18. The War Injuries (Compensation Insurance) Bill - Page 115

98 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES

Then, the point has been raised that the word ‘welfare’ is an omnibus word, I agree that it is an omnibus word and I do not know if I am in a position to specify items which will be included in the term “welfare” on which there can be expected to be unanimity in this House. I shall, therefore, not venture to particularise what would come under the term “welfare”. But I would say this to those Honourable Members who do not know what is meant by “welfare” as well as to those Honourable Members who think that Government ought not to be entrusted with a responsibility for administering this Fund that they will realise that the matter, with all this, is still left in the hands of the House. The House will have many more opportunities on various occasions to raise this question as to how this money is to be utilised and I am sure many Honourable Members who know what is “welfare” or who have ideas on it will use that opportunity to inform Government as to how that money would be utilised. Sir, I think the house will be well advised in accepting my amendment.

* * *

*** Mr. President** (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): The question is:

“ That to sub-clause (1) of clause 3 of the Bill, the following proviso be added :

The motion was adopted.

The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Sir I move :

“ That to clause 3 of the Bill the following new sub-clause be added :

‘ (3) This section shall be binding on the Crown ’.”

I have already explained that we are now seeking to make the Crown statutorily liable for the provisions of this Bill. With these remarks, I move.


†Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): Amendment moved:

“ That in sub-clause (1) of clause 13 of the Bill, part (b) be omitted.”

Ibid., p. 721.