z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-07.indd MK SJ+YS 21-9-2013/YS-8-11-2013 542
542 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes.
Chairman : That means that every minority community, if it is 8, 9, 10 or 12, must have a representative upon the Executive.
Dr. Ambedkar: No; I would then add : “as far as possible leaving discretion to the Governor”. I should not like any community to be specifically mentioned.
Lord Reading: Surely you must look and see what this says : “There was general agreement with the recommendation of Sub-Committee No. II (Provincial Constitution).” Then it goes on to quote it.
Dr. Ambedkar: It should not.
Dr. Moonje: My suggestion was a small one, but perhaps it might meet Dr. Ambedkar’s point of view. It was on the same lines : “important minority communities, i.e. Muhammadans, Sikhs, Depressed Classes,”. That was my small amendment.
Lord Reading: Then the others will have to come in.
Sir A. P. Patro: The Depressed Classes are not Hindus? Will you cut off the Depressed Classes ? With due respect, I say there are Depressed Classes who would simply revolt at the suggestion that they are not Hindus. In Southern India, if Dr. Ambedkar comes and says they are not Hindus, then I do not know what position Dr. Ambedkar will have in Southern India.
Dr. Ambedkar: We are not discussing that here.
Sir A. P. Patro: Therefore I say representation consistent with facts and experiences.
Chairman: I have referred to the report to which reference is made. “Hindus, Muhammadans and others” I am told was put in by way of illustration, and these words do not appear in the report.
Sir Muhammad Shafi: That is what I was going to say.
Chairman: Just one minute. The word “important” docs “that the representation on the Provincial Executives of important minority communities”. Therefore “important” will have to stand.
Members: Yes.
Chairman : But “Hindus, Muhammadans and Sikhs” will have to go out; they have no business to be there.
Dr. Ambedkar: Just before you go from that. Sir, I should like to draw attention to the words “working of the new constitution and it was also agreed that on the same grounds Muhammadans should be represented on the Federal Executive”. The words “important minorities” should replace the word “Muhammadans” there I mean, in keeping with what we are saying in the beginning.
Chairman: Oh, yes ! “It was also agreed on the same grounds”—
Dr. Ambedkar: “they should be represented also on the Federal Executive”.
Chairman: “That important minorities should be represented on the