z:\ ambedkar\vol-02\vol2-07.indd MK SJ+YS 21-9-2013/YS-8-11-2013 545
IN SUB-COMMITTEE NO. III 545
Committee No. II (Provincial Constitution) that the representation on the Provincial Executives of important minority communities was a matter of the greatest practical importance for the successful working of the new constitution, and it was also agreed that, on the same grounds, Muhammadans should be represented on the Federal Executive. On behalf of the smaller minorities a claim was put forward for their representation, either individually or collectively, on the Provincial and Federal Executives, or that, if this should be found impossible, in each Cabinet there should be a Minister specially charged with the duty of protecting minority interests.
†(Dr. Ambedkar and Sardar Ujjal Singh would add the words “and other important minorities” after the word “Muhammadans” in line 6.)
Discussion on paragraph 18 of the Report
‡ Chairman : 17 is deleted. Now 18, which will then become 17. That this Report be presented to the Committee of the Whole Conference. Those in favour ? On the contrary ? That is carried. Then it will go to the Committee of the Whole Conference.
Dr. Ambedkar: Sir, there is my amendment.
Chairman: I beg your pardon; I am so sorry.
Dr. Ambedkar: I should like to have this amendment put in as a separate paragraph after 16.
Chairman: Make it the last paragraph ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Yes.
Chairman: Then that is the over-riding paragraph.
Dr. Ambedkar: My amendment is this : “That the minorities and the Depressed Classes were definite in their assertion that they would not consent to any selfGovernment constitution for India unless their demands were accepted.”
Chairman : As a matter of fact that was said, and it was said in a responsible way ; it was not merely an individual expression of opinion.
Dr. Ambedkar: I think it should be in.
Mr. Joshi: I think labour cannot be regarded as a minority for that statement.
Chairman: I cannot rule it out.
Dr. Ambedkar: I would accept the words : “unless their demands are accepted in a reasonable manner”.
Chairman: That makes it meaningless.
Dr. Ambedkar: Or “their reasonable demands are accepted”.
Mr. Zafrullah Khan: Does anybody suppose that if the demands are met in a reasonable way they are going to be pleased ?
Mr. Foot: It is only the record of a claim.
Chairman: It is only the record of a claim. That paragraph should be added as paragraph 18, a new paragraph.
† Paragraph No. 12 as adopted after discussion in the Sub-Committee No. III.
‡ Proceedings of the Sub-Committee No. III (Minorities), p. 153.