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REPRESENTATION RELATING TO THE GRIEVANCES OF THE WATANDAR MAHARS, MANGS ETC.
“The Bombay Government levied additional taxes on the Mahar Vatans. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar had been fighting that problem since 1927. But now instead of relieving the poor from the serfdom, the Government added salt to their injuries by the levy of additional taxes. The Mahars, Mangs and Vethias in Maharashtra and Karnatak met in Conference at Haregaon, District Ahmednagar in the middle of December 1939 to voice their grievances under the Presidentship of Dr. Ambedkar.” [1]
On 16th December 1939 addressing the Conference of
20,000 Mahars, Mangs and Vethias, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar assured that he would submit the representation to the Government relating to their grievances. Accordingly he prepared and submitted the representation, dated 14th July
1941 which is as follows :—Editors.
To
HIS EXCELLENCY SIR ROGER LUMLEY G.C.S.I.E., T.D., GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY.
I beg to submit the following representation relating to the grievances of the Watandar Mahars, Mangs and Vethias, known as Inferior Village Servants, in this Presidency, for favour of Your Excellency’s kind consideration and necessary action—
- These grievances arise out of the new policy initiated by the Government of Bombay relating to the Watandars called Inferior Village Servants. They affect them in two vital matters, namely :—
(i) Heavy reduction of their remuneration, and
(ii) Substantial increase of their Duties.
1 : Keer, Pp. 330-331.