88 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
from work’ mean that there is work, but when a mine is closed there is no work. Therefore, the existence of the words ‘from work’ has introduced this ambiguity. I have compared section 5 with the five different Maternity Benefit Acts which have been passed in the different provinces and I find that these words ‘ from work ’ do not exist. Consequently, it has become necessary to remove this ambiguity by removing these words. The amendment is sought to be carried out by two different amendments. One is to delete the words which have caused this ambiguity from section 5 and make the section read to the effect that ‘for every day during the four weeks preceding delivery the woman would be entitled to maternity benefit. With regard to the days on which she choose to amend—and as I told the House, the four weeks preceding delivery are periods of optional rest when she may choose to go and earn her full wages or stay at home and be content with maternity benefit—we have added a proviso that she shall not be entitled to any maternity benefit at all. With these words, I move.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): The question is.
“ That the Bill to amend the Mines Maternity Benefit Act,
1941, be taken into consideration.”
The motion was adopted.
Clause 2 was added to the Bill.
Clause 1 was added to the Bill.
The Title and the Preamble were added to the Bill.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir, I move that the Bill be passed.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): Motion moved:
“ That the Bill be passed.”
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