850 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
of Mines submit reports to him regularly and suitable action is taken by the Department of Mines.
(c) and (d). The four-week period before and after delivery in respect of women is in line with similar provision under Factory legislation. The question of increasing the period before delivery in respect of women employed underground is under consideration.
Prof. N. G. Ranga : What about after delivery ? Will Government also consider the advisability of extending the period after delivery ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : It is not necessary. There is complete prohibition on the employment of women who have delivered.
Mrs. Renuka Ray : Is the Honourable Member aware of the fact that since the ban on the employment of women underground was withdrawn, there have been cases in some mines of children being born underground.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information.
Mrs. Renuka Ray : Will the Honourable Member kindly find out and take steps to see that such cases do not occur ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : If the Honourable Member will refer me to specific cases, I shall certainly make inquiries.
Mrs. Renuka Ray : I am prepared to do so.
Shrimati K, Radha Bai Subbarayan : May I ask for an assurance that Government will get the opinion of a competent medical authority on this important question, before they come to a decision on it ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : They will undoubtedly, if they find it necessary.
Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : Is it not a fact that the International Labour Conference during its last session suggested that the period before and after confinement should be about two months under the Maternity Benefits Act ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have no information. I do not recall that.
Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : I understand that it is mentioned in the report which the Government have circulated to us.
Mrs. Renuka Ray : Since the Honourable Member considers that he is justified in ignoring the International Convention prohibiting women working underground, I should like to know if he thinks it also unnecessary to consider the maternity benefits provision of the International Labour Conference ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : We are considering that matter.