z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-06.indd MK SJ+YS 21-9-2013/YS-8-11-2013 465
EVIDENCE BEFORE SIMON COMMISSION 465
constitution of the Bombay Presidency, should deal with these people ?
Dr. Ambedkar : The first thing I would like to submit is that we claim that we must be treated as a distinct minority, separate from the Hindu community. Our minority character has been hitherto concealed by our inclusion in the Hindu community, but as a matter of fact there is really no link between the depressed classes and the Hindu community. The first point, therefore, I would stress before the Conference is that we must be regarded as a distinct and independent minority. Secondly, I should like to submit that the depressed classes minority needs far greater political protection than any other minority in British India, for the simple reason that it is educationally very backward, that it is economically poor, socially enslaved, and suffers from certain grave political disabilities, from which no other community suffers. Then I would submit that, as a matter of demand for our political protection, we claim representation on the same basis as the Mahomedan minority. We claim reserved seats if accompanied by adult franchise.
- And if there is no adult franchise ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Then we would ask for separate electorates. Further, we would like to have certain safeguards either in the constitution, if it is possible, or else in the way of advice in the instrument to the Governor regarding the education of the depressed classes and their entry into the public services.
- May we just ask Dr. Solanki if he agrees in those points ?
Dr. Solanki: I agree with all the points.
- Then we may take it that that is the view of both you gentlemen ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- Would it be convenient if I asked a question of two on these points as we go ? You claim that the depressed class, although included within Hinduism in a sense, should none the less be regarded from the point of view of the constitution as a distinct and separate community from others who are within Hinduism ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- Is that on the ground that in your view the depressed classes cannot expect to have their interests satisfactorily represented by the higher ranks of Hinduism ?
Dr. Ambedkar: That is one ground, but a matter of fact, really we cannot be deemed to be part of the Hindu community.
- You come, I believe from an earlier set of inhabitants of this continent ?
Dr. Ambedkar : That is one view, I think.
- It is supposed — we will not go into details — that you are pre-Aryan ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Well, I do not know. That is a view.