9
DEPRESSED CLASSES AGAINST SECOND CHAMBERS
Dr. Ambedkar on Joint Parliamentary Committee Report Provision for Better Representation Demanded
“While it is a matter of great satisfaction to me and to the Depressed Classes that the Poona Pact has not been disturbed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee. I must point out that the Depressed Classes have been unjustly treated by the changes introduced by the J. P. C. in the matter of representation in the Provincial Second Chambers and in the Upper Chamber of the Federal Assembly”. Thus writes Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in a statement of his views on the Joint Select Committee’s report in so far as it relates to the Depressed Classes.
Dr. Ambedkar continues :—
The Depressed Classes opposed the establishment of the Second Chambers in the Provinces. They were deemed unnecessary under the Montague-Chelmsford reforms. They were not recommended by the Simon Commission. They are condemned by all the political organisations of India. In the opinion of the Depressed Classes they constitute a retrograde step and will prove a hindrance to the progress of the country.
The Composition
The second ground of the opposition of the Depressed Classes to the Second Chambers arises from the Composition of these Second Chambers. It is obvious that in some of the Provinces in which Second Chambers are instituted, is there any seat reserved for the Depressed Classes? Special provision is made for the representation of Muslims, Europeans and Indian Christians in these Provincial Second Chambers. But in no Province is any such provision made for the Depressed Classes. The Depressed Classes of Bombay, Madras, and the United Provinces are left to get such representation as they can out of the general seats in a straight election fight with High Caste Hindu candidates.