578 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
failing to consult their respective Trade Unions, before announcing a very meagre and inadequate grant of Dearness Allowance to the workers concerned.
When was this announcement made ?
Mr. Jamnadas M. Mehta : On the 23rd January this year.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): After the last Session ?
Mr. Jamnadas M. Mehta : Yes, Sir.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): Who is the Member in charge ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Labour Member): I do not think that the failure to consult Trade Unions is a matter of urgent public importance.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim): Why ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is not a definite matter, because there has been no obligation placed upon Government by any……
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : That may be an answer on the merits. This announcement was made on the 23rd January ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That is so.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : The allegation is that there is considerable dissatisfaction among the workers who number three lakhs. That suggests that it is rather an important public matter. I hold that the motion is in order.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I object to the motion.
Mr. President (The Honourable Sir Abdur Rahim) : As objection has been taken will those who are in favour of leave for the motion being granted rise in their places ?
(More than 25 Members stood up.)
As not less than 25 Members are for leave being granted, the motion will be taken up at 4 p.m. or earlier, if the business on the agenda is finished earlier. I take it that that is the desire of the House.