650 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
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*** Deputation on Behalf of the Coal Industry in** Bengal and Bihar
Mr. K. C. Neogy: Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether he received on the 25th March last a deputation on behalf of the different organisations representing the coal industry in Bengal and Bihar ? If so, what was the subject matter of the representation made by the deputation, and what action is proposed to be taken by Government thereon ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : A deputation of the organisations representing the coal industry in Bengal and Bihar was received on the 25th March as stated by the Honourable Member.
The subject matter was their anxiety concerning future arrangements to replenish their existing rice stocks. The deputation stated that their Associations saw no certain prospects of maintaining their stocks as the Provincial Governments concerned, whilst promising whatever help they could give, did not feel able to guarantee supplies. The Central Government pointed out that they had asked the organisations some time back for a combined distribution scheme which had not been received. The deputation was informed that the Central Government were importing considerable quantities of rice into Bengal and that if it were found the Provincial Governments were not able to help, then assistance would be given by the Central Government. Since then representatives of the organisations have had an interview with a representative of the Food Department in Calcutta, and the food position of coal mining labour has been secured for a future period by the provision of certain supplies by the Central Government.
Mr. K. C. Neogy : The Honourable Member referred to replenishing existing stocks of rice. Is the Honourable Member in a position to state approximately the quantity of rice that may be available now to the different collieries ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : As I stated in my reply, the food position of the coal-mining labour has been secured for a further period by the provision of certain supplies by the Central Government.
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1943, 2nd April 1943, pp. 1734-35.