PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 373
The other thing to which I would like to draw attention is to the dictum laid down by the Hon. Prime Minister that we must pay fair, adequate compensation and not too much and I agree with that dictum. But do consider the things as they are existing. I am one with the Government in abolishing zamindari but on fair terms.
Dr. Ambedkar: The words ‘fair compensation’ do not appear in article 31.
Shri Hussain Imam : It was the wording of the Hon. Prime Minister. As far as article 31 is concerned, my charge is that the seven Acts that you are thrusting down our throats are not covered by the original provisions of article 31.
Dr. Ambedkar: They are governed by new article 31A.
Shri Hussain Imam : I was referring to the fact that we must face the facts. The Socialist party says that they are not going to honour the instialments that are going to be fixed by the Congress Government. The Communists have declared from the housetops that they are not going to honour it. Why be in a fool’s paradise and believe that it will be paid in 40 years ? Half a loaf is better than nothing and if you have to give you should give now. You should realise the plight of small landholder of zamindar who has an income of 500 or
600 or 1,000 rupees. He is not a bloated capitalist. I aver that at least the lower income group should be given compensation in lump sums so that they may start some business.
Dr. Ambedkar: As to my own amendment I do not think that any argument is necessary in, order to support the same. The amendment is merely an amplification as to the meaning of the word “estate”. Some people felt that while we had taken note of the laws that prevail in Part A States with regard to the definition of the word “estate”, we had not taken sufficient notice of the definition of the word “estate” operating in Part B States. In order to remove that doubt I felt that it was necessary to take note of it and to amplify the definition of the word “estate”, which I propose to do by my amendment.
P. D., Vol 12, Part II, 1st June 1951, pp. 9912-15.