1066 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
Shri R. C. Upadhyaya: Not husband’s name but.........
Dr. Ambedkar: The procedure for registration has been laid down by the law and that procedure must be followed.
Shri R. C. Upadhyaya: Cannot it be changed ?
Dr. Ambedkar: Well, the law can be changed—it is in the hands of Parliament. I don’t know how long the law will take to be amended if it is placed before Parliament.
An hon. Member: Five minutes.
Shrimati Renuka Ray: If the law is changed then these could be included in the voter’s list. Surely, that is the only possible way. Therefore, will Government consider placing a Bill before Parliament ?
Dr. Ambedkar: It seems to me difficult to entertain a proposition that there should be one law for males and one law for females.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: We are arguing this matter out. Next question.
(51)
*ELECTION COMMISSIONERS IN STATES
535. Shri Kamath: Will the Minister of Law be pleased to state:
( a ) whether Regional Election Commissioners have been appointed and the requisite electoral machinery set up in each of the States ; and
( b ) if not, by what date, it is proposed to be constituted ?
The Minister of Law (Dr. Ambedkar): ( a ) and ( b ) So far, no Regional Election Commissioners have been appointed, but the question of appointing 3 or 4 such officers is under active consideration. I pressume that by the expression “requisite electoral machinery” the hon. Member means the various officers to be appointed in connection with the actual conduct of elections. The position is as follows. Steps
*P. D., Vol. 9, Part I, 27th August 1951, p. 670.