956 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
to sixteen per cent of the population. Is it proper, is it democratic for you without going to a Select Committee even to so change the nature of the Bill that it will affect hundred per cent, of the citizens of India—because Land has now been brought into the purview of the Central Legislature ? I very respectfully beg to suggest that it is not proper for this Legislature, keeping self-respect in view, to go so much forward without even the formality of having a Select Committee to go over it. I know that now it is no good crying over spilt milk. But I am bringing all these arguments in favour of making this Bill elective. I do not say, having advanced so far and having made so many mistakes in the past, that you should now brush it away. But at least you should have the decency to say that you will allow the people to have their choice whether they wish to be under this Act or not. This choice may be either general as my hon. friend Mr. Jaspat Roy Kapoor has suggested, or it may be restricted as I am suggesting now for the consideration of Government. Government
[M R . S PEAKER in the Chair. ]
have got ample time according to present estimates. The Bill is not going to be proceeded with immediately now. Therefore it is possible
5 p.m. for Government to reconsider their position. In all humility I would appeal to Government to give if their best consideration and make it elective in full and if that is not possible for having it at least in part made elelctive and not compulsory. Otherwise it will be dictatorship and not democracy.
Mr. Speaker : We will now take up the half an hour discussion.
Shri Gadgil : A request was made by hon. Members to let the House know about a certain accident that has happended in the morning in the Chandni Chowk.
Mr. Speaker : I think it had better be taken at 5-30 instead of now.
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