DRAFT CONSTITUTION 421
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Sir, I move:
“That in clause (1) of article 22, the words “by the State” he omitted.”
The object of this amendment is to remove a possibility of doubt that might arise. If the words “by the State” remain in the draft as it now stands, it might be construed that this article permits institutions other than the State to give religious instruction. The underlying principle of this article is that no institution which is maintained wholly out of State funds shall be used for the purpose of religious instruction irrespective of the question whether the religious instruction is given by the Slate or by any other body.
- Mr. Vice-President : Much as I would like to accommodate other members, for whose opinions I have great respect, I find we have already had a number of speakers. Twelve amendments have to be put to vote. Nine amendments have been moved and I think six speakers have already spoken. I feel this article has been discussed sufficiently. I now call on Dr. Ambedkar to speak.
Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra (West Bengal : General) : Sir, I want to get one or two points cleared. I am not going to make a speech. I want only to get one or two points explained.
Mr. Vice-President : I have already given my ruling. I cannot allow any further speeches, especially as you and I belong lo the same Province.
Pandit Lakshmi Kanta Maitra : Belonging to the same province has nothing lo do with this. I only wanted lo have clarification on one point.
Mr. Vice-President : My decision is final, Panditji. Dr. Ambedkar.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Mr. Vice-President, Sir, out of the amendments that have been moved, I can persuade myself to accept only amendment No. 661 moved by Mr. Kapoor to omit sub-clause (3) from the article, and I am sorry that I cannot accept the other amendments.
It is perhaps, desirable, in view of the multiplicity of views that have been expressed on the floor of the House to explain at some length as to what this article proposes to do. Taking the various amendments that have been moved, it is clear that there are three different points of view. There is one point of view which is represented by my friend Mr. Ismail who comes from Madras. In his opinion, there ought to be
*CAD. Vol. VII. 7th December 1948. pp. 882-86