L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 855
(c) What rates of wages and what amenities are these labourers entitled to, and how do they compare with the average terms and conditions on which other labourers are engaged in the coal mines ? What reports, if any, have been received as regards their output of work and general efficiency as also aptitude for mining work from the different mines where they are employed ?
(d) What are the names of officers directly in charge of the working of the scheme, and what are their respective duties ? What are their qualifications and experience in the line, and what emoluments do they receive ?
(e) From what source is the requisite finance obtained initially ? Are the accounts relating to the scheme regularly audited under the control of the Auditor General ? Up to which period has audit of these accounts been completed ? Has any financial or accounts irregularity been brought to light as a result of audit of the accounts ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) The labour is recruited by the Gorakhpur Labour Supply Depot in the United Provinces for employment on various Government works as well as in the coalfield. It is organised in gangs under the following supervisory staff :—
One sirdar for each gang of 50 men.
One unit Supervisor for each contingent of 250 men.
One camp Supervisor for each camp of 1,000 men.
One Group Officer in charge of the personnel of one or more camps according to location.
The officer directly responsible for these labour camps is the Deputy Director, Labour Supply (Coal) with Headquarters at Dhanbad.
The labourers are recruited for six months or one year’s service at work site or until no longer required, whichever is shorter. Each labourer is given a set of mazri clothing and blanket; he is also given advances to meet initial expenses and provided free with accommodation, medical aid, cooking fuel and rations. He is remunerated for work done on specified scales of wages in addition to bonus for good work and long service.