Vichy) types. The Red, White and Blue (Gastein) waters have been found to be efficatious and steps have been taken to bottle them for trial on a larger scale but arrangements have still to be made with the proprietors. The commercial aspect of these waters, both for Table mineral waters as well as for their valuable medical properties, is also under consideration.

79

* Provision of Taps and for Unfiltered Water in Compounds of Orthodox Quarters in New Delhi

468. Mr. Muhammad Azhar Ali : (a) Is the Honourable the Labour Member aware:

(i) That sometime back his predecessor promised to provide taps for unfiltered water in the compounds or courtyards of the orthodox quarters of the ministerial establishment in New Delhi but later on decided to keep the taps already installed outside the quarters open during the last summer months which concession was withdrawn during the last summer owing to thefts of the connection-locks ; (ii) that sort of arrangement was most inconvenient and in many cases the water had to be carried to the quarters from great distances by ladies and children in the sun during the summer months ; and (iii) that there are fairly big compounds in front of the quarters which can be usefully used by the tenants for growing vegetables

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 2nd April 1943, pp. 1733-34.

L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

and other things in accordance with the Government propaganda for growing more food ?

(b) Does the Honourable Member propose to consider the desirability of having unfiltered water taps installed in the courtyard of each quarter as in the case of unorthodox quarters ? If not, why not ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) (i). Presumably the Honourable Member is referring to the reply given by my predecessor to starred question No. 230 asked by Bhai Parma Nand in this House on the 28th February, 1940. My predecessor did not promise to provide taps for unfiltered water in the compound or courtyards of the orthodox clerks quarters in New Delhi and he stated that he was considering the desirability of doing so. It was decided to keep the hydrants (and not taps) in front of these quarters open during the summer months and to fix some mechanical contrivance on the hydrants, and this arrangement was continued during the last summer season except in cases where the attachment was either damaged or stolen. (ii) I cannot say that the arrangement was most inconvenient. (iii) Yes.

(b) No. In view of the financial stringency and non-availability of the material the question of providing unfiltered water taps in the courtyards of these quarters cannot be considered until normal times. I may mention for the information of the Honourable Member that taps have not been provided in the courtyards of the unorthodox clerks quarters and that the mechanical devices similar to the one fixed on the hydrants in front of the orthodox clerks quarters has been provided on the hydrants in the orthodox quarters.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : May I know from the Honourable Member what is the free allowance of water given to these orthodox quarters ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I would like to have notice of that.

Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : In view of the fact that the Government is not able to give them unfiltered water now, will the Honourable Member consider the question of increasing the free supply of filtered water to 10,000 gallons. The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will consider that.

* Deputation on Behalf of the Coal Industry in Bengal and Bihar Mr. K. C. Neogy: Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether he received on the 25th March last a deputation on behalf of the different organisations representing the coal industry in Bengal and Bihar ? If so, what was the subject matter of the representation made by the deputation, and what action is proposed to be taken by Government thereon ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : A deputation of the organisations representing the coal industry in Bengal and Bihar was received on the 25th March as stated by the Honourable Member.

The subject matter was their anxiety concerning future arrangements to replenish their existing rice stocks. The deputation stated that their Associations saw no certain prospects of maintaining their stocks as the Provincial Governments concerned, whilst promising whatever help they could give, did not feel able to guarantee supplies. The Central Government pointed out that they had asked the organisations some time back for a combined distribution scheme which had not been received. The deputation was informed that the Central Government were importing considerable quantities of rice into Bengal and that if it were found the Provincial Governments were not able to help, then assistance would be given by the Central Government. Since then representatives of the organisations have had an interview with a representative of the Food Department in Calcutta, and the food position of coal mining labour has been secured for a future period by the provision of certain supplies by the Central Government.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : The Honourable Member referred to replenishing existing stocks of rice. Is the Honourable Member in a position to state approximately the quantity of rice that may be available now to the different collieries ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I stated in my reply, the food position of the coal-mining labour has been secured for a further period by the provision of certain supplies by the Central Government.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 2nd April 1943, pp. 1734-35.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : What I was referring to was the existing rice stocks which the Honourable Member referred to. What is the amount of these existing rice stocks ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : The position differed in Bengal and Bihar, and if I remember correctly, what was stated by the deputation was that they had stocks for four or five weeks.

81

* Scheme for Cheap Grain Shops for Bengal and Bihar Colliery Labour Mr. K. C. Neogy : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state if it is a fact that in a communication to the Governments of Bengal and Bihar, the Labour Department of the Government of India proposed a scheme for the establishment of cheap grain shops in April 1942, for the benefit of colliery labour ? If so, what response did the scheme meet with at the hands of the two Provincial Governments and of the organisations of the coal industry ?

(b) Has any effective action been taken by either of the two Provincial Governments as an alternative to the above scheme for ensuring a cheap supply of food grains to colliery labour ? If so, on what lines, and when ?

(c) What action, if any, has been taken by the organisations of the coal industry or by individual collieries for the supply of cheap food grains to labour; and what help, if any, has been rendered by either of the two Provincial Governments to them in the matter ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Yes. The Bihar Government considered that other methods of dealing with the problem were preferable. No reply was received from the Bengal Government.

(b) So far as the Central Government’s information goes both the Provincial Governments have through their local officers taken all possible steps to ensure a supply of food grains at cheap rates to colliery labour.

(c) It is not understood what the Honourable Member means by cheap food grains. The principal Employers’ Organisations in the coal

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 2nd April 1943, p. 1735.

industry made arrangements to supply food grains at reasonable prices to their labour. The Provincial Governments assisted them in obtaining food grains.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : I am afraid I have not received a reply to the second part, clause (b), of my question, viz., “Has any effective action been taken by either of the two Provincial Governments : if so, on what lines and when ?”

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I said, they helped them to secure food supplies.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : But exactly in what way ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They helped them in getting them.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : But in what way was that help rendered, because we have instances in which there was actual hindrance ? Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : What steps have the colliery owners taken to supply food to their labour ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I said, they maintained stocks and were also helped by the provincial Governments to maintain them.

Mr. K. C. Neogy : Has the attention of the Honourable Member been drawn to an instance in which certain stocks of rice which certain colliery owners acquired for their collieries were actually commandeered by the Government and a complaint to that effect was made by them to the Provincial Governments and here ?

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

82

* The War Injuries (Compensation Insurance) Bill Presentation of the Report of the Select Committee The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I present the Report of the Select Committee on the Bill to impose on employers a liability to pay compensation to workmen sustaining war injuries and to provide for the insurance of employers against such liability.

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1943, 26th July 1943, pp. 42-43.

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

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

“That leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the Indian Boilers Act, 1923.”

The Motion was adopted.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I introduce the Bill. 84 @ The Mines Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I move for leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Mines Maternity Benefit Act. 1941.

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

“That leave be granted to introduce a Bill to amend the Mines Maternity Benefit Act, 1941.”

The motion was adopted.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I introduce the Bill. 85

†The Motor Vehicles (Drivers) Amendment Bill The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): Sir, I move for leave to introduce a Bill to amend the Motor Vehicles (Drivers) Ordinance, 1942.

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

“That leave be granted to introduce a Bill to amend the Motor Vehicles (Drivers) Ordinance, 1942.”

The motion was adopted.

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

*Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1943, 26th July 1943, p. 43. @ Ibid., p. 43.

†Ibid., p. 43.

*Unsatisfactory Arrangements for Accommodation of Assembly at Simla

61. Mr. Amarendra Nath Chattopadhyaya : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state if it is not the duty of the Estate Officer, Central Public Works Department, to arrange for the accommodation of the Member of the Assembly when they are wanted temporarily at Simla for attending Committee meetings ?

(b) Is it not their duty to see that the Members are not put to any inconvenience on account of light or bad arrangements for accommodation ?

(c) Is the Honourable Member aware of the fact that the Cart Road quarters which were set apart for the Assembly Members viz., 2, 3 and 11 during the Hindu Law Committee Sittings were more inconveniently arranged in comparison with No. 20 ? Is the Honourable Member prepared to enquire into the matter of selecting these quarters for the Assembly Members by the Estate Officer during Committee meetings in May and June ? (d) Will the Honourable Member consider changes in the arrangements in these quarters after proper enquiries ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The Estate Officer’s duty is to allot such accommodation to the Members of the Central Legislature as is specified by Government in consultation with the House Committee.

(b) All the quarters are planned so as to avoid, as far as possible, any inconvenience to Members.

(c) The quarters on the Cart Road were built according to approved plans. Quarters Nos. 2 and 3 are on the highest level and were reserved for the Members in consultation with the House Committee of the Legislature, as they were considered to be very conveniently situated. The arrangement of the rooms in Nos. 2 and 3 differs slightly from that of the rooms in No. 20. Some Members consider a particular arrangement of the rooms in a house convenient irrespective of the level

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1943, 28th July 1943, p. 129.

of the house, while others may prefer quarters at a higher level irrespective of the arrangement of the rooms. It cannot therefore, be said that quarters Nos. 2 and 3 are more inconveniently arranged than No. 20. No. 11 was not occupied by any Member of the Legislature, as it was exchanged for No. 20. In the circumstances explained, no special enquiry is called for.

(d) As already stated, the quarters for the Members of the Legislature were reserved in consultation with the House Committee of the Legislature. No changes seem necessary unless the House Committee expresses a desire for them.

Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan : May I ask if the Members who attended the Sub-Committee meetings in Simla were asked to deposit a sum of Rs. 75 as security before they could get electricity and water ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I must have notice of that question.

Sir Muhammad Yamin Khan : Does the Honourable Member know that Members have been asked to deposit money here in Delhi ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no idea. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : May I ask if there is any officer appointed to go round these quarters and look to the comforts of the Members ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no idea. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : Will the Honourable Member then appoint some officer ?

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

Dr. P. N. Banerjea : How many meetings of the House Committee are held during every Session ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is for the House Committee to decide how many times they should meet. Dr. P. N. Banerjea : Have you any information on the subject ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I remember there was a meeting of the House Committee during the last Session. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : May I know if some of the Members of the House Committee have died and have they been replaced by some other Members ?

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am very sorry to hear the news but I am sure the house will take such steps as are necessary to fill the vacancy.

* Provision of a Rickshaw Stand at the Cart Road Quarters, Simla

62. Mr. Amarendra Nath Chattopadhyaya : Will the Honourable Member for Labour be pleased to state if Cart Road quarters in Simla are kept for occupation by the Members of the Central Legislature ? If so, does he propose to ask the Municipal Committee of Simla (i) to set up a Rickshaw Adda near about the quarters for the convenience of the Members ; and (ii) not to charge security deposit for temporary occupation of the quarters by the Assembly Members for electric light ? The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As the Members occupy a very limited number of quarters on the Cart Road for short periods at a time, Government do not feel justified in approaching the Simla Municipal Committee for the provision of a rickshaw stand in the locality. The supply of electric energy in Simla is the concern of the Simla Municipal Committee and Government regret they are unable to interfere with the Municipal arrangements in this respect. 88 @ Water Supply in New Delhi and Delhi

66. Mr. Lalchand Navalrai : (a) Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state the arrangements that have been made for the supply of sufficient water for all purposes in New Delhi and Delhi itself to remove the inconvenience caused by the scarcity of water in these very hot days ?

(b) Is it a fact that the Jumna river bed was being straightened to get water to the pumps ? If so, how far has that scheme progressed, and will the water brought therefrom be sufficient for all purposes in both Delhi and New Delhi ? (c) What arrangements are proposed to be made to cool the water which in these summer days gets too hot in the pipes ?

* Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. III of 1943, 28th My 1943, p. 130. @Ibid., pp. 134-35.