APPENDIX III
UNIVERSITY REFORMS COMMITTEE
(Refer Chapter 7. page 48)
*QUESTIONNAIRE
O F U NIVERSITY R EFORM IN B OMBAY P RESIDENCY
(The Bombay Government appointed a Committee to look into the problem of reform of the Bombay University. This Committee consisted of 13 members with Sir Chimanlal H. Setalvad, Kt. as its Chairman. Dr. Ambedkar was not a member of this committee but he was one of the 321 persons to whom the committee sent its questionnaire of 54 questions. Dr. Ambedkar replied only some of the questions which he considered worth replying. The questions replied by Dr. Ambedkar are alone reproduced here to be followed by his evidence.— Editor. )
What in your opinion should be the aim and function of University education in the Bombay Presidency ? Do you consider that the existing system of University education in this Presidency affords the young Indians of this Presidency adequate opportunities of attaining this aim ? If not, in what main respects do you consider the existing system deficient ?
Do you consider that the defects pointed out by you mainly lie in or spring from ( a ) the spirit and methods of instructor or pupil ; ( b ) the conditions of education, antecedent to the students’ entrance of the University ; or ( c ) the administrative or educational machinery of the University ?
How far in your opinion has the University promoted knowledge of, and mutual interest in and sympathy for, the history and culture of the different communities in this Presidency ? Can you suggest means by which this can be further promoted ?
II. Secondary and Intermediate Education
(Questions 4-7)
- Do you consider the training and attainments of students coming out of our High Schools sufficient preparation for entering upon University
*Report of the Committee on University Reform appointed by Government, 1925-26, pp. 226-31.