DRAFT CONSTITUTION 939
NEW ENTRY
*Mr. President: There is new entry proposed by Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant.
(Amendment No. 144 was not moved)
†Dr. P. S. Deshmukh : Sir, I move :
‘That the following new entry be added in List III:—
‘Protection of children and youth from exploitation and abandonment, vide article of (vi).’ ”
Sir, I had moved similar amendments on two occasions...
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: This amendment was considered along with other amendments and I gave a reply telling my friend that this matter will be considered by the Drafting Committee. He was then agreeable.
Dr. P. S. Deshmukh : My only submission is that the wording may be altered as the Drafting Committee may decide but provisionally the entry may be accepted as proposed by me. It should not merely be left to be considered by the Drafting Committee. Any wording that may be suitable may be put in; but there should be an entry which refers to the protection of children and youth from exploitation and abandonment. I hope Dr. Ambedkar will kindly accept this.
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I have told my friend that if I find that the purpose which he has in mind is not covered by any of the other entries, I will do my best to introduce some such entry. I have given him that assurance.
Dr. P. S. Deshmukh : This is a question to which I and at least some Members of the House attach very considerable importance. ... I hope, Sir, no damage will be done if we have an entry like the one I have proposed in the case of children.
The Honourable dr. B. R. Ambedkar : I will give my best consideration to the matter. I am in entire sympathy with its object. What more can I say?
‡ Mr. Naziruddin Ahmad : One speaker has just now given out that prostitution should be entirely prohibited...
The Honourable Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Is this a question which we need debate? The only question is whether there is power with the State or with the Centre or should it be Concurrent. How the power is to be
*CAD, Vol. IX, 3rd September 1949, p.954.
† Ibid., p. 954.
‡ Ibid., pp. 957-958.