z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-06.indd MK SJ+YS 21-9-2013/YS-8-11-2013 466
466 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
- I only ask you the question because there are some very distinguished Hindu public men — I do not mention any names — who have undoubtedly exhibited a good deal of interest in the case of the depressed classes. There is no question about that ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes, there is a great deal of public talk.
- I know ; but, at any rate, that is your view : You say you must be regarded as a distinct and separate community from the constitutional point of view ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- As regards representation, I notice that whether there is adult franchise, or whether there is not adult franchise, you seem to be abandoning any idea of nomination, you want election ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- Is that the view of both of you ?
Dr. Solanki : Yes.
- That means, of course, that you have to make a list of voters ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- And you have to make sure that the man who comes to vote is the man on the list, and nobody else ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- Could you give me an estimate at all, Dr. Ambedkar, of what percentage of the population whom you call the depressed classes can read ?
Dr. Ambedkar : In a separate memorandum which I have submitted to the Commission on education in the Bombay Presidency I gave the figures.
- I am afraid it is a very small proportion ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Quite.
- After all, one of the complaints that are made is that they have not had as free access to schools as more fortunate people ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Quite so.
- So it would mean, would it not, if it was done by election, that it would almost entirely have to be done by people voting who could not themselves understand the ballot paper ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes. That is true of the majority of voters even today.
- True. Now, would you tell me how many reserved seats in the Bombay Presidency you would suggest classes ?
Dr. Ambedkar: In the scheme that I have prepared I say out of 140 we claim 22 seats.
- What you suggest is that if the total number of members of the Bombay Council, all elected, was 140, then you think that the body for which you wish to speak should have 22 elective seats ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.
- And supposing, to take your other alternative, there is no adult franchis e, then you are asking for separate electorates. Do you still want
22 seats ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Yes.