698 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
(b) whether any quota is fixed for the admission of Muslims ; and
(c) the total number of Muslims who applied for admission during the last three years ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) 24 students were admitted during each of the years 1941, 1942 and 1943. No Muslim student was admitted in 1941 and 1942. In 1943 two were admitted but one did not join the School.
(b) No; and
(c) 34.
Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : What is the reason for the non-admission of Muslim students ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : That is because they do not qualify themselves at the entrance examination.
Dr. Sir Zia Uddin Ahmad : As for academic qualifications I can prove that there are any number of Muslims who are fit to join that institution. But is it not a fact that scholarships are not given to Muslims ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I cannot say ; I shall want notice of that.
Maulvi Muhammad Abdul Ghani : Is it a fact that last year qualified Muslims applied but they were rejected outright ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : No. If I may explain to the Honourable member, the method of admission to the school is that first of all 50 per cent. of the places are filled as a result of an entrance examination which is open to all students. After that a certain quota is filled for the purpose of representing each province according to a quota that has been fixed. After that the balance of students is taken purely on the basis of merit. At this school there is no reservation with regard to any particular community at all.