L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 879
(b) Do the same labour work in shifts in the same factories and mines ?
(c) What is the rate of overtime wages for labour in factories and mines ?
(d) What is charged for rations supplied to labour in factories and mines and what is the quantity allotted to each labourer in mills, factories and mines ? Is there any officer appointed by Government to watch the Distribution of ration to labourers in factories, mills and mines ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) Hours of work in Factories are regulated by sections 34,36-38 of the Factories Act,
1934 and those in Mines by sections 22B and 22C of the Indian Mines Act, 1923. In the case of factories producing war supplies exemption has been granted by Provincial Governments in several cases from all or some of the provisions. Instructions have been issued that except for short periods and in emergent conditions, the hours of work should not exceed 60 a week. Ordinarily no exemption is granted from the statutory requirements as to intervals of rest. It is regretted that more precise information is not available.
Wage rates vary considerably in different classes of factories and mines and in different units in any particular class. I regret detailed information regarding wages or general averages of wages are not available.
(b) The question is not understood.
(c) Section 47 of the Factories Act, 1934, prescribes the rates of overtime wages in factories. No Exemption has generally been allowed from the provisions of this section. No overtime work is permissible in mines except in the case of an emergency involving serious risk to the safety of the mine or the persons employed therein.
(d) There is no uniformity in regard to prices charged for rations supplied to labour in factories and mills. But it is known that several employers do supply foodgrains, etc., at less than controlled rates and a large number of controlled rates.
In ‘rationed’ areas, workers receive the same scale of rationed articles as the general public. ‘Heavy workers’ are eligible for extra-rations. In addition, industrial canteens supplying cooked food now receive supplies outside the ration.