882 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
information from Bombay and Madras indicates that some of the mills in those provinces have increased the maternity benefit from the statutory rate of annas eight to annas twelve per day.
With regard to the second part of the question, there is no intention to withdraw women completely from work in mines.
(e) The functions of the Labour Welfare Officers generally are :
(i) to establish close contact between the employers and the workmen in all aspects of labour relations and conditions of work ;
(ii) to promote proper understanding, closer co-operation and mutual appreciation of difficulties, between the employers and the workmen;
(iii) to make constructive suggestions for workmen’s welfare, and to coordinate and supervise all welfare activities of the undertakings ;
(iv) to acquaint themselves with the grievances of the workers, and to secure redress of such grievances and generally to attempt to remove causes of friction.
As regards qualifications while academic qualifications are given due importance, the essential qualification is that the candidates should have experience of social work, preference being given to those who have successfully undergone a recognised training course like that of the Calcutta University or the Sir Dorabji Tata Graduate School of Social Work, Bombay.
Comparative Statement showing some of the important provisions of Legislation regarding maternity benefit at present in force (or in contemplation) in the provinces and the mines
Year in Province which passed
Qualifying period (months)
Maximum period for maternity benefits (Weeks)
Rate of maternity benefits
Bombay 1929 9 8 8 annas a day or a v e r a g e d a i l y wages, whichever is less. But in the cities of Bombay and Ahmedabad 8 annas a day.
Penalty for contravention of Act by employer
Rs.
500