L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 681
(b) If the reply to the above be in the affirmative, do the Government of India propose to make a similar change in the Indian War Injuries schemes, and to bring the rates of allowances paid to men and women on the same level ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Since notice of this question was received, I have ascertained the position in Great Britain. It is a fact that the distinction between rates for relief for men and women has been abolished in Great Britain.
(b) The question will be considered.
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- Insertion in Government Contracts of Condition for Fair Treatment of Labour
- Mr. N. M. Joshi : Will the Honourable the Labour Member be pleased to state whether the subject of the need for insertion in Government contracts of a condition regarding fair treatment of labour was discussed at one of the Tripartite Labour Meetings ? If so, what action do the Government of India propose to take on the subject ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes, it was at the third meeting of the Standing Labour Committee. To be precise the subject discussed was need for insertion of a condition regarding fair wages for labour in Government contracts, and not fair “treatment” of labour. Government have already accepted the principle so far as the Central Public Works Department is concerned and the necessary preliminary steps for enforcing such a provision are under active consideration. The question or the introduction of such a clause in the contracts of other Government Departments will be taken up soon after the scheme has been introduced in respect of Central Public Works Department labour.
Mr. Hooseinbhoy A. Lalljee : What is the meaning of “active consideration” ? Is there any time limit involved ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Yes; I see quite clearly the difference between a matter being under consideration and under active consideration.
Mr. Hooseinbhoy A. Lalljee : Is there any difference of time ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That means that the matter is really nearing completion.
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. IV of 1943, 9th November 1943, p. 68.