L. A. DEBATES (CENTRAL) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 897
Mr. N. M. Joshi : May I know if the Government of India reconsidered the question after the vote given by this Legislature ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have nothing to add to what I said.
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*Arrangements for Care of Miners’ Children
- Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state :
(a) the information received by Government about arrangements for the care of children and infants of miners since the reply given to starred question No.
436 on the 21st February, 1945 ;
(b) the information received by Government on the points raised in supplementaries to that question; and
(c) whether milk is supplied free to infants and children of the miners ; and, if so, the quantity of milk given to each child according to age, and if no milk is given, the reason for not giving it ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : (a) and (b). I have not yet received a report on all matters, but would first make clear that there is an absolute prohibition on women at any time taking babies underground, and themselves going underground for a period of 4 weeks after childbirth.
An enquiry made by the Lady Labour Welfare Officer a few months ago disclosed that women in an advanced state of pregnancy generally did not go underground and I have introduced a Bill which while giving longer benefit will prohibit them from going underground for 10 weeks before expected date of childbirth.
So far as I have ascertained no organised facilities exist for mothers to come to the surface to feed their babies at regular intervals, but the Lady Welfare Officer states that there is a tendency for women with children at home to leave the mines early to return to their homes.
(c) In a few mines only Government are examining further possibilities in regard to improvement of health of women and children in mining areas.
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central). Vol. I of 1945, 26th March 1945, p 2006.