916 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
no evidence of excessive consumption of drink in the Bengal coalfields area.
Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : Sir, in view of the fact that the coal situation is very grave in this country and that it is necessary to have the utmost output from coal mines, will Government consider the importance of taking immediate steps to close down the liquor shops in their vicinity, even though it is a provincial matter ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I am afraid we have no control as the Honourable Member suggests.
Mr. G. Rangiah Naidu : May I know if the liquor shops were located in the vicinity with the consent of the Local Government ?
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I say, that is a matter for Provincial Government.
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*** Primary Schools for Railway** Coal Miners’ Children
- Shrimati K. Radha Bai Subbarayan : Will the Honourable the Labour Member please state :
(a) whether there are any primary schools for children of the miners working in the Railway-owned coal mines; and, if so, the number of schools and pupils—boys and girls—attending each of them;
(b) whether the number of schools and pupils has increased or decreased since June, 1939, and what the difference now is;
(c) whether these schools are co-educational, and if there are women teachers on their staff;
(d) if a midday meal is provided to the pupils at these schools; and, if not, why not;
(e) whether these schools are under entire or partial management of the Coal Mine Authorities or under some other local authorities; and
(f) what steps Government are taking to promote elementary education among miners ?
- Legislative Assembly Debates (Central), Vol. II of 1945, 29th March 1945, p. 2239.