PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 903
revolution in the two different classes is going on for centuries— it is an intolerable business because we cannot allow one class to rule for ever. For some time they may but they must see that the other classes also become educationally qualified in order that they too may hold the reins of government. We are not going to be subject people all the time.
Shri H. P. Saksena (Uttar Pradesh) : There are no classes in India. This is a classless country.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar : Therefore what I am saying is this, that if you really want to unify the people, to bring all the people on level, then it is not enough that you should get the highest education and others should get the lowest and not even the lowest. It is from that point of view that you must introduce the system of foreign education. It was with that aim that I struggled to get some quota from the Government of India and asked them to put the responsibility for university education upon the provinces. The States have been jolly glad to throw the responsibility upon you. What do they do ? They are having prohibition, making people sober. Personally for myself I think a sober man who is an ignoramus is not to be perferred to a man who is educated and who drink a bit. I prefer the latter. I am glad to hear that my hon. Friend is now reviving the system of sending scheduled caste boys to foreign countries. I congratulate him.
Now, Sir, the other thing which has recently come to my notice is this, that the Education Department has issued a circular—I think a month or two ago—to the effect that those scheduled caste boys only who have secured 50 per cent. marks in the examination shall get scholarships. Others will not get. I am wondering whether a generous Government with a sympathetic heart desiring to elevate the scheduled castes would ever think of prescribing so hard a test as securing
50 per cent. You must consider the condition in which the scheduled caste boy lives. Probably his father or mother has not got even a room set apart for his study. He probably has not got a lamp to sit by at night and study. He is living in the midst of a crowd. How do you expect him to secure 50 per cent. marks in the examination ? It is an absurdity— utter absurdity. You must, for some time allow the ordinary