880 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
The basic standard weekly rations at controlled rates for coal-mine workers in Bihar consists of 4 seers each for the worker and adult dependent and 2 seers for a child and dal at one-fourth basic ration at a concession rate of 6 seers per rupee. In addition [1] / 2 seer of rice or other foodgrain is given free for each attendance at mines. Some of the collieries in Bengal have adopted the same scale with slight variations while others allow a flat rate of 6 seers per week per worker at reduced prices. In some collieries in the C.P. and Berar ration at concession rates is allowed on the scale of 6 seers a week per adult worker, 3 [1] / 2 seers for each woman dependant and l¾ for each child. No special officers of Government apart from the usual Food Rationing Organisations have been appointed to look after distribution of ration to workers. In respect of coal mines, however, six Ration Inspectors have been appointed, three for Bihar under the Bihar Government and three for Bengal attached to the Department of Mines.
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*Fixation of Minimum Living Wages of Labour
@ 937. Mr. Amarendra Nath Chattopadhyaya : (a) Has the Honourable the Labour Member fixed the minimum living wages of labour in factories, mills and mines in accordance with the price of essential foodstuffs and clothing required by the labouring classes ?
(b) Is there any arrangement for the education of children of the labourers in the factories, mills and mines ? Is there any educational arrangement for adult labourers ?
(c) Is there any provision for holidays with pay in factories, mills and mines ? What arrangements are there for medical treatment ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) There is no legislation for fixing minimum wages for employees in factories including mills, or in mines.
(b) Educational facilities outside factories or mines whether for children of workers or for adult workers are provided by provincial authorities.
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1945, 13th March 1945, p. 1407.
@ Answer to this question laid on the table, the questioner being absent.