L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 997
underground working have been employed on these classes of work, which are always let on contract.
(c) The earnings of women so employed are between 10 to
12 annas a day excluding half a seer free rice and a bonus of two annas for each attendance.
(d) The additional ration concessions are only given to coal mine workers.
The concession regarding free supply of milk to women workers employed underground in coalmines was prescribed as a compensatory measure in connection with the removal of ban on their employment underground. Consequent on the reimposition of the ban from 1st February 1946, the concession has ceased to be in force from that date.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : In regard to the question of concession in purchasing rice and dal, why should it not be continued now in regard to those women who are now to work on the surface but who previously used to work underground ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I said in my reply those privileges were given when they used to work underground. As soon as the ban has been re-imposed, there is no justification for giving them this compensatory allowance.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : The other day the Secretary to the Honourable Member was saying that some protective measures were being taken in order to protect the workers from the vagaries of these contractors. Are we to understand that from being exploited ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I did not understand who said that.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : The Honourable Member’s Secretary, Mr. Joshi, said that the contractors are being entertained here and through those contractors these women are being employed. Are we to understand that sufficient measures are being taken by Government to protect these women from being exploited by these contractors ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : All I can say is that if the Honourable Member will put down a specific question, I will get an answer.