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QUESTIONS BY DR. AMBEDKAR 283
every village in the Bombay Presidency. The labour and time involved in collecting this information would be enormous.
(B.L.C. Debates, Vol. XX, p. 1065, dated 27th July 1927)
Officiating Watandar Mahars
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Will Government be pleased to state—
( a ) whether there are any rules governing the number of the officiating Watandar Mahars in the villages in the different parts of the presidency ?
( b ) if so, whether they will publish them or refer to them ?
The Honourable Mr. J. L. Rieu : ( a ) and ( b ) There are no rules on the subject. The appointment of officiating Watandar Mahars is governed by the provisions of section 64 of the Bombay Hereditary Offices Act.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Is the Honourable Member aware that discretion is left to the Collector under section 64 in exercise of which he can make rules regarding officiating Watandar Mahars ?
The Honourable Mr. J. L. Rieu : I am aware of that.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Is the honourable member aware that in a certain village 16 Mahars are officiating as Watandars ?
The Honourable Mr. J. L. Rieu : If the honourable member gives notice I will make enquiries.
(B.L.C. Debates, Vol. XX, p. 1207, dated 27th July 1927)
Bridge on the Ulhas River at Badlapur
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Will Government be pleased to state—
( a ) whether the consideration of the question of constructing a low level causeway on the river Ulhas at Badlapur in the Thana District has not yet been finished ;
( b ) whether the whole correspondence including the Commissioner’s and the Collector’s reports thereon would be placed on the Council Table ;
( c ) whether they are aware that a high level bridge instead of a low level causeway is absolutely necessary ?
The Honourable Mr. J. L. Rieu : ( a ) No. But it is hoped that a conclusion will soon be reached.
( b ) Government are not prepared to place the correspondence on the table.
( c ) No.
(B.L.C. Debates, Vol. XX, p. 1472, dated 27th July 1927)
Forest Land for Cultivation : Grants to Depressed Classes
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Will Government be pleased to state—
( a ) the total extent of forest land given for cultivation in each district of this Presidency in the years 1923, 1924, 1925 and 1926 ;
( b ) how much of this was given to the Depressed Classes in each district in the years mentioned ?