Friday, March 9, 1956
LOK SABHA DEBATES CONTENTS
[VoL I. Nos, I TO 20— 17TH February to 15TH M arch, 1956]
C o l u m n s No. I— Fridayt i^th February^ 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 41 to 46, 48 to 53, 55 to 60 i-34 Short Notice Question No. I. . • 34“37 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. i to 28, 30 to 40, 47, 61 to 72 37-62 Unstarred Questions Nos. i to 29 . • 63-78 Daily Digest 79~^4
No. 2— Mondayi 20th February, 1956—
Oral A n s w e r s to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 73 to 76, 78, 79, loi, 80, 82 to 85, 87 to 91 85-119 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 77, 86, 92 to 100, 102 to 107 120-27 Unstarred Questions Nos. 30 to 48 127-36 Daily Digest ^ 37“ 4°
No. 3— Tuesday, 21st February, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 108, n o, i n , 113, 115, 116, 118, 121 to 126, 128 to 1 3 1 ...... H ^-75 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 109, 112, 114, 117, n 9 > 120, 127, 132 to 134, 136 to 140, 142 to 149 i 75“^5 Unstarred Questions Nos. 49 to 55, 57 to 64 185-92 DaUy Digest . . • 193-96
No. 4— Wednesday, 22nd February, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 150 to 153, 155, 156, 162 to 168, 171 to 174, 176, 177, 179 to 182, 154 and 160 ..... 197-229 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 157 to 159, 161, 169, 170, 178 , 229-32 Unstarred Questions Nos. 65 io 81 • . 232-40 Daily Digest 241-42 Mo. 5— Thursdayy 2y d February, 1956— Columns
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 184 to 195, 197, 202 to 210 and 183 . 243-77 Written Answers to Questions— Starred QuestioOS Nos. 196, 198 to 201 277-79 Unstarred Questions Nos. 82 to 94 279-86 Daily Digest . 287-913
No. 6— Friday, 2/^th February, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 211 to 215, 218 to 230, 234 to 238 291-326 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 216, 217, 231 to 233, 239 to 245 326-31 Unstarred Questions Nos. 95 to 108 33i"-3^ . Daily Digest 339~40
No. 7— Tuesday, 2^th February, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 285 to 296, 298 to 301, 304, 306, 307,312, 308 to 311. . . . • • • • • • 34*” 73 Written Answers to Questions— Stared Questions Nos. 246 to 284, 297, 302, 303, 313 to 315, 317, 318, 81. 373“95 Unstarred Questions Nos. 109 to 167 395“ 428 Daily Digest . 429"34
No. 8— Wednesday, 2^th February, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 319 to 322, 324 to 327, 329, 330, 332, 334, 336 to 339, 343 to 347» 349 ...... 435-69 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 323, 328, 331, 333, 335, 340 to 342, 348 , 350 469-82 to 369 ...... Unstarred Questions No. 169 to 186 . 483-92 Daily Digest . 493-96
No. 9— Thursday, ist March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 370 to 372, 374 to 378, 381, 382, 384, 386 to 392 497 ^53^ Short Notice “Question No. 2 . . • • * 531-3'-' Colum ns
Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions'Nos. 373, 379, 380 383, 385, 393 to 399 . 533- 3^ Unstarred Questions Nos, 187 to 207 . . . 53®“ 5^ Daily Digest . 551-54
No. 10— Friday, 2nd March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— * Starred Questions Nos. 400, to 403, 405, 406, 408, 409, 411, 412, 414, 415, 417, 419, 421 to 424, 427, 4 2 8 ...... 555-89 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 404, 407, 410, 413, 416, 418,420, 425, 426 . 589-^3 Unstarred Questions Nos. 208 to 229 . 593-^02 Daily Digest 603-06
No. II— Saturday^ ^rd March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Short Notice Question No. 3 607-12 Daily Digest 613-14
No. 12— Monday, ^th March, 1956—
Orsil Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 433 to 437, 439, 440, 442 to 444, 446, 448 to 450, 452 to 454, 461, 463 to 465, 4 6 7 ...... 615-47 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 429 to 432, 438, 441, 445, 447, 455 to 459, 462, 466 and 468 to 472 ...... 647-60 Unstarred Questions Nos, 230 to 253 661-70 Daily Digest . 671-74
No. 13— Tuesday, 6th March. 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 474, 476 to 481, 483, 485, 488 to 490, 492 to 494 > 496, 498, 499 » 502, 505, 507 and 508 . . . . 675-708 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos 473, 475, 482, 484, 486, 487, 491, 495, 497, 500, 501, 503, 504, 506, 509 to 530 . . . . 708-24 ^ Unstarred Questions Nos. 254 to 299 725-52 X Daily Digest 753^58 ^0 . 14— Wednesday^ ^th March, 1956— C olumns
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 533, 535, 536, 539, 540, 542 to 544, 546, 547, 552 to 554. 556, 558, 560, 531. 537. 53^ • • • ■ 759-90 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 532, 534, 541, 545, 548, 549, 551, 555 . 790-93 Unstarred Questions Nos. 300 to 319 . 793-804
Daily Digest . 805-08
No, 15— Thursday, Sth March, 1956—
Resignation of Deputy-Speaker . 809 Appointment of Speaker Pro-tem 809
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 561, 563 to 565, 567, 568, 571, 572, 573, 575, 576, 582, 585, 587, 570 and 5 8 4 ...... 809-34 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 562, 566, 569, 574, 577 581. 583. 586 and 5 8 8 ...... 834-39 Unstarred Questions Nos. 320 to 325 840-42
Daily Digest 843-44
jVb. i^Friday, gth March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 590 to 594, to 601, 604 to 606, 608 to 610, 613 to 616, 589, 602, 603 and uuy .... 845-78 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 595 to 598, 611, 612 and 617 878-80 8S1-92 Unstarred Questions Nos. 326 to 346 Daily D^est . . • 893-96
17— Monday, i2th March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 620, 623, 624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634 to 636, 638 to 645, 559, 621 . • • • 897-931 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 618, 622, 625, 627, 631, 633, 637 . 93'-34 Unstarred Questions Nos. 347 to 362 . . 934-46 946A—46B Daily Digest *. . No. 18— Tuesdayy 13/A Match, 1956— Columns
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 646, 649, 650, 653, 652, 655, 656,658, 660, 661, 663, to 665, 667 to 674, 676 to 679 , 947-^ Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 647, 648, 651, 654, 657, 659, 662, 666, 675 and 680 ...... 981-85
Unstarred Questions Nos. 363 to 379 . 985-92
Daily Digest . 993 - 9^
No, 19— Wednesday, i^tk March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 682, 684 to 687, 689, 691 to 693, 698 to 703, 707 to 709, 683, 688, 681, 6 9 5 ...... 997-1031 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 690, 694, 696, 697, 704 to 706 and 710 1031-34 Unstarred Questions Nos. 380 to 408 1034-50 Daily Digest 1051-54
No, 20— Thursday, 15/A March, 1956—
Oral Answers to Questions— Starred Questions Nos. 711 to 714, 716 to 720, 722, 723, 725 to 729, 73i> 734, 732, 715, 721, 7 2 4 ...... 1055-83 Written Answers to Questions— Starred Question No. 733 1083-84 Unstarred Questions Nos. 409 to 418 1084-90 Daily Digest . , 1091-94
GIPN — S3— 66— Lok Sabha— 23-5.57-640 • LOK SABHA DEBATESpg^^^ ^ (Part I— Qnesdons and Answers) ......
8 45 846 LOK SABHA Shri Alagesan: This does not cost much at all. There is no question of Friday, 9th March, 1956 foreign assistance. It is not a very costly affair.
The Lok Sab ha met at Half Past Ten Shri Bhagwat Jha Azad: May I of the Clock know whether there is any propc^l to buy such equipments from foreign [Mr . Speaker in the Chair] countries to equip other ports also? ORAL ANSWERS TO Shri Alagesan: As I said we are QUESTIONS having it for Ae moment only at Kandla. It will take some time even K andla Port before we have it on an experimental basis at Bombay and Calcutta. It *590. Shri Bhagwat Jha Azad: Will can be decided only later. the Minister of Transport be pleased to state: Shri Bhagwat Jha Azad: May I know whether, excepting Kandla. we (a) whether it is a fact that the have other ports which are already Kandla Port is to be equipped with fitted with such radar equipment? the latest harbour control radar equip No. Sir. ment; Shri Alagesan: (b) if so. the estimated expenditure to be incurred in the installation of f ftr W ^ ^ this equipment and when it will be farrf sftt To t | w completed: and (c) whether Government propose to ^ ^ I ? instal these equipments at any other Shri Alagesan: My colleague there ports also? may be able to answer this question. The Deputy ^fillister of Railways and Transport (Shri Alagesan): (a) Yes, Sir. t, ^ ^ t • (b) Rs. 3.18.000/-. The installa Mr. SpeakeK Both the hon. Mini^ tion is expe<^ to be comfdeted by ters are here. the 31st March, 1957. (c) No. Sir. It is. however, pro posed to instal two Experimental # fnft *rfT ^ t • Radars. i.e, one at Khanderi Island at the approaches to the Bombay #ir ?T^. t ^ ?Pfft ^ Shri Abid Ali: I think it will apply ^ pTT t • ^ ^ to transport workers also. '5RVR’ ^ ^rra" ^ 5i^H iV w «!'<<- Sliri T. B. Vittal Rao: What will be the wage-limit up to which this Bill Shn N, M, Ungam; I am told that panchayats are not functioning pro perly now because of poor finance, factions and too much of official con trol. May I know whether Govern ^ WRTf^ ment are satisfied that the delibera zrf tions and resolutions of a body like the All-India Council of Local Self Government are going to remedy the % ^ m 3 T ^ situation all over the country? ^«(PT % ^ ^ W SRI% f ?rk STTT ^ Trftr Shrimati Oumdniseklian Mainly for ^ TT% remedying all the drawbacks existing at present this Committee considers the question and may recommend to («ft 511^^1^ ^ State Governments to take the neces ^ 'TT w ^3fMT t [?fOT qrfrfw sary steps. It is being considered. !(Y] ^ ^ ^ ^ fTRT I ^ «ft HftT ^ % $TRT ^ t ^ ^ # ?nft ^ ^ W STT f% t I ^ # ^ m t ^3^ # ^jTR^ ^ ^ ^ sqY ^ 5Sfhc 5f>T ?Fr ^ ^ TO 21^ ^ ^ % H,v9^<,ooo W 2IT ftiirr w «rr, ^ ^ ^ i^iT t » ^ =5rrf^ i W ^ ^ f k ^ f w »nTT t? 5T2TT f^T «r^TT | cnrfe ^ I OT ^ ^ ^ TfT t ? ^ ^3TR ? Mr. Speal^: If an hon. Member can Mr. Speaken Hereafter questions also speak in English and the hon. must be very short and there ought Minister is not well versed to reply not to be any preambles, etc.. to the in Hindi, for the benefit of the House questions. the question may be put in English. If there is another Minister who inft («ft ipr© knows Hindi. I will ask that Minister to answer. In the absence of the Minister who can answer in Hindi, ^ t m ^ ^ r m ^ the hon. Member may put the ques tion in English if he can put it. ^ t t ^ ^ ^ ^ 211 ^ TO ^ ‘ Shri Bhakt Daisluui: May I know ^ ^ ^ t ft) f5f?r?TT ^ I ^ whether any steps have been taken in the direction of uniform powers of % 'T^ ^ ^ 3TPTT I gram par^chayats in the different States? I think this was one of the ^ ^ ; ?T3RTT ?ftT proposals that were considered by the ^ t ' 5 ^ w ^ ^ ;sft Conference. ^ fw nm t I w ^ Sfarimati Chandraseidiar: AU the ^3TPT ^4x1 ( j ? I^o^sals ate contained in the resolu tions as indicated in tiie ^tement Mr. Speaker: That was a^ed a placed on the Table. few days ago. 8 53 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers 854 The Deputy Miiditer of RaOwsys 50% of the cost of additional super and Tnmsport (Shri Ali«esan): The visory and administrative staff. roads to those places were fairly good The Government of India also though there also we are trying to im sanction long and medium term loans prove them. But with regard to this to these Societies through the State festival, those places were not con Governments for specific pur|wse of sidered as important as the places increasing agricultural production. mentioned. Shri Gadilingana Gowd: In view of Jsft o ^ the fact that the individual agricultu f W ' ^ W ^ ral holding in our county is only ^ fjT^ t Wift about four acres and that it is most uneconomical for mechanised farming, ^ I, w r JTrdr^rRT »t?rT?r«T # has the Government instructed the ^ ’TT t ^ States to encourage co-operative farm % ^ 2TRTTW ^ ing societies? Dr. P. S. Deshmokh: Yes. Sir. We «ft q?ro afto ^ ^ have been trying to impress upon the States the desirability of forming firqr T^r t • these societies. Dr. Suresh Chandra: The reason I am told given by the hon. Deputy Minister Shri Gadtiingatta Gowd: that assistance to these societies has just now not to include Ellora and to be given through the co-operative Ajanta for the Buddhist festival is central banks in fiie States who are that they were not considered impor taking six to nine months in the tant. I want to know on what basis matter. Ellora was not considered as impor tant because I think Ellora is the most Mr. Speaker: Hon. Members are important Buddhist monument in the entitled to elicit answers to specific world. points or questions if they do not know the answers. But if they want Mr. Speaker; Are we to argue to give information, it may be given this matter to convince the Member? privately to the hon. Minister. Shri Gadilingana Gowd: Has the I fsn# % ^ ft w i Ministry consulted the States for dis posing of the loan applications from ?l!iRr t • ^ ^ ^ the co-operative societies within a ^ rR^ % JJT ^ miW month of the receipt of the applica % ^ f w »raT t >rr ^ ? tions? «ft »fto OTFA Dr, P. S. Deshmokh: 1 do not think there has been any undue delay in responding to applications. I • ^ ^ Siiri Ramachandra Reddi: May I know whether the State Governments ^ ^ ^ I have submitted any report to the C o-operative F arming Central Government about the suc ♦599, Shri Gadilingana Gowd: Will cess achieved so far in co-operative the Minister of Food and Agricultore farming? be pleased to state the native of Dr, P. S. Deshmiddi: The Planning assistance that Government give to Commission has obtained from cer encourage Co-operative Farming in tain societies an assessment of the the country? success they have achieved and we The Minister of AgricBltnre (Dr. have got a report to that effect. P. S. DesfaiuaUi): For promoting Co Shri KaraaOi: As a resii* of the operative Farming, Government of encouragement given by the C e ii^ India grant subsidy to the extent of for co-operative farming in fire 855 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers 83& States, in how many States has co Some Hon. Members; rose— operative farming been undertaken Mr. Speaker: Whenever hon. Mem* and how many acres are under co bers feel that it is an important ques operative farming? Also how have tion and they want to have more time, the kisans taken to it? they know the practice. They can Dr. P. S. Desbmukh: It will be diffi< ask for a half-an-hour discussion. cult to calculate the number of kisans T raining Institutes and acreage. But 1 can inform my ♦600. Shri S. C. Samanla: Will the hon. friend that there are in existence Minister of Laboor be pleased to state: 999 societies in the whole of India; the largest number is to be found in (a) the number of trainees on the the State of Bombay, which has 254; roll of various training institutes Uttar Pradesh has 163 and Punjab (technical and vocational) at the end 180 and so on. of January, 1956; (b) the number of displaced persons and the number of women trainees (separately); (c) the number of new training centres going to be opened during the Second Five Year Plan; and (d) how many of the existing insti ^ 5RT ^ t ^ tutes are going to be expanded? qTTTTfsT ^ t ? The Deputy Minist^ of Labour X^o ^ ^ (Shri Abid A li); (a) and (b). A state ment is laid on the Table of the Lok l^ rrt Sabha. Appendix 111, annexure f 1% ^ rTTq> No. 55]. I f^ . ^ (c) and (d). These matters have not ^ ^ -;OT I ^ HcTI4I yet been finalized. State Govern t I ’fT ^ ^ f^T=RT^ ments are being consulted. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ f Shri S. C. Samanta: How many ^ Tm «TT ^ centres are at present functioning and ^ o ^ ^ I I ^ ^ how many of them are exclusively for the training of women? 5frtf ^ t I ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I I Shri Abid AM: I think there are sixty centres out of which three are exclusively for women— one at Mad ras. one at Dehra Dun and one at ^ Delhi. ?TFWT) ^ T| t I Shri S. C. Samauta: May I know whether any additional amount has Shri Thimmaiah; Is Government been fixed in the Second Plan? How aware that some persons holding many trainees are to be trained with large estates try to form co-operative that amount? societies in order to avoid the effect of ceiling and then claim financial Shri Abid Ali; We want to in help from the Government? Does crease the number of trainees to thirty Government give financial help to thousand. The ad^Jitional amount such co-operative farming? which has been provided during the next Plan period will be about Dr. Desammkh: I have noticed Rs. 18-60 crores. during my tours certain instances of this sort, but we try to judge them Shrtmati A. Kale: May I know on their own merits, and I do not why Government has opened two think they'are in a position to cheat centres near each other— ^Delhi and us. Dehra Dun? 8 57 Oral AuMvns 9 MARCH 15)56 Oral Ansicers 858 Shri Abid Ali: This was neces Press T elegrams to Japan sary because a large number of dis placed persons came from Pakistan. ^601. Shrimati lla Palcfa ay: Will the Minister of •ft f^Nt : W be pleased to State; (a) whether any negotiations bet ^ f ^ ween the Governments of India and (stf^rer^r hptttt)!' # Japan were held for reducing rates of 3^^ ferr t press telegrams to Japan; ^ TT^'f % fe n 5HW rft t (b) if so, the nature of these , negb- SfPHT =3fT^ i ?rf%^ iTT7rT5pfhT tiations; and (c) the progress made in this con f^rerr ^ ^rr 'r f^ ^ nection? fer# t ^ f¥ TTTc^fTzr^ TTW^sr The Minister in the Ministry ef ConBDonicatlons (Shri Raj Bahadmr): (a) The negotiations were held bet ween the telecommunications autho fr (fNWRTT) % t rities concerned in India and Japan. ^ TT52T (b) It was proposed that press rate between India and Japan be reduced from 8[ annas to about 4 annas per 5Bfk rTfr% WJ * n ^ t , 2Tf word ordinary. % iRifkt % ^ ft (c) The telecommunications autho ^ ^ t f% ^ WTJT t, rities in Japan are of the view that ^ ^ ^^TrTT ^rnnTT I the existing press rates which are in accordance with the International «ft WT : WT ^ Telegraph Regulations should con ^ ?TTf t ^ ^ # tinue to apply until such time as there 3ft TO f is general international agreement TO ^ ^rhnnx ^ ^ for the reduction of press rates. t, ^ wr ThniTT f^R % >ft ^ Shrimati lla Palchoudhury: What is ^RT ^ t ? the difference in Press telegram rates between the Commonwealth countries «ft WHt : ^ ^ t and Japan? ^ ^ % TO fTR- ^^k?T Shri Raj Bahadur: There is a good 'S|NI «r* Shii SiuUioawaz Kluui: There were Shrimati Cluttdraseidiw: T h^ are no sudi complaints. • considering the establishment of four centres. Their location has not yet C ancer R esearch C entre, been finally decided, Hyderabad Shri Kamath: Is there any machinay •606. ShTi Wodeyar : Will the Mi on the national or supra-national level nister of Health be pleased to state: for co-ordination of cancer research (a) whether Government have de in our country with such research in cided to locate a Cancer Research other friendly countries? Centre in Hyderabad; ^iriraati Chandrasekhar: I could (b) if so, the nature of the scheme; not follow the question. and Mr. Speaker: The hon. MembCT (c) the estimated cost thereof? wants to know whether there is any proposal of scheme to co-ordinate The Depoty Minister of Health the researches made in our country H l T^ksbman Sinsli Ouuci^ From Delhi-Madras Tri-weekly Janata Ex the report that has been now placed press into a daily service is recognised in the Lok Sabha Secretariat Library, and will be implemented when suffi may we know how our production of cient line capacity, coaching stock and sugar compared with Indonesia and locomotives become available for the Australia? purpose. Dr. P. S. Deshmukk: As is weU Shri Kamadi: Is the propo^ to ruo known our averages are rather low. the Janata Express daily going to be But, as a result of certain campaigns implemented early in the Second Plans that we started a year back there has period? been considerable improvement and Shri Sfaahnawaz Khan: It is difficult we hope to progress further in to lay down any fixed date. But, I times to come. can assure the hon. Member that the Lakshnum Singh Cliarak: May Railway Ministry is as keen as he is we have some details about the cam to run this train on a daily basis as paign which has been launched by early as possible. 5ie Government and how far the pro Shri Kamath: According to infor duction has increased by that cam- mation in possession of the Ministry p a ^ ? is it not a fact that this Delhi-Madras Dr. P. S. DeshmaUi: We started a line is the most congested line in the compaign which was to extend and whole of India? cover an area of 2,20,000 acres. T^e Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Yes, Sir. That campaign was of top-dressing with is one of the reasons why it is not amonium sulphate. The result was possible to run the daily Janata. an increase of at least 5 tons sugar cane per acre. It has been mainly Shri Kamath: 1 meant passenger responsible for giving us 2 tons congestion. average additional yield over the whole area in India. Shri Shahnawaz Khan: The line capacity is very limited. We are T rain Service between Itarsi trying to double the track between AND B ezwada Bhopal and Bina. Also, there is paucity of rolling-stock and locomo *609. Shffi Kjunath: Will the Minis tives. As soon as we are able to over ter of Railways be pleased to state: come these difficulties we hope to in (a) whether it is a fact that the troduce this train on a daily basis. Grand Trunk Express and the tri Shri B. S. Murthy: Now that the Tri weekly Janata Express from M a d ^ weekly Janata is running from Madras to Delhi are not sufficient to cope with to Delhi, may 1 know what are the the passenger traffic on this line; insurmountable difficulties to increase (b) whether Government propose to the frequency by three or four days? run an extra passenger train at least Shri Shahnawaz lOiaii: The insur between Ttarsi and Bezwada; and mountable difficulties are the lack of line capacity and the paucity of roll (c) if not, the reasons therefor? ing-stock. Tlie Paryamentary Secr^ary to Ae Mr. Speaker: He said the same Minister of Raflways and Tiansport thing. (Shrl Sliabnawaz Khan): (a) Yes. (b) No, Sir. (c) As the traffic on the route is generally between Delhi and M adi^ and Delhi and Secunderabad, Ae in troduction of such a train will not Mr. Speaken I think the whole serve the needs. However, the need matter was thrashed out by Shri for increasing the frequency of the Kamath yesterday while speaking on 8 65 Orat Answers 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers 866 the Railway Budget. He r^erred to (b) The recommendations are three pore passenger trains to be in under consideration. troduced and so on. Shri M. S. Gnmpadaswamy: May I know whether the Government will give any financial grant to this Asso ciation to carry out their purposes in the matter of social and moral hygiene? ^ ^ m ?Trr ?rr^ ^ Shrimati Chandrasekhar: I think this t| t ^ ? * Association is being assisted by the The Deputy Minister of Railways Central Social Welfare Board and and Transport (Shri Aiagesan): That there is no need for us to give any proposal may come later. Sir. grants. Shri Y . B. Vittal Rao: May 1 Shri M. S. Gnnipadaswamy: May I know whether the priorities for the know whether all the proposals m ile various trains have been worked out by this Association will be fulfilled and, if so, where does this train or implemented in co-operation with stand with regard to the increasing the States or will it be done by the of the frequency of the Janata Ex Central Social Welfare Board alone? press? Shrimati Chandrasekhan Those that Shri Aiagesan: Yes, Sir. The priori concern the Central Health Ministry ties have been fairly worked out, I will be considered by us and those should say. 1 think this train enjoys which need the assistance of the a sufficient priority. I do not exactly State Governments will be referred to remember the place where it stands. them. Shrimati JayasM: May I know Shri T. S. A. Chettiar: Does it mean whether any legislation is already that if the rolling-stock is available, before the House for stopping this without any increase in the line capa traffic in women and children and city they can still run the Janata Ex whether the Government intend to press on a daily basis? pass that legislation. Shri AU^esan: In the meanwhile, wc Shrimati Chandrasekhar: I think hope to increase the line capacity that question pertains to the Honie and with the availability of more Ministry and may be put to that rolling-stock this will be possible. Ministry. A ll-India Social and M oral Shri Joachim Alya: Is it a fact that Hygiene C onference one of the recommendations of this *610. Shri M. S. Guropadaswamy: Association is the manufacture of ex Will the Minister of Health be pleased tensive birth control aiuo and has to state: Government seen the danger of the extensive production of these aids? (a) the decisions taken at the fifth annual session of the All India Moral Shrhnati Chandrasekhar: 1 do not and Social Hygiene Association; and think that is one of the reconunenda- (b) whether Government propose to tions of this Association. I think I take any steps to implement the re would require a separate notice to commendations made by the Associa answer that question. tion? Saurashtra R ailw ay Corrup The Deputy Minister of Healdi tion C ases (Shrimati ChimdraMd^har): (a) A list of the resolutions passed by the fifth *613. Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: Will the annual session of the All India Moral Minister of Railways be pleased ta and Social Hygiene Association is refer to the reply given to Starred placed on the Table of the Lok Sabha, Question No. 926 on the 16tii Decem* [See Appendix HI, annexure No. 56.] ber, 1955 and state: ^ 7 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers (a) the stage at which the disci Shri Gidwaai: Are these officers sus plinary action initiated agiunst the 4 pended. or they are still in service Ga^tted Officers of the ex-Saurashtra and continue to do their duties? Railways for embezzlement of Rs. 13 lakhs stands; and The Minister of Railways and Transport (Shri L. B. Shastri): They (b) whether Government propose to are under suspension. launch any prosecution? Shri Nambian May I know whether Parliamentary Secretary to the a prima facie case is not yet establish Minister of Railways and TrannNMt ed. to launch a . prosecution against (Shn Slialinawaz K l^ ): (a) The case these officers who are involv^ in against 3 officers is under the consi huge amounts of money in the form deration of the Union Public Service of embezzlement? Commission. The case against the fourth officer will be referred to the Shri Shahnawaz Khan: In the case of Commission for advice, shortly. the first three officers, their names have been sent up for dismissal from Sbri Dtbiii: May I know the part recently that they are not given the alleged to have been played by Mr. pay advances evrai after two months, Parikh in this matter ? of the havoc; Siiri L. B. Siiastri: It is a very long G)) whether it is a fact that the* affected areas like Tiruvanir. Naga- case and it will not be possible to go pattinam, Pudukkottai etc. were not into those details here. classified as such by Railway adminis tration for pay advances; (c) whether it is also a fact that ^ ^ : TO the officers responsible for payments of advances insisted on their personal satisfaction in the way of certificates from village oflBcials and Tehsildars which were responsible for delay; and irr< ^ ^ ^ ^ f^HTPT % #jr^T5R (d) the steps the Deputy Minister FTTf^ ^ ^ TO snrfir of Railways took when large number of Railwaymen represented to him in lit? person the difficulties they felt when he visited there after a period of forty days since the h^ oc? (Stamp unit ^ H ie ParliameDtary Secr^ary to the ( Philatelic HaU ) # Minister of Railways and Transpoit (Siiri Shahnawaz Kban): (a) No, Sir. w t ^ ?F«T %TTzft^ (b) A statement is laid on the Table- of the Lok Sabha. \See Appendix III, # cTTT p r t • ^ annexure No. 57.] ^ ^ 3^ 3TT Tfr I (c) Yes, Sir. But when this came ?fk ^ ^snw I to the notice of the General Manage, instructions were issued to accept ' 4t w 2i*r : TO declaration of loss or damage ftff- ?ITTT t ^ ^ ^ ^ nishing pamculars of the property ^ ^^rnr ^ W ^ and belongings and extent of the loss, etc.. with such evidence as the em 5?r ? ployee may be able to produce in Till i l ^ : ^ ^ support of his declaration. I ?ftT ^ #, ^ (d) Representations were made by ^ i|IT^ ^ ^ «fh: ^ ^ the staff of the Chettinad. who had not originally been included in the ? ^5r*nr w i ^Twr f i list of affected sections. This was, therefore, notified as an affected sec «ft ^W?r iR h : TO ^ tion on 9-1-1956. ^ ii<;>^dT?PT ^iPr^ ^ ^ Sluri Nambkun May I know whether I ZTT rfhc'^TFff qx the railways did not accept the areas ^rm ? declared by the State Government for inclusion as the areas affected by irft ^ ^ ?nft ^ cyclone? , f«nf=Rr ferr ^snw \ Hie Deputy Minister of Railways and T ran ^ rt (Sliri Alageaan): I think ^ ‘ Advances to Rablwaymen we have included almost all the areas that have been affected. When I *615. Shri Nambian Will the Minis went there, I received representations ter of Railways be pleased to state: that a particular section which was (a) whether it is a fact that a large affected was left out. Then imme number of tomplaints are received diately it was ordetcd that that sec from Railwaymen affected fey cyclone tion also ^ ou ld be included. Fot- and floods on the Southern Rahway the information of the Lok Sabha, I 371 Oral Answars 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers 872 piay say that already about Rs. 35 (a) the total number of^ap^lications lakhs have been disbursed in this received from the Savings Bank ac regard. count holder^ who have migrated Shri Nambiar: May I know whether from Pakistan to India; and it is a fact that representation was (b) the total amount claimed by inade personally to A e hon. Deputy them as their deposits in Pakistan? Minister when he visited Tiruvarur The Minister in die Mmistiy of that Tiruvarur town was included by Commimications (Shri Raj Bahadv): the Madras State Government but (a) 87.740 that Tiruvarur railway station^was ex (b) Rs. 4,40,35,576. cluded by the Railway administration for purposes of payment? Shri Krishnachaiya Joshi: Wh^ is the total amount of interest on these Shri Alagesan: There was a repre deposits durmg these periods? sentation at Tiruvarur also, but when Shri Ra j Bahadnn I cannot say what I made enquiries, 1 was told that as is the total amount of interest on {ar as the railway employees were them, just now. concerned there was no damage. Siiri Krishnacharya Joshi: Will all Shri V. Mnniswaiiiy: May I know if these amounts be paid to the appli the Minister could tell us whether any cants soon? distinction was made, in respect of the grant of these advance amounts, Shri Raj Bahadur: Yes; after the between Central Government servants verification of the lists pertaining there and State Government servants? have been received from Pakistan. Mr. Speaker: This is all under the Shri Krishnacharya Jodii: May I Railway Ministry— the Union Gov know whether any time-limit is fixed ernment. for receiving the applications? Shri B. S. Morthy: May I know Shri Raj Bahadur: iNo time-limit whether all the appications received can be finally fixed for applications. have been dispos^ of and, if not, For verification of lists, however, it is how many applications are still there now up to the end of June, 1956. to be disposed of. in regard to this P o s t a l L if e I n s u r a n c e F u n d grant? Shri Shahnawaz Khan: The number *589. Shri Jhulan Sinha: WiU the of persons to whom the money has Minister of Comnumications be pleas been disbursed is 19,325. TTie amount ed to state whether there is any proposal for reorganisation of th6 disbursed is Rs. 34,70,668. The Postal Life Insurance Fund on the number still pending is 3,777 and the lines suggested by the Public Accounts amount involved is Rs. 6,11,082. Committee? Shri Nambiar: May I know whether the Government are prepared, or are The Minister in the Ministfy of proposing, to make payments in re Commonications (Shri Rsy Bahadur): Recommendations of Public Accounts gard to those pending applications as Committee have been duly considered. well? No change is contemplated at pre Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Yes, Sir. sent. Shri Kamath: How many railway Shri Jhulan Sinha: May I enquire if men in all have applied for advance the financial implications of the re payments and how many have been commendations have been fully ana refused so far? lysed and. if so, may I know the re Shri Shahnawaz Khan: I have given sult of that analysis? the figures. Shri Raj Bahadv: Not only die financial but all other im|^cations Savings B ank A ccount were analysed and the decision has *616. Shri Krishnadbaiya Joshi: been taken in consultation with Ae Will the Minister of Conmonicationf Finance Ministry, on the lines I have i>e pleased to state: just now said. «73 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers 874 Shri J. A. CSiettiar: What are the Scheduled C aste R ecruitment reasons far not accepting the sugges IN R ailw ays tions of A e ^ b lic Accounts Com mittee? *602. Shri VeiayiiAaii: Will the Minister oi Railways be pleased to Shri Raj Bahadur: Essentially, the state: Postal Life Insurance Fund is a faci lity offered by the Government for its (a) the number of Scheduled Caste ‘employees. It differs from the ordi- persons recruited as routine clerks naiy commercial insurance business, and assistants in the Railway Minis on five essential factors. Firstly, try in the year 1955; there are no agents appointed for (b) what was the result of the ad procurement of business. Secondly, vertisement recently issued regarding the completion of the proposal forms the recruitment of routine clerks in is done by the offices. Thirdly, the the Railway Board from amongst proposer is sent for medical examina Scheduled Castes and Tribes; and tion, to the medical officers, by the ■department. Fourthly, the Accounts (c) whether there was any test for Officer and the various units in charge their recruitment? of pay and allowances of Govern The Pariiamentary Secretary to the ment servants, are responsible for tlie Minister of Railways and Transport collection of premia, and fifthly, the (Shri Shahnawaz Khan): (a) Routine system of maintenance of accounts is Qerks— 12. Assistants— Nil. different as the Postal Life Insurance Fund is part and parcel of the Gov (b) As a result of this advertise ernment funds. Thus it is different ment. ten Routine Clerks belonging from the commercial procedure. to Scheduled Castes and one belong Shri T. S, A. Chettiar: May I know ing to vScheduled Tribes were re what is the procedure adopted when cruited in 1955. 7 more Routine Government does not accept any re Clerks belonging to Scheduled Castes commendation of the Public Accounts have been recruited in 1956 as a Committee? Is it referred back to result of iho same advertisement. the committee? (c) Yes. Shri Raj Bahadur: I may refer the Shri Veiayndhan: May 1 know what hon. Member to the Public Accounts number was shown in the advertise Committee’s recommendation itself, ment for selection from the Scheduled which said that the Committee Castes and whether that number was desired the P. & T. Department to selected in full after the test? examine this in consultation with the Shri Shahnawaz Khan: 1 do not have Ministry of Finance and apprise them the particular information with me in due course of the decisions arrived just now; but, if tlie hon. Member at. That was all the recommenda would like to know it, he can refer tion. to me later on. May I know if the Shri C. D. Pande: Shri Veiayndhan: Regarding the test Government is considerfng the amal mentioned by he hon. Parliamentary gamation of the Postal Insurance with Secretary just now, is there any sylla the general insurance, in view of the bus fix^ for it or is it only a viva imtionalisation of insurance? voce interview? May I know whether TIm Minister of ComramucatioBs any information is given regarding (Shri Jagjifan Ram): I may refer my the standard of the test or the syllabus hon. friend to the Bill which has been which the candidates will have to introduced. If he will look into the study? Bill, he will find that Postal Life Insurance has been specifically ex Shri Aahnawaz Khan : The mini cluded from the Corporation to be mum qualification laid down was set up to undertake the work of life matriculation and together widi that, insurance. it was given out that preference would 8 75 Oral Answers 9 MARCH 1956 Oral Answers 876 be shown to those candidates who of the number of Scheduled Castes knew typing and could type at a and Scheduled Tribes candidates to speed of about 30 words per minute. be taken, because not a sin^e candi they were put to a typing test; date was taken for the post of Assis later on, they were asked to write an tant? essay and then there was an interview. Shri Shahnawaz Khan: I have noth Shn VekiyiidliaB and Sliri M. R. ing to add to what I have akeady KrisfaaD rose— said. There is a minimum standard Mr. Speaker: Shri M. R. Krishna, on which we insist and we try as Shri Velayodhan: It is my question. much as we can to accommodate all the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Mr. Speaken I have allowed the hon. Tribes candidates who are available, Member to put two or three questions. I may add here that the Railway The question may be his. but other Ministry has written to the Home hon. Members are also interested. Ministry to provide information Shri M. R. Kridma: May I know the about all the people who can be con number of applications received from sidered for promotion to Assistants^ the Scheduled Castes and whether they posts from other Ministries. had to come through the Employment K andla Port Exchanges? *603. Shri Boovaraghasamy: Will Shri Shalyiawaz Khan; The number the Minister of Transport be pleased of applications received from Sche to state: duled Castes was 289, Scheduled (a) the original estimated cost of Tribes 16 and Anglo-Indians 4. construction of Kandla Port; Skn B. S. Mnrthy: May I know (b) whether there is a change in the whether all the vacancies allotted for original estimated cost; the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been filled by those can (c) if so. how much; didates who appeared for the tests? (d) how does the estimated cost of Shri Shalmawaz Khan: In the adver construction of this port compare with tisement that was published, applica the cost of any other port of the sam& tions were invited only from Schedul size in India; ed Castes and Scheduled Tribes. A (e) whether the construction work large number of candidates applied is being carried according to the for the posts, but we had to fix a original agreement both in period and minimum standard. All those who cost; and came up to that minimum standard (f) if not. the reasons therefor? were accepted. Shri 1. Eacharan: May I know The D^oty Mhiister of Raflwayff whether all Class IV vacancies in die and Tranqmrt (Shri Alagesan): (a> railways are notified in the Employ Rs. 12*95 crores. ment Exchanges or only a certain (b) and (c). The revised estimate percentage of which is notified and shows an increase of Rs. 1*21 crores. the rest is filled up by direct recruit (d) to (f). A statement is laid on the ment? Table of the Lok Sabha. [See Appen Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Recruitment dix III. annexure No. 58.] to Gass IV staff is normaUy made Shri BoovaraghaMimy; Who were the by the railway officers themselves. contractors at the time the agreement But intimation regarding the date, was made for this contract? time and place of selection is given to the connected Employment Ex Shri Alagesan: It was a conlbine o f changes. Candidates through the an Indian company, Sind Resettle Employment Exchanges are also given ment Corporation and a German due consideration. firm. Shri Velayodhan: May I know Shri Boowaghasamy: May I know whether, when the advertisement was A ether these contractors are still made, there was any specific mention jointly doing this work or any of the •77 Oral Ansuxrs 9 MARCH 1956 Writttn Anstvers 878 oootrac^s have ccased to do this Shri Shahnawaz I liave «tated work? , that it is a long statement; I i:an ^hri AU^esan: The original combine place it on the Table of the House. did not pull together and there was a change. After the change, we have been able to see some progress in W ITTEN ANSWERS TO the work. QUESTIONS C entral B oard of T ransport ^ ffi (« fini) *607. Sardar Iqbal Singh: Will the Minister of Transport be pleased to refer to the reply given to Unstarred Question No. 572 on the 16th Decem WT TOT ^ UXK ^ M ber 1955. and state: ^ mrtfro 5R5T % g r % ^ ^ (a) the names of the personnel of the Standing Committee of the Central : Board of Transport; (^) W (b) how many meetings of this Committee were held during 1955; (c) the main decisions arrived at in these meetings; and (^ ) ^ w t ? (d) the steps taken in implementa tion thereof? IKt) : (v ) at ^ I Tlie rarfiameiitary Secretary to the Minister of Railways and Tnmsport (^ ) ^ ^ ffW (Shri Shahnawaz Khan) : (a) to (d). A ^ (Island platform) % statement is laid on the Table of the House. [See Appendix 111, annexure No. 59.] ^ ^ ^ % 3?TT ^ 5^ ^ zftsRrr ^ fcrr S«rdar Iqbal Singh: In parts (c) mr I and (d) of my question, I hav.e asked Illegal D isposal of R ailw ay about the main decisions arrived at Stores in t h ^ meetings and the steps taken in implementation thereof, whereas *596. Shri Bibheti Miahra: WiU the in the statement, the functions of the Minister of fbuhfvays be [leased to committee have been given. May I state: know the decisions of this committee (a) whether it is a fact that on the arrived at in 1955 and the steps taken 29th December, 1955 the Railway to implement them? Security Force seized 135 l^gs C ontract Works o s R a ilw a y s and to Southern Railway outnde Goa was suspended* from 25th July 1955. *597. ^ A. K . Gapalan: WiU the Internal train services within Goan Minister of Railways be pleased to territory to a limited extent between state: Marmugao and Sanvordem were, how (a) whether it is a fact that contract ever. being run by the Southern Rail works have increased all over the way apto 31-12-55, on which date Railways; the Southern Railway’s contract to work the Western India Portugal (b) if so. the number of contract Railway terminated. wOTks given from 1952-53 onwards, year-wise and Zone-^se; A gricultural Statistics (c) whether Government intend to *612. Siiri M. Islanradaii: Will the continue this policy even during the Minister of Food and Agricnltnre be Second Five Year Plan; and pleased to state the progress nwde so (d) if so, the reasons therefor? far in respect of the collection of agricultural statistics in tlie country? Hie Parfiamortaiy Secreiaiy to die Minister of Railways and Transpoit The Minister of Agrkultnre (Dr. iSkn »ialiiiawaz Klian): (a) Yes. Sir. P. S. Deshmoldi): A statement is placed (b) A statement is laid on the on the Table of the Lok Sabha. [See Table of the House. [See Appendix Appendix III, annexure No. 62.] in , annexure No. 61.] D elhi M ilk: Supply Scheme (c) No change in the Status quo is contemplated at present. *617. Shri Radha Raman: WiU the Minister of Food and Agricnftnre be (d) The existing system is, gene pleased to state: rally speaking, economical and expe ditious. (a) the progress so far made re garding the Milk Supply Scheme in T ea Delhi; *596. Shri Hem Raj: Will the Minis ter of Heaidi be pleased to state the (b) whether the Planning Commis standards fixed for judging the purity sion has given its approval to the of green tea under the Prevention of ^henie; Food Adulteration Act? (c) if so, the expenditure estimated The Deputy Miidster of Heabh to be incurred on the proposed (Siirimatt ChaBdraseldiar): A Standard scheme; and was fixed for “tea** in the Prevention of Food Adulteration Rules. 1955 (d) the details of the scheme? but no specific standards for judging the purity of *'green tea** has been pre The Minister of Agricnttiire (Dr. scribed. The question of prescribing P. S. Deshmnlth): (a) The scheme was a separate standard for *'green tea"’ submitted by the Delhi State Oovem- is under consideration. ment in November, 1955 and is under consideration. R ailw ay T raffic to G oa (b) Not Yet. *611. Siiri S. V. Ramaswaiiiy: Will the Minister of Ridlways be pleased to (c) The estimated expenditure on state whether the Railway Traffic to the scheme as submitted by the State Goa has been closed ccwnpletely and Government is Rs. 4-5 crores for the if 80. from what date? 2nd Plan period. n e PntaneBtaiy Semtaiy to tiie Miriiter of Raflways and Tnmsport (d) A statement is laid on the Table (SM Shalmawaz K hm h All train of the Lok Sabha. [See Appendix HI. Movements to and from Goa from annexure No. 63.] m WfiHen Ansums 9 \IARCH 1956 Written Ansvoers d82 T o u r ism third class coach runs between Ddhi / Shri Ibrahim: and Patiala by trains Nos. 305/347 \SliriD.C.SliM iiuu and 348/306. Will the Minister of Tnuispoit be (b) and (c). There is some over pleased to lay a statement on the crowding in the third class accom Table of the Sabha showing the modation provided in the composite amount of subsidies given to the coach but due to the trains conc^ned various States during 1955-56 for en running at present with the maximum couraging tourist traffic? permissible load, it is not feasible to run an additional coach between The Deputy Minister of Railways these points for third class pass^- and Transport (Shri Alagesan) : A gers. The possibility of replacing the statement is attached See Appendix existing coaches on this through ser III, Annexure No. 64] vice with other coaches providing U n lic e n c ed R ad io T ransmitters a higher proportion of III class ac commodation is under examination. 327. Chandhori Mohammed Shaffee: This will be arranged as soon as pos Will the Minister of CommimicatioDS sible. be pleased to state: D e l h i -Sir s a P a s s e n g e r T ra in (a) the number of unlicensed Radio < transmitters seized by Government in 329. Shri R. K. Gupta: WiU the 1955; and Minister of Railways be pleased to state: (b) the number of arrests made in this connection? (a) whether Government are aware that 1 BDS, the Delhi-Sirsa passenger The Minister in the Ministiy of train on Northern Railway very sel Commonlcations (Shri Raj Bahadur): dom runs to time and is often late by (a) and (b). Complete information hours; in respect of the States of Bengal, Bihar* Bombay, Delhi, Madras, (b) if so, whether Government are Orissa, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh is aware that the late running of this awaited. Of the remaining States one train is causing inconvenience to the transmitter was seized in Saurashtra public particul^ly to those who have and only one arrest was made in that to catch the Ludhiana bound passen connection. ger train at Hissar; and K a s h m ir M ail (c) the steps proposed to be taken by Government in this matter? 328. Shri R. K. Gopta: Will the Minister of Railways be pleased to The Deputy Minister of Railways state: and Transport (Shri Alagesan): (a) The performance of this train was not (a) whether it is a fact that only satisfactory during the period August. one coach consisting of one compo 1955 to January, 1956. ♦ site first, second and third class coach is attached with 305 Up. and 306 (b) Yes. Down (Kashmir Mail) to run daily (c) The following steps have been between Delhi and Patiala Stations; taken to improve the punctuality per (b) whether Government are aware formance of No. 1 BDS:— of the difficulties and inconvenience (i) Day to day watch on the run to passengers for want of accommoda ning of the train at both the Divisional tion in the through coach; and and Headquarters' level is being (c) if so, what steps Government maintained. have taken in the matter? (ii) Deputing of officers and Ins The Deputy Minister of RaUwayt pectors to travel by the train to im and Tnmsport (Shri Alagesan): (a) prove its running by taking up ddays Yes, one composite first, second and on the spot. Written 9 MAR€H 1956 WriUgn Anstvers m (iti| Swift and d ^ n e n t disciplinary (a) the number of countries with action a g i^ t staff for avoidat^e which India have got direct telephone delays. service; and (iv) Punctuality drives impressing (b) the names of those countries? upon staff the importance and neces sity o f punctual running. The Minister in the Ministry of (v) Increase in the margin between Comnmnications (Shri Raj Balwdo^ t e arrival of No. 1 BDS at Hissar (a) and (b). A statement is laid on the and the departure of No. 3 U H for Table of the Lok Sabha. [See Appen Ludhiana from 17 minutes to 26 dix III, annexure No. 66.] minutes to take effect from 1-4-56. R oad D e v e l o pm e n t There is already some improvement 333. Sardar Hnkam Sin^: Will the in the performance of the train during Minister of Transpeit be pleased to the period 1st to 20th February. 1956. state the amount spent by the Gov ernment of India during 1955-56 over £>o u b le R a ilw a y T r a c k s the (i) construction of new roads (ii) 330. nttkur Jogal Kishoie Siniia: development and maintenance of old Will the Minister of Railways be ones? pleased to state the mileage of Double Railway tracks Zone-wise? The Deputy Minist^ of Railways and Transport (Shri Alagesan): Con TIm D^nty Minisier of Railways struction of new roads and develop and Tranqport (Shri Alagesan): The ment of old ones are grouped under information is available in Column 6 one head of account and maintenance of statement % ot the Report by the of existing roads under another. The Rsdlway Board on Indian Railways estimated expenditure under the two for 1^54-55— Vol. II Statistics, for heads of account during 1955-56 is as tlie period ending 31st March 1955. under: — A Copy of this publication is avail able in the Library of the House. Estimated Expenditure Rs. Lakhs. I>EPi«TMENTAL CATERING ON (i) Construction and R a ilw a y s development of roads .. 2227*92 (ii) Maintenance of 331. Thaloir Jugal Kisliore Sinha: existing roads .. 490*00 Will the Minister of RiAways be pleased to state the menus and the R o a d T r a n spo r t W o r k er s rate of each item of the menus on regional testes fixed for hamper 334. Shri N. B. Chowdhnry: WiU boxes? * the Minister of Transport be pleased to state: Tkt n&rmy MBBSter of R ailw i^ m i TffttM i^ (Shfi AlflgesaB): There (a) whether Government have ex is no fix^ menu for the Hamper amined the resolutions passed at the Bbxes. Items that are put into the First All-India Conference of the Road Hamper Boxes vary from day to day, Transport workers held at Amravati depending on a-la-carte dishes avail from 25th to 27th November, 1955: able. The price of the several a-la- and emte items is given in the statement fb) if so, the decisions or reaction attached. Appendix III, annexure of Government on them? No. 65.] The Hamper Box is charged at the total cost of the items put in The Depofy Minister of Rnflwaya it plus four annas for packing and and Transport (Shri Alagesan): (a) service. Yes, Sir. T e l e ph o n e L in k s w it h F o r eig n (b) These resolutions run into COUKHUES several pages and raise numerous 331. Skri llmdihB: Will the Mmis- issues of major policy. Some of Ihe ter of CooBBimkatioM be pleased to resolutions concern matters which are state: in the State field and some concern m W L iv e s to c k the Central Pool. There are at pre- senf 44 vacancies. Pending availabi 340. Sbn Bishwa Nith Roy: WiU the lity of candidates throi^h the Union be Mimster of Food and A fikaltere Public Service Commission, temporary pleased to state whether Government arrangements were made to fill 27 have any idea of the loss to cattle- posts out of 44. The Commission have wealth in India every year ov^ g to now selected candidates for all the animal diseases? vacancies and offers of appointment The Minister of Agrknltiire (Df. have been issued to 25 candidates. P. S. DesiuBokh: Veterinary Science The remaining offers of appointment and Animal Husbandry being a State will be issued as soon as certain subject, information regarding loss to essential formalities have been com cattle-wealth owing to various diseases pleted. in the country is not available with (c) 111. the Centi^l Government. Information is, however, available that 2,09,307 T ourist C ars animals died of contagious diseases in the different States during the year 343. Shri M. Islamnddin: Will the 1955. Minister of Transport be pleased to slate: C onstruction of R ailway L in es (a) the number of luxury cars U h Sardar Iqbal Singh: Will the without meters for use of tourists in Minister ot Railways be pleased to Delhi; state at what st^e is the proposal for the construction of lines between (b) whether it is a fact that more Abohar and Sirsa, Hindumalkot to such cars are going to be permitted Ganganagar? this year; and The Deputy Minister of Railways (c) if so, their number? and Transport (Shri Ak^esan): The The Deputy Minister of Railways proposals for the construction of new and Tram^ort (Shri Abigesan): (a) 75. Railway lines viz. (i) Abohar-Sirsa and (ii) Hindumalkot-Gangapagar (b) Yes. are still in an explorato^ s^age. A (c) 75. Reconnaissance Engineering and a Traffic Survey have been approved in P honogram the 1956-57. Survey Programme for the second proposal. 344. Sardar Iqbal Sii«h: Will the Minister of Commnnications be pleas L abour O fh c e r s ed to state : 342. Ch. Ragliobir Singh: Will the (a) the names of places in the Mimstca: ol Labour be pleased to State of Punjab where the phonogram state: system is working and where Govern ment propose to start the said system (a) whether it is a fact that there during the current financial year; and are still a large number of vacancies fOT the posts of Labour Officers; (b) the names of the j)laces where this system will be introduced in the (b) if so, the steps Government Second Five Year Plan? have taken to fill up Uiose vacancies; and The Mfanster in the Miaistiy of Communications (iShri Ra| Bidiadiir)! (c) the total strength of the Labour (a) Ambala, Ambala City, Amritsar, Officers at present? Banga, Chandigarh, Faridabad, Fari- dabad N.I.T., Ferozepore, Hissar H.O., The Depoty MhMer of Labour Hoshiarpur, Jamna Nagar, Jullundur, (Sairi Abid A li) : (a) and (b). It is pre Jagadhari, Kasauli, Ludhiana, Moga, sumed that the information required Nangal Nangal Township. Rohtak is in respect of Labour Officers in Mandi and Simla. WriHeHAfiswers 690 «»d WHtUn Answers 9 m S iW 1956 A t pw8« t there is no prcqwsal to cost Rs. 2,000/- per centte. the annual introduce this system at any o ti^ recurring expenditure estimated at place during the current financial Rs. 17.270/- per centre being shared by the Central and State Governments year. in the following proportions: — (b) The phonogram facilities are extended on the basis of traffic j^ti- Ccatral Sutc fication and public demand provided First 6 monthi telephone facilities are avaUable at the place. No specific target has been Next 12 months 66-66% 33*33% fixed in the Second Five Year Plan. Next 6 moaths 50*00% 50*00% R ural M aternity C entre The subsequent financial responsi 345. Sliri Bibhoti Mishra: WiU thebility of running the Centres is that Minister of Health be pleased to state: of the State Governments. (a) whether the Government of (iii) Scope. India have sanctioned any scheme under which Central assistance is The Scheme envisages the esta offered to participating State Govern blishment of 200 Maternity and Child ments for the establishment of mater Welfare Centres— each centre with nity and child welfare centres in then- one or more sub-centres to serve a backward areas; and population of about 60,000. T^e scheme is thus intended to provide (b) if so, the details of the scheme? health services for 12 million people residing in the rural areas ol the Hie Deputy Minister of HeaUi various States. (Siwiiiiati Cluuidraselduur): (a) Yes. 162 Maternity and Oiild Welfare (b) The main features of the Centres have b^n established so far scheme are as follows ; — in the rural areas of the various States. (i) Objectives. (iv) UNICEF Assistance. With a view to providing improved health services, particularly in the At its March, 1955 Session, the backward areas the States m the UNICEF Executive Board allocated Union, a scheme was formulated by an amount of $119*900 for providing the Government of India for the equipments, drugs etc. to 100 establishment of as large a number of M&CW centres which are established Maternity and Child Welfare Centres under this scheme. The central grant in rural areas as possible. It was is correspondingly reduced in those suggested to the State Governments cases where equipments etc. are pro that the existing dispensaries in the vided from UNICEF allocation. rural areas should be made the focal points for maternal and child health C o o per a tiv e So cieties in T ripura services with a view to developing them into Health Centres of the 346. SM Kren Diitt: Win the Mi primary type. ter of Food wad Agricaltiffe be pleas ed to state: ' (ii) Nature of Central Assistance, (a) the number of Co-operative In order to encourage the State Societies registered in Tripura up Governments to open an increasing till February, 1956; by large number of Maternity and Child Welfare Centres, the Goveni- ment of India agreed to meet the (b) the number of such societies entire non-recurring expen^ture on which have received loans from Oov- essential equipments etc,, estimated to erranent; m W nttmAm ums 9 1956 W ri^n m (c) rtfic h i^ s t and flic lowest Tkt M iaisto <9 f jtmcrituiii illku amount given to a society; and P, s. Deshmykh): fd> iwheth«- »_ formation is being coflected from ^ siderino tn “ * Government of Tripura and wiB toe DAILY DIGEST 8 93 [Friday^ ^th Marcht 1956] C o l u m n s C olum ns ORAL ANSWRES TO 603. Kandla Port . . 876-77 QUESTIONS . . 845-78 607. Central Board of Transport . . 877-78 Subject WRITTEN ANSWERS TO 590. Kandla Port . 845-47 QUESTIONS . . 878-92 591. Payment of Wages S, d . Ko. Subject Act. . . 847-48 592. Employees Providciit 595. Foot Bridge at Sone- Fmid Scheme . 848-50 pur . . . 878 593. Central Council of 596. Illegal Disposal of Local Self Govern Railway Stores . 878 ment . . 850-51 594. Buddhist Religious 597. Contract Works on ' - Centres . . 852-53 Railways • . 879 599. Co-operative Farming 853-56 598. Tea. . . 879 600. Training Institutes 856-57 601. Press Telegrams to 611. Railway Traffic to Japan . . 558-59 Goa . . . 879-80 604. Air India Corpora 612. Agricultural Statis tion . . 859-60 tics . . . 880 605. Locomotives . 860-61 617. Delhi Milk Supply 606. Cancer Research Cen Scheme . . • 880 tre, Hyderabad 861-6a 608. Sugar Delegations 862-63 U , S, Q,. Subject J^o. 609. Train Service between 326. Tourism . . 881 I tarsi and Bezwada 863-65 327. Unlicensed Radio 610. All- India Social and Transmitters . . 881 Moral Hygiene Con ference . . 865-66 328. Kashmir Mail 881-82 613. Saurashtra Railway Corruption Cases 866-69 329. Delhi-Sirsa Passen ger Train . 882-83 614. P. &. T. Museum 869 615. Advamc.es to Railway iqo. Double Railway men . • 869-71 Tracks . . 883 616. Savings Bank Ac count . • 87J -72 331. Departmental Cater ing on Railways . 883 589. Postal Life Insuran ce Fund • • 872-73 332. Telephone Links with foreign countries . 883-84 602. Scheduled Caste Re cruitment in Rail S84 ways . . * 874-76 333. R oad Development 3—62 Lak Sablu, Friday, March 9, 1956 LOK SABHA DEBATES (Part n—Proceedings other than Questions and Answers) V O L . n , 19 5 6 {^th March to 2yrd March, 19 5 6 ) TWELFTH SESSION, 1956 ^ Stes Sec^c L'crafv Suiidinc {Vol. II contains Nos. 16 to 30) F ^ Acc. LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NEW DEI HI CONTENTS [Part n Debates—^Valame II— 5th March to 23rd March 195^ C olu m n s No. 16— Mondayy 5M Marche 1956 Papers laid on the T a b l e ...... 1567 President’s Assent to Bill ...... 1567 Demands for Supplementary Grants—Railways, 1955-56 1568 Demands for Excess Grants—Railways, 1950-51 . . 1568 Demands for Excess Grants—Railways, 1951-52 . . 1568 Demands for Excess Grants—Railways, 1952-53 . . 1568 Railway Budget—General Discussion . . . . 1568-1686 Daily Digest ...... 1687-88 No. 17— Tuesdayy 6ih Marche 1956 Point of procedure re. Leakage of Budget proposals . 1689-1705 Election to Committee— Indian Central Jute Committee .... 1705-06 Calling attention to matter of urgent public importance— Change in British bank rate ..... 1706-07 Railway Budget—General Discussion .... 1707-1812 Daily D i g e s t ...... 1813-14 No. 18 — Wednesdayy yth March, 1956 Question of Privilege— W arrant for arrest of a Member during Session 1816-26 Business of the House .... 1827-2086 Railway Budget—General Discussion . . 1827-97 Demands for Grants—Railways . . . 1897-1950 Demand No. 1—Railway Board . . 1898-1950 Demand No. 2—Miscellaneous Expenditure . . 1898-1950 Demand No. 3—Payment to worked lines and others 1898-1950 Demand No. 14—Open line works—(Revenue)—other than Labour Welfare ...... 1898-1950 Demand No. 15—Construction of new lines—Capital and dep reciation reserve fund...... 1898-1950 Daily D ig est ...... 1951-52 No. 19— Thursday, Qth March, 1956 Election of Speaker .... 1953-68 Correction of Answer to Starred Questions 1968-69 Business of the House .... 1969-70 Demands for Grants—Railways . 1970-2041 Demand No. 1—Railway Board . 1970-2041 • Demand No 2—Miscellaneous Expenditure 1970-2041 (ii) C olumns Demand No. 3—Payment to worked lines and others . 1970-2041 Demand No. 14—Open line works—(Revenue)—other than labour welfare ...... 1970-2041 Demand No. 15—Construction of new lines—Capital and dep reciation reserve f u n d ...... 1970-2041 Demand No. 4—Ordinary working Expenses—Administration . 2041-86 Demand No. 5—Ordinary Working Expenses—Repairs and Maintenance ...... 2041-86 Daily D ig e st ...... , 2087-88 jVb. 20— Friday, 9th March, 1956 Statement re. Leakage of Budget Proposals . . 2089 Dernands for Grants—Railways— Demand No. 4—Ordinary Working Expenses—Administration. 2089-2133 Demand No. 5—Ordinary Working Expenses—Operating Staff 2089-2133 Demand No. 6—Ordinary Working Expenses—Operating Staff 2133-2164 Demand No. 7—Ordinary Working Expenses—Operation (Fuel) 2133-2164 Demand No. 8—Ordinary Working Eixpenses—Operation other than Staff and Fuel ...... 2134-2164 Demand No. 9—Ordinary Working Expenses—Miscellaneous E x p e n s e s ...... 2134-2164 Demand No. 10—Ordinary Working Expenses—Labour Welfare 2134-^4 National Development (Peoples’ Participation) Bill . 2164 National and Festival Paid Holidays Bill , . . . 2164 Shri Kashi Viswanath Mandir Bill— Motion to consider ...... 2164-84 Indian Railways (Amendment) Bill [Omission of section l\A-elc.)-^ Motion to consider ...... 2185-2210 Factories (Amendment) Bill {Substitution of section 59)— Motion to consider ...... 2210-16 Daily Digest ...... 2217-2218 No, 2 \— Monday, 12th March, 1956 President’s As^nt to Bill . . . . 2219 Demands for Grants on Account . . . 2219-44 Statement re. Leakage of Budget Proposals . 2244-51 Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill . . . . 2251 Demands for Grants—R a ilw a y s ...... 2251-98 Demand No. ^—Ordinary Working Expenses—Operation Staff 2251-85 Demand No. 7—Ordinary Working Expenses—Operation (Fuel) 2251-85 Demand No. 8—Ordinary Working Expenses—Operation other than the staff and Fuel ...... 2251-85 Demand No. 9—Ordinary Working Expenses—Miscellaneous Expenses ...... 2251-85 (u i) C o l u m n s Demand No. 10—Ordinary Working Expenses—Labour Welfare 2251-85 Demand No. 11—Appropriation to Depreciation Reserve Fund 2286-97 Demand No. 12 Dividend Payable to General Revenues . 2286-97 Demand No. 13—Open Line Works—(Revenue)-Labour Welfare 2286-97 Demand No. 16—Open Line Works— Additions . 2287-98 Demand No. 17—Open Line Works—(Replacements) 2287-98 Demand No. 18—Open Line Works—Development Fund 2287-98 Demand No. 19—Capital Outlay on Vizagapatam Port 2287-98 Demand No. 20—Appropriation to Development Fimd 2287-98 Appropriation (Railways) Bill .... 2298-99 Demands for Supplementary Grants—Railways for 1955-56 and Demands for Excess Grants—Railways for 1950-51, 1951-52 and 1952-53 ...... 2299-2348 Appropriation (Railways) No. 2 B i l l ...... 2348-49 Appropriation (Railways) No. 3 Bill .... 2349 Appropriation (Railways) No. 4 Bill . . . 2349-50 Appropriation (Railways) No. 5 BUI . . . 2350 Copyright Bill— Motion re. Joint Committee .... 2350-55 Discussion on Report of Jaundice Enquiry Committee 2355-76 Daily Digest ...... 2377-80 * No. 22—Tuesday, i^th March, 1956 Papers laid on the T a b l e ...... 2381 Messages from Rajya S a b h a ...... 2381-82 Galling attention to Matter of Urgent Public Importance— Situation arising out of invalidation of Manipur Foodgrains (Movement) Control Order, 1951 . . . . , . 2382 Appropriation (Vote on Account) Bill . . . . 2382-83 Appropriation (Railways) Bill ...... 2383 Approptiation (Railways) No. 3 Bill . . . . 2384 Appropriation (Railways) No. 4 Bill . . '. . 2384-85 Appropriation (Railways) No. 5 B i l l ...... 2385-86 General Budget—General Discussion ..... 2386-2504 Discussion on Report of Jaundice Enquiry Committee . ' . . 2504-26 Daily D ig e s t...... 2527-28 No. 23— Wednesday 14/A March 1956 Papers laid on the Table .... 2529 Message from Rajya S a b h a ...... 2529-30 Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions— Forty-Sixth R e p o r t ...... 2530 (iv) C o l u m n s Galling attention to matter of urgent Public Importance— Rehabilitation of refugees from East Pakistan in Tripura . 2530-32 Appropriation (Railways) No. 2 Bill . 2532-33 General Budget- General Discussion . 2533-2650 Daily Digest ..... • 2651-52 JVb. — Thursday, i^th March, 1956 Motion for Adjournment— ^ Refusal to permit Jan Sangh Worker to go to Jammu . . 2653-56 Message from Rajya S a b h a ...... 2656 Indian Registration (Amendment) Bill {AmendmerU to section 2 etc.) 2656 Rewitbdrawal of Manipur State Hill Peoples (Administration) . Regulation (Amendment) B i l l ...... 2657-59 General Budget—General Discussion . . . 2659-2784 Daily Digest ...... 2785-86 No, 25—Friday, \6th March, 1956 Papers laid on the Table . . . 2787-88 2855-56 Messages from Rajya Sabha 2788-89 Estimates Committee— Twenty-third R e p o r t ...... 2789 Committee on Absence of Members from sittings of House— Thirteenth Report . . . . 2789 Committee on Petitions— E^hth Report .... . 2789 General Budget—General Discussion. . . 2789-2855 Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions— Forty-sixth Report • 2856 Resolution re. Fixing a Target date for Prohibition . 2856-82, 2883-2906 Point of order re. Paper laid on the Table . . 2882-83 Daily D ig e s t...... 2907-10 No..16 —Monday, i^th March, 1956 Leakage of Budget Proposals . 2911-13 President’s Assent to Bill . . 2913 Messages from Rajya Sabha . 2913-15 Estimates Committee— Twenty-second Report . . 2915 Leave of Absence . . . 2915-16 Life Insurance Corporation Bill— Motion to refer to Select Committee 2916-3030 Daily D i g e s t ...... 3031-34 (V) C o lu m n s JVo. 27 — Tuesday 20th Marchy 1956 Motion for Adjournment—^ Clash between Indian and Pakistani Army Units at Hussainiwala headw oks...... 3035-3050 Election of Deputy-Speaker . . 3036-40 Statement on Foreign Affairs 3041-50 Papers laid on the Table . 3050-51 Life Insurance Corporation Bill— Motion to refer to Select Committee . ^ . 3050, 3051-3124 Leakage of Budget Proposals . . 3125-74 Daily D i g e s t ...... 3175-76 No. 28 — Wednesdavy 21 st March 1956 Papers laid on the Table ...... 3177 Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolut ions— Forty-seventh Report ...... 3177 Demands for Grants ...... 3177-3316 Demand No. II— Ministry of Defence . . . 3178-3315 Demand No. 12—Defence Services, Effective—Army . 3178-3179, 3315* Demand No. 13—Defence Services, EflFective—Navy 3179-3315 Demand No. 14—Defence Services, Effective—Air Force 317^3316 Demand No. 15—Defence Services, Non-effective Charges 3179-3316 Demand No. 16—Miscellaneous expenditure under the Ministry of D e f e n c e ...... 3179-3316 Demand No. 117—Defence Capital Outlay . . . 3180-3316 Daily Digest . . . . . 3317-18 No, 19— Thursday, 22nd Marchy 1956 Announcement re. Admission of Questions. . . . 3319 Business of the House ...... 3319-20 Demands for Grants ...... • 3321-3452 Demand No. 5—Ministry of Communications . . 3323-3450 Demand No. 6—Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department (Including Working Expenses) .... 3323-3450 Demand No. 7—Meteorology . • . . ; 3323-3450 Demand No. 8—Overseas Communications Service . 3323-3450 Demand No. 9—A v i a t i o n ...... 3323-3450 Demand No. 10—Miscellaneous Departments and Expenditure under the Ministry of Communications . . . 3324-3451 Demand No. 114—Capital Outlay on Indian Posts and Tele graphs (Not met from Revenue) .... 3324-3451 Demand No. 115—Capital Outlay on Civil Aviation . 3324-3451 Demand No. 116—Other Capital Outlay of the Ministry of Communications ...... 3324-3452 Nomination to Panel of Chairmen .... * 3452 Daily Digest ...... 3453-54 (v i) C o l u m n s No. 30—Friday, i^rd March, 1956 Motion for adjournment— Formation of Ministry in Travancore-Gochin . . 3455-58 Demands for Grants ...... 3458-3535 Demand No. 95—Ministry of Transport . . . . 3458-3534 Demand No. 96—Ports and Pilotage . . , . 3459-3534 Demand No. 97—Lighthouses and Lightships . . 3459-3534 Demand No. 98—Central Road Fund . . . . 3459-3534 % ’ Demand No. 99—Communications (including National H i g h w a y s ) ...... 3459-3534 Demand No. 100—Miscellaneous Departments and Expenditure under the Ministry of Transport . . . . . 3460-3535 Demand No. 140—Capital Outlay on Ports . . . 3460-3535 Demand No. 141—Capital Outlay on Roads .... 3460-3535 Demand No. 142—Other Capital Outlay of the Ministry of T r a n s p o r t ...... 3460-3535 Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions— Forty-seventh R e p o r t ...... 3535-36 Business of the House ...... 3536 Abolition of Adoption Bill 3536-37 Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Bill {Amendment of section 2) 3537 Equal Remuneration Bill ...... 3537 Criminal Law Amendment B i l l ...... 3538 Indian Registration (Amendment) Bill {Amendment of section 2 etc.) — Amendments made by Rajya Sabha ..... 3538-41 Factories (Amendment) Bill (Substitution of Section 59)— Motion to c o n s i d e r ...... 3541-47 Proceedings of Legislatures (Protection of Publication) Bill— Motion to consider ...... 3547-84 Daily D ig e s t...... 3585-86 GIPN—85^30 Lok Sabha—28-3-57—840 8 95 C ol umns C olumns 334* Road Transport 340. Livestock., . 887 Workers . . QS4r^$. 341. Construction of Rail 335. Delhi Transport Ser way Lines. . . 887 vice - . . 885 342. Labour Officers. 887-88 336. Unemployment amo ngst . Medical Gra 343.. Tourist Cars. . 888 duates. . . . 885 344. Phonogram. 337. Foodgrains. . . 885 345r Riural Maternity Cen 338.., Electrification on Rail tre. . . . 889-90 way Stations. . . 886 346. Co-operative Socie 33^ D. T. S.. 886. ties in Tripura. . 890-94 GIPN- S—Lino— 62 Lok Sabba— 1 l-l-5 7 -^ O . LOK SABHA DEBATES (Part n — Proceedings other than Questions an^ Answers^ ** 2089 2090 LOK SABHA No materials have been collected and no Friday, 9th March, 1956 erection has started. In a democracy we have to knock often and often. Tliis The Lok Sabha met at Half Past Ten of time also I am approaching in the same the Clock. spirit to knock as the biWical saying [M r . Sp e a k e r in the Chair] goes: ‘Knock and it shall be opened’. I am knocking at the door of the Railway QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Ministry this time also so that my sta iSee Part I) tion may get latrines and urinals. Last time, I wrote a letter to the 11-30 A.M. proper authorities that the passengers LEAKAGE OF BUDGET ' from Ankleswar to Rajpipla were travel PROPOSALS ling in open wagons even in the hot season. Do you know what reply I re The Prime Minister and Minister of ceived? I received a letter in which it External Affairs (Shri Jawahailal was stated that my information is not Nehru); I promised a few days ago to correct. If the information is incorrect, keep the House informed about the en it is for the authorities to go to the spot quiries that were being made in regard and see the things for themselves. When to the Budget leakage. I do not propose we come across such a state of affairs, to make smy full statement now, be it is our duty to bring it to the notice cause we are in the process of getting of the authorities. We get this type of some information. But, I should like to reply. I think the authorities should go tell the House that considerable prog and see things for themselves. ress has been made in this enquiry and in fact, some arrests have also been made. I hope to make a fuller statement On the Broach station, in the Western on Monday morning. Railway, there are two clocks, one is on the down platform in the station and the other is outside the platform. That DEMANDS FOR GRANTS is a clock-tower. I have been seeing for RAILWAYS— the last 2 years, the tower shows o^y Mr. Speaken The House will now the dial; there are no arms. Nobody is resume further discussion of the De making up a case for that. The arms mands for Grants in respect of Railways. should be set or the tower should be Demands 4 and 5 were under discussion pulled down so that the offices may be for which 4 hours have been allotted. accommodated. These are small matters./' Out of this about 1 hour and 55 minu I shall now come to a bigger one. tes have been availed of yesterday and 2 hours and 5 minutes now remain. Between Broach and Ankleswar there After the disposal of these Demands, is a bottle-neck. The distance is only the next group comprising Demands 6 or 7 miles. My district is divided into Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 wUl be taken north and south, in two parts. In bet up for which 3 hours have been agreed ween, the Narbada river flows. There to. are two bridges. One belongs to the rail ways, which is a new one and the other Shri C. Bhatt will continue his speech. belongs to a national highway No. 8 Shri C. Bhatt (Broach): Yesterday which belongs to the Central Govern when I was speaking on Demands 4 and ment. Unfortunately, the P.W.D. has 5, I was discussing the modus operandi found out that there is a crack in the of the administration. I said that for bridge. The bridge h^s been out of use the last two years I have been trying for the last 9 months. Passengers are to move the proper authorities to get not allowed to go and even light traffic latrines and urinals on the up platform is not allowed to go. The whole burden of the Broach station. But I am surpris falls on the railways. My suggestion is ed to find till today, there are no latrines. this; that there is a narrow gauge line 1—020Lok Sabha- 2091 Demands for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2092 [Shri C. Bhatt] Enquiiy Committee I had stated that if in the whole of my district. I want these we want to lessen corruption, we should two places to be connected by the nar open alternate routes either by roads row gauge line so that the pressure will or small ports or rail-cwm-roads. The be lessened and my district also will be points for corruptions are distribution connected. There are several schemes of wagons, transfer of goods from in my district which are practically para narrow gauge to broad gauge, or the lysed and not able to go ahead as much stations which are situated in a way as we want. There are social welfare in which bottle-necks are created. All schemes, and national extension sche these difficulties will be lessened by mes, rural improvement schemes which giving alternative routes. So, it is my are all held up. The cost to the Gov suggestion that in co-operation with ernment is also very high. My sugges other departments the Railway Minis tion is that in between the broad gauge try should find out alternatives, and then lines, the narrow gauge line should be I think corruption will be lessened. placed. Last year I had given to the Shri H. N. Miikerjee (Calcutta North Railway Minister the maps and neces East) : Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir ----- sary material. I do not know what has Shri Nambiar (Mayuram): Not yet. happened. Now, it is high time that this Mr. Chairman. case should be taken up and examined thoroughly. Shri H. N. Mukerjee: I wish to take .. [Sardar H u k a m Sin g h in the Chair] Mr. Chairman: I wish to correct the hon. Member. I am not the Deputy- Another suggestion is that the narrow Speaker. gauge line should be extended from Ank- leshwar to Sagabara via Dadiapada. This Shri Kamath (Hoshangabad): Coming is the most backward area. These back events cast their shadows before. ward areas should be brought forward Shri H. N. Mukerjee: Coming events by giving conmiunication facilities either cast their shadows before, as he has just by rail or by road or whatever we think said. fit. There is enough of timber and the I wish to take advantage of the dis railways will not be put to any loss. I cussion of the two Demands now pend wish to state for the information of the ing before us to refer to certain mat Railway Ministry that a major scheme of ters of which I hope the Ministry will the Narbada valley is going to be under take some notice. taken. The materials will be required on the spot. If my suggestion is accepted, it The Minister has referred to the reor will be to the benefit of the Railway also. ganisation which he has in mind of the There is another scheme. The cement Railway Security Organisation and the factoiy also is coming up. What I want absorption therein of the Watch and to bring to the notice of the Railway Ward organisation. This appears quite Ministry is that by my suggestion the an unexceptionable proposition, but I railways will not be put to any loss. have had certain reports especially from the spokesman of the Watch and Ward It is good that we have accepted 128 staff of the Eastern Railway and the out of Sie 146 recommendations of the South-Eastern Railway that there is a Railway Corruption Enquiry Committee. feeling of perturbation among them on It speaks well of the Railway Ministry, account of the importation of outside but it does not speak well of the admi elements in an effort to strengthen the nistration. Is it not that the acceptance security organisation. I feel Sir, that the of 128 out of 146 recommendations re Railway Ministry will bear in mind that flects that corruption is rampant in the the purposes of railway security are ne railways? Is it not that the acceptance cessarily different in a qualitative of 128 recommendations is a barometer fashion from the ^security of the State that there is ample evidence to prove generally speaking, and that it is neces that either the Railway Ministry or the sary not to bring from outside officers Railway Board or the proj^r authorities who would stand in the way of the are ^ ^ i n g or are conniving at the advance of those who are already whole thing? working efficiently in the Watch and Mr. Chairman: Is it the recommenda Ward organisation. tions accepted or instances of corrup I wish also to refer to the wooden atti tion? tude of the administration which has Shri C. Bhatt : Recommendations. sometimes been illustrated in compara Recommendation means there is a tively small matters. I refer in particu basis for this. As a witness before the lar to the holding up for more fiian 2 i 2093 D em ands f» r Grmnts— 9 MARCH 1956 RdUaays 2094 * years of the conversion of Lakshmipur regrouping should not be visited in a dis halt into a flag station. I know how all astrous fashion upon the employees. I kinds of footling little obstacles were put leam also that there are certain serious in the way of the conversion by repre grievances regarding selection, and I sentatives of the administration when re hope the Ministry would turn its atten presentatives of the public and even of tion as far as that goes. the Government of West Bengal wanted that conversion. Even now I fear that I desire also to draw the attention of the results of the conversion would not the administration to the fact that there be easily available because construction are many employees of the different rail work appears to depend upon the pro way institutes spread all over the coun vision of finance. I wish that when such try, and they have told some of us that a long period of time has already it is very unfair that whQe the members elapsed before the conversion, the cons of the railway school staff can be treated truction of the flag station is expedited as railway servants, no such considera and the goods siding which is wanted tion is ^ven to the employees of the rail by the people of that area is also cons- way institutes zind they neither have tnicted. the C.P.C. sc^e nor any kind of scale whatever. I hope that something is done I wish to refer to another matter in by the administration in regard to the regard to Sakrigali Ghat in the Eastern employees of the railway institutes. Railway where conditions are abysmally 'deplorable. On the 19th September last In regard also to another matter which year by means of Starred Question No. is rather more important, I wish the 1935, I elicited the information that at Minister takes a very serious view, and Sakrigali Ghat out of 1,453 members of that is the report which we have just the staff, only 345 have quarters and 87 received of the application of the Safe live in wagons. This matter of our rail- guarding of National Security Rules in waymen living in wagons is a scandal rather an unwarrantable fashion against which I wish is completely effaced. You active trade unionists, and particularly will recall two years ago there was quite against the Assistant General Secretary a furore in this House over the fact that of the Southern Railway Union. At the in the Sealdah division several hundred present point of time Government is railwaymen were living in condemned telling us perhaps a little too glibly about wagons. I am glad those condemned wa associating the railway workers with gons are now a thing of the past, but the administration, but as far as the ^7 people in Sakiigali Ghat, according railwaymen are concerned, there is no to the information furnished to us about doubt about it that genuinely, really and six months ago, live in wagons. But, truly they want to come forward and apart from that, this place Sakrigali offer all the co-operation that is neces Ghat is extremely insanitary and the pro sary for the successful implementation of vision of sanitary facilities is terribly the Five Year Plans/ We fear that there important, and in this regard particularly must be some elements in the railway the ferry staff of Sakrigali Ghat who administration, some elements which are number about 1,200 are the worst vic comparable to agents provocateur in tims of administrative neglect and cal other regions, which are trying to be lousness. They have already presented a devil the relationship between the work memorandum, I understand, to the De ers and the railway administration. At puty Minister, and I think some other the present point of time I wish to re high-up representatives of the adminis peat, and I am glad the Railway Minister tration have been to the site and seen himself is here, we are trying to have the conditions of the ferry staff as well as better understanding between the work of the others who are living in very ers and the railway administration, and difficult conditions. I hope something it is rather undesirable that this kind would be done by the Ministry in this of application of the Safeguarding of regard. National Security Rules is reported. And I leam that this happens in spite of the fact that we have had a kind of under I wish also to refer to the case pre standing from the Minister that it sented to the Ministry, I understand, by would only be in absolutely categoric «ertein stenographers of the Eastern cases that the Rules would be applied Railway. I leam on account of regroup and it would only be after a great deal ing, confirmation has been held up m of cogitation. I cannot imagine how the many ca^s, and I hope that confima- Assistant General Secretary of a respon tion will oe expedited. The results of sible workers’ union can be served with 2095 Demands for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R a ilw a ys 2096: [Shri H. N. Mukerjee] Shri VaUatiiBnis (Pudukkottai): So' this kind of notice, be told that his ser many proposals and grievances have vices would be terminated when the at been voiced on the floor of this House mosphere in the country is so different in respect of various parts of this coun from what it had been, let us say, five try. So far as the Madras State and the or six years ago. Therefore, I feel that Southern Railway are concerned, we the Minister should apply his mind very have not much to state except that we seriously to this matter, seriously and expect some goodwill on the part of syinpathetically, and I am sure as far the authorities to see what is wrong as we are concerned, we shall furnish there. him with all the materials that are neces We are not very much worried about sary in order that he might reach the the absence of any new constructions correct conclusion in this matter. But there. Whether even the few lines that I feel generally speaking there should be exist there serve the area properly or no instance of the application of rules not is also a different question. But in so stringent, so overbearing as the Safe view of the fact that the States reorga guarding of National Security Rules. nisation is going to take place, and in I wish to refer to one other matter, ternally the districts are going to sub and that is in regard to the maintenance ject themselves to a sort of adjustment,, of railway stations. the question as to which of the stations should be given greater importance, and I come from Calcutta which has a how the traffic and passenger movements myriad problems, and I speak with some should be regulated has to be decided in trepidation, because last year the Minis consultation with the local MLAs, MPs, ter was good enough to suggest that hav the local businessmen and others. As an ing lost many weapons in my armoury, instance, 1 may submit that Tiruchirap- I was falling back upon provincialism. palli and Ramnad, and a part of Madura Risking that allegation, I wish to tell the and Tanjore are likely to be readjusted Minister that a place like Sealdah sta in such a manner that there will ^ the tion which handles the largest passenger need for the formation of a Pudukkottai traffic of any station in this country is a district, or a district comprising the disgrace. I have sometimes passed the Pudukkottai area as the main factor. New Delhi railway station, and I have admired from a distance the handsome- There is a projwsal now for connect looking construction which is going on. ing Aruppukkottai and Manamadurai. I do not grudge New Delhi whatever The importance of the Nagapattinam amenities are being produced for its im station is also to be taken into considera perial or near-imperial splendour. I do tion. We have got an extension line not grudge it at all. But I do not under from Pattukkottai up to Karaikudi via stand why Sealdah station should con Arantangi. The stabilisation of that line tinue to be neglected. is another matter. So far as the cons We know very well how the process of truction of new lines is concerned, pro electrification—in spite of certain assur vision is going to be made for a line ances from the ministerial side—of the between Manamadurai and Aruppukkot Calcutta suburban system will perhaps go tai. Of course, my hon. friend ^ r i M. on for longer than we desired. But in D. Ramaswami is the proper person to any case, the maintenance of Sealdah sta deal with it, and I believe he had had tion itself is a matter which should at his' say already on this matter. tract the attention of the Ministry. Seal dah station was, and still is, a receiving One point I should like to submit is centre of refugees from East Bengal, that the interior portions of Ramnad and therefore I am sure if the other Mi district, although they are devoid of for nistries of Government concerned are ests, are still like some rude parts of consulted by the Railway Ministry, then the interior of Assam. Those parts must certainly some very quick and adequate be brought in contact with the civilised provision might be made for the main- world. That is an area in which the Cri tenaisce and development of stations, minal Tribes Act was in force during particulariy ^^«aldah station, in the the very abominable regime of the Briti Calcutta area. • shers, and where people had suffered a great deal on that account, and the trade These are some of the points which and conmierce had been brought to a I wanted the Railway Minister to give standstill. So, the people of that area his attention to, and I hope that some should be brought into contact with the thing tangible would be done by the Mi civilised world without ai^ delay. I nistry in this direction. should submit that a regular consultation 2097 Demands for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R a ilw a ys 2098 'm ay be had with the locaJ MLAs. the the station should be converted into a local MPs and the businessmen on this garden or it should be converted into matter. My hon. friend the Deputy-Mi- something of a more useful type, so that nister knows the situation very well. Vil it may be kept clean and kept free from lages like Kamuti, Abhiramam and nuisances. This is important step which other places should also be connected. has to be taken urgently. Or else, the construction of a line bet ween Manamadurai and Aruppukkottai Between Pollachi village and Coimba will serve no purpose, except that it will tore, there is a railway line at present. give some consolation that some line But due to local politics, which has has been constructed. So far as Mana got something to do with local business, madurai is concerned, though it has been election propaganda and so on, road functioning all these years, it has not transport in that area has been given a loomed important so far. But if there monopoly. The passenger fare Im been is a plan to connect Aruppukkottai and raised from 8 to 13 annas. If two addi Ramnad area with Paramakudi, then tional shuttles could be run between these two places, then that will give that will serve to bring the interior parts greater convenience to the passengers at of the Ramnad district in contact with a cheaper rate, and it wiU at the same the outside world in contrast to the con time, also prevent the monopoly which nection with Manamadurai. has been given to certain favourite mo The second point that I should like to tor owners. urge is that the relationship between the railways and the motor transport seems An Hon. Memben They must be somewhat highly suspicious. Between Congresswallahs. Puddukkottai and Tiruchirappalli, there Shri Yallatharas: That sounds reason is a motor transport service at present, able, for when people of very great emi and the fare is 13i annas per passen nence from the Congress ranks come ger. But if you take the train fare for and visit that area, it is the motor trans the same distance, it comes to Rs. 1-2-0 port owners who happen to be their or so. I know this line very well for hosts. That itself is a clear indication some years past. I do not want to make of the relationship between the motor any insinuations; but I will only say that transport owners and the Congress peo there is a lot of suspicion created by ple. However, that is a matter on which the circumstances under which prefer I shall not dwell at the moment. I will ence has been shown to motor transport. only like to draw attention to the griev Certainly, a fare of Rs. 1-2-0 for a dis ance of the poor fellows who have to tance of 30 miles or so is something pay about 13 annas if they have to tra which is very high. The result is that the vel by bus. If there are two more shuttles motor transport people are enjoying a provided, that will be of very great as monopoly. They have earned a lot of sistance to them. I will request the Rail money already, and the devices by which way Minister to do something in this they are making money are something direction. which are really to be condemned. I would request the Deputy Minister to Nagapattinam also is an important go and make a personal inspection of station. I would like the Ministers to go the line between Pudukkottai and Tiru and stand in the railway platform there chirappalli, and see that the railway between 9 p . m . and 5 a . m . fare does not exceed the bus fare at least. Something on these lines has to Shri T. B. Yittal Rao (Khammam): be done urgently, or else it will mean In cognito. great injustice to that part of the rail way area. Shri YaUathanis : They can go in cognito or even in their oflScial capa- ^ So far as the Tiruchirappalli Fort city. I do not mind that. They will find station is concerned, I will point out that about 50,000 pigeons will be sitting that the premises is the abominable and there on the railings below the roof of insanitary abode of people suffering the platform, and leaving their excreta * from venereal diseases, and of pigs and on the passengers’ heads during night asses. The people who live near that time: and the station masters probably Fort station seem also to have acclima take that as a rose scent or something tised themselves to these surroundings. I superior to that! I do not know how deplore the very nasty way in which the those people tolerate this sort of stink surroundings of the station are kept. ing smell there. This position must be Either the vacant space by the side of remedied immediately. 2099 D m m dsfor Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R a ilw a ys 2m [Shri Vallatharas] loss of life and accidents on the rail-' way lines? So the railway inspectors— The reconstruction or the rehabilita the line inspectors—^have to be charged tion of the Nagapattinam station also is with a very serious blame that in view important. The old glory of this place is of these accidents, we have to neces very well known. There was a work sarily infer that there is a sort of care shop formerly, and it was then an area lessness existing. in which there was a lot of trafl&c and a large volume of trade. It is a very pro In regard to discipline among the mising station, and it deserves urgent working staff, I have to very sorrily state remodelling. It is also a quasi-sea-port certain things. I do not want to quote which loads and unloads cargo as well many instances. I will mention some. I as passengers to a great extent. In that went to the Central station to reserve way, the station is of very great im my seat. There was a starry-eyed per portance. I should request the Railway sonnel in the reservation; of course, Minister to see that something is done these people are now looming large in for this station. all these places, with which we do not and cannot quarrel. It is beyond chival 12 NOON rous limits. The attitude of these people towards passengers must of course be So far as working efficiency and con corrected. True, we want more ladies in nected matters are concerned, Shri Ven- employment. But I have to state that kataraman drew the Minister’s attention Station Masters simply weep when we to the large number of recurring acci go and tell them, ‘What is the meaning dents to human life. I should like the of this impertinence in the reservation Railway Minister to give some consola section?’ He says: ‘I have no control tion at least by concentrating on some over them’. I think this is a deplorable plausible remarks upon that position. state of affairs. Before integration and before indepen dence, the accidents in an entire year, I went in search of the Station Super 1944-45, were equal in number to the intendent. He was not present. Some accidents in the week commencing body directed me to the Assistant Sta December 1953 and January 1954. tion Master. So I went to his room. That means the casualties in a week There a guard was sleeping straight out. equalled the total number of the casual There were four or five people sitting ties in a year before integration. In there; they reminded me of bhangi-wal- the Public Accounts Committee, we las or ganja and opium eaters. They had occasion to remark that the railway were there with their faces sullen and authorities had not been able to satisfy swollen. When I made a query about us as to how the integration of the the A. S. M., nobody replied. When I railways had any bearing on increasing questioned them increasing my voice, the working efficiency. So far, I have the guard rose and told me : ‘Will you? not heard anything intelligent in reply Who are you to make noise? Will you to it, as to how the moving capacity, go out or not’? If I had stayed there saving of time, saving of expenditure longer, he would have beaten me. Then and increasing of the speed limit have I made a note to the Station Superin improved on the basis of the inte tendent to whom also the guard made a gration of the railways during the rough answer. last four years. The accidents have hap There are many other instances of pened almost very near the stations; such behaviour. Of course, we have not far away from stations. It is normal sympathy for the amelioration of their to infer that there is some fundamental lot in respect of pay and other things. lack of vigilance on the part of the sta But this sort of behaviour cannot afford tion authorities or on the part of the to be there. We have got the observations line inspectors who should check the of the Corruption Enquiry Committee lines and keep the lines and signals also. In one case, a railway officer want ready. I will submit that these accidents ed to travel with his family people. I should be gone into by a special section was there in the carriage in my reserved *of the railway department with a view seat. This was before the pass was intro to see how they could be averted. With duced. A seat was reserved for me. They out averting these things, there is no wanted to get me out. The watch and meaning in pleading that you have ward, ticket examiner, the Assistant Sta spent Rs. 400 crores in the First Five tion Master, the Assistant Station Super Year Plan or that you have attained the intendent came there one after another target. What is the meaning of attaining and wanted me to quit. Then somebody target when you cannot minimise the else leaked out the fact—-just as there 2102 2101 Demands fm Grants 9 MARCH 1956 R ailw ays was budget leakage—that I was an M.P. So so many things happen like that. I If I was an ordinary passenger, they was referring to the plantain fruits. We would have had me hauled up by avail call it "vazha pazam* or kela. He knew ing the police. This happened in the Ti- me but he did not have the conception nichirappally junction. that I was an M.P. Then when I enquir ed, he said : *What am I to do? I am a Some weeks before, when I went to poor fellow. I am a member of your the station the ticket examiner who constituency. Unless I show some case, was at the entrance allowed me to pass. I cannot satisfy people Wgher up’. So I was not going to travel; I had gone there seems to be some instruction issu there to see some of my friends and ed from the highest level or the higher return. But he asked me; ‘Where is the level or the district level that they should form filled for the journey?’ I said daily refer one or two cases. I have there was no form to be filled. Then seen this practice in police stations. he said : ‘Come here. Stand here. Unless When the financial or official year is you fill the form, you cannot go’. Then about to close, the constables go to the he made me stand there from 11 p . m . outskirts of the town, catch fellows and to 3 A .M . in that cold night in the en make nuisance cases. At the end Aey, trance. I could not get at the Station furnish statistics— 300 cases! This is Master; I could not get at the Assistant the way in which they operate. Station Master; nor I could contact the Station Superintendent. A big station in If ticket examiners and other officers which some crores of rupees have been treat a person in this manner, deliberate invested was left abandoned in that ly Imowing that he is an M.P. what is manner. Then there was a big demons the fate of the poor people who are not tration. It attracted a crowd of nearly known much? We can draw our infer two thousand people. A policeman came ence. I stron^y protest against the con with his lathi. I told him: ‘If you touch duct of the security officers and police me, serious things will happen’. men at railway stations who beat people who pass without tickets or who are In this way, station control during the found there as beggars. Our country has night time is absolutely bad. There may plenty of them. To beat or push them be romances going on, but here they in such a manner that they tread about have to deal with passengers as respon without any balance for 10 or 15 feet: sible people. These are some of the This is an abominable state of affa^ things that happen. that must be ended. I am not complain ing in order to blacken the name of the In the Madras Egmore station, I had Railway Board, to whose work so much with me some plantain fruits which a praise and appreciation have come from friend gave me in Chenglepet. The tic all except very few. But I hope the ket examiner in the Egmore platform Railway Ministry will be able to take wanted to weigh that. I told him : ‘Why my word at its face value and send do you want to weigh fruits which will strict instructions by circular that here last me two or three days on my jour after such sort of things should not ney?’ But he would not listen. He wid happen. I do not like to prefer any com that the railway authorities had required plaint against these things because there that some cases or other should be put is no use of doing so. A person may up daily. He did not know that I was an complain. But after 8 months, a reply M.P., because the dress I was wearing is received saying that the matter has is not a passport for anything. been dealt with and suitable steps have Shri Nambiar: It is Congressmen’s been taken—^we are not supposed to be dress. It is enough. concerned with those ‘suitable steps*. Shri VaUatharas: This does not count As regards budgeting capacity, of for anything now unless you have some course, the administration have done thing else. This is a dress for innocent normal work. people. This is the dress in which we As regards relations with labour, used to go to the villages and preach which is a very important matter, it Congress ideology and Gandhiji’s ideolo seems to me that the correct approach gy. is not to be had. The productivity of Mr. Chairman: But the hon. Member labour before the integration of the railways must be seen—it is on record. had chance to come across romances. What is the percentage of the produc Shri Yallatharas: Life should be reliev tivity of labour in 1950 and 1951 and ed from monotony. what is the percentage in 1954 and 2103 Demands far Grants— 9 M AkCH 1956 Railways 2104 [Shri Vallatharas] Shri Frank ABthony (Nominated—* Angjo-Indians) : I have tabled four cut 1955? After 1952, there is a perceptible motions under different heads and they change in the financial stability of the ail relate to the same subject, namely, administration and also in the attitude to discuss the disabilities of railway staff. of labour towards the administration. Some of the grievances to which I shall Unless labour is encouraged and made refer have assumed unfortunately the to feel that they are promoters of this character of a hardly perennial. I am great institution in this country, you afraid, that the Administration is to cannot achieve a higher percentage of blame for that. Some of these grievan productivity of labour which was once ces which I shall underline again are existing before integration of the rail palpable grievances! They represent not ways and before independence. This only unfair but often patently ille|al po is quite apart from what you have to licies and the only reason that I can say about the attitude of the Commu see for the Railway Administration not nist Party; because nowadays, from remedying these grievances is that what Shri A. K. Gopalan and others apparently the National Federation has of the Party have said, there is a feeling neither the capacity nor the knowledge that there is a shift in their policy. I to put these grievances forward and ap do not think that the communists are parently the Railway Administration is so frail and gullible as to change their reluctant to redress grievances, however policy whimsically. They are here to long overdue, however serious they may fight it out. They have not shifted their be, unless they come through the Fede policy; their policy is to co-operate with ration. the Government so long as it suits them. So, when the question of labour Last year, I had pleaded for an comes up certainly it is their duty to optional pension scheme for railwaymen. respond and they make it on a hi^ I said that there was absolutely no jus level. Further, some j^ople feel that tification for discriminating between rail the Russian Prime Minister’s appear waymen who are government employees ance here has brought down the tempo and employees of other departments of of the Communists or this and that. Government. There is absolutely no I do not believe in that. Let the elec comparison between the present Provi tion come. Just 40 days before the elec dent Fund cum Gratuity Scheme given tion you will see how many cars stand, to the railwaymen and the liberalised how many lakhs of rupees eome pension scheme given to other employees. from banks, how many transport I may mention here that I have done a motors come forward and how many little research into this question. I find lorries, wagons etc., come out. Then and that there was a pension scheme before then alone you can say whether they 1885. I was a member of the Central have sliifted their policy or not or whe Pay Commission and we recommended ther the Congress bull has lost its pull; that an optional pension scheme should all these things will have to be seen. So, be made available to railwaymen. I whatever it is, you need not delude in have made a comparison between the rejoicing that the communists have position of railwaymen and non-railway- shifted their policy. They want the la men in class III. The average railway bour to be consolidated and if the man gets at the end of his service strength of labour is such that they Rs. 12,000—^may be a little more—and have it their way, you cannot, certainly, a non-railwaymen gets about Rs. 5,500 check it. But, on the other hand, if by way of gratuity and bonus and he you try to keep it in your own hands, also gets a pension of Rs. 150 per month certainly, that is another matter for If that Rs. 5,500 which is common to serious consideration. I want the Rail both is taken away, the railwaymen is way Minister to feel that the institution left with Rs. 7,000, which invested even of Railways has passed through three in gilt-edged securities will come to stages, first, from the utilitarian to the Rs. 28 per month as compared to the commercial stage, from the commercial Rs. 150 that a class III non-railwayman to the natiipnal stage; and now it is in gets. There is no comparison. the nation^ stage. The labour question is the fo r^ o s t regarding the organisa The position with regard to class IV tion of railway labour; the direction it servants is infinitely worse. The class IV is intended to take at the initiative of railwayman at the end of his service gets the Railway Administration, will decide approximately Rs. 3,500 and a non-rail the future political status of this coun wayman gets a bonus and gratuity of try. about Rs. 950 and a pension of Rs. 24-6 2105 Demands for Grants — 9 MAItCH 1956 Redhoays 2106 a month. Take away this Rs. 950. Thien is happening? I do not think the Railway it means that the class IV railwayman Minister intends to do it. I say this with is left with about Rs. 2,500. Invested in a great deal of respect; but the Railways gilt-edged securities it gives him about are in fact cheating; they are cheating Rs. 7/9 a month as compared with the their labour staff out of then- dues. monthly pension of Rs. 24-6 to a class What is happening? You should assess IV government servant in other depart ovehime on weekly basis, which as I ments. There is no comparison. have said is the Adjudicator’s unit for determining human endurance. You Last year I raised this question and should work your men with a 57 or I had referred to it also the year before 58 hours’ week. I have had instances last. 1 regret to say that the Deputy Mi where railwaymen have worked for over nister in his rather airy manner fobbed 100 hours in a week. According to your it off, on the plea that the railwaymen limit of endurance they should work 114 did not want it. This is not correct. I or 116 hours a fortnight. Sometimes they meet more railwaymen than does the De have worked 150 to 170 hours and they puty Minister. I met recently (within cannot get one anna’s benefit. Why is it? the last 6 months) and talked to thou Because they are overworked for one sands of men and when I explained it to or two weelu and they are given exces them, without exception they all said sive rest for the balance of the period that they would like it—the optional so that in the period of a month their pension scheme. You know that this Na period of work comes to 231 hours. As tional Federation which the Railway the Railway Minister knows, if they put does so much to boost, have also in in 231 hours for the whole month they their usual laggard and incompetent way get no overtime. now re-echoed the plea which I made two years ago. Recently, I notice, at one of the general meetings they have I had last year entered a plea for the also recommended that the railwaymen senior drivers. I had pointed out to must have an optional pension scheme. the Railway Minister that the pre-1931 I am anxious about this matter because drivers are losing in many of the Rail I know that in nine cases out of ten, ways on an average between Rs. 100 to within a few years after retirement, Rs. 150 per month. There is no unifor these men are either haunted by pau mity with regard to exactions. So far as perism or by sheer destitution and it is pre-1931 drivers are concerned, be a matter which I feel requires the ur cause’ of the implementation of the pres gent and sympathetic consideration of cribed scales and old exactions being the Railway Administration. made they are losing heavily. Take for example, the Kanpur drivers. They have Last year and the year before last exactions of 100 hours being made while 1 asked that overtime for running staff on the other divisions the exactions are should be calculated on a weekly and only up to 60 hours. When I raised this not on a monthly basis. I was under matter some years before, the late Shri the impression that Shri Alagesan had Gopalaswamy Ayyangar very quickly conceded my point year before last saw the point. Unfortunately, at that when he said that overtime should be time, I only had information with re calculated on a weekly basis. But, I gard to the Central Railway. Immediate find, perhaps I was mistaken in the im ly he got up and on the floor of the pression I gained from what Shri Ala House said : If Mr. Anthony is correct gesan said, I find that overtime is still if our senior drivers are losing Rs. 100 being calculated on a monthly basis. or Rs. 150 from their previous emolu Now the Railway Minister is here and I ments then there is no justification; I would ask him to look at the phraseo will make it up by allowances or by logy used by the Adjudicator’s Award. fixing or reducing the exactions and he I am a lawyer, he may not be a lawyer; kept his word. but I am prepared to join issue witfi him on this. He can refer the matter to any person with judicial experience and The Central Railway drivers had the he will find that the only interpretation position remedied but on the rest of of the clear language used by the Adju the Railways—^the former B.N.R. and dicator’s Award is this that the unit for the present Northern Railway section, assessing human endurance is a week. the drivers, against the fierce inflation If the unit for assessing human endurance ary spird, are losmg Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 is a week then a fortiori overtime must per month practically one-third of their be calculated on a weekly basis. What total emoluments. 2107 Demands for Grmts— 9 MARQH 1956 Railways 2108 [Shri Vallatharas] give them their gratutity as they have done more than 15 years Last year I raised the question of of service”. And I am sure you channels of promotion for certain sec will find en masse exodus from tions of the loco staff having been taken Railways, at any rate from the away from them. I regret that ray appeal loco side. fell on deaf years; it fell on stbny The same position prevails with regard ground. I refer to the former A grade to the loco staff on the former M.S.M. drivers of Allahabad Division, and Railway. I regret to say this. Even at nothing has been done in the matter. the Railway Board level people do not Now the position is absolutely indefen- understand simple facts. Of course, I do \sible. They have come to me and ask not expect railway officers to have the ed me to take the matter to court. same acute appreciation of facts as a I say this : Have railwaymen, in order person with a legally trained mind, but to get their just dues, to agitate their I do expect them to win over the chaff ^evances before the courts the whole from the grain. I raised the matter of time? What is the position now? Your ex-M.S.M. loco staff. Those men were former A grade drivers were men re recruited on the basis of a certain con cruited on the basis of a contract and tract and certain channels of promotion their channels of promotion were gua were guaranteed like apprentices, ranteed along certain lines. What has shunter, firemen Gtade A and so on. happened? You have lumped them Somebody from the Railway Board goes with literates and semi-literate staff. And off at a tangent and says that on the as a matter of course the A grade men ex-South Indian Railway this is not the who progressed along their channels as position. Of course it is not the posi apprentices, A grade firemen, A grade tion. But I wrote about the ex-M.S.M. drivers etc., are being superseded by your Railway and you reply to me about B and C grade literate and semi-literate ex-S.I. Railway. It is here again not staff or drivers. I raised the matter with only a breach of contract but a breach Shri Kaul; I raised the matter with the of faith. Men have progressed along Railway Board. As usual the Railway certain channels of promotion for years Ministry has taken shelter behind a and then retrospectively you degrade technical point, namely, that we have them. I just do not understand this. lumped them all together and you know Here are men who for years have our socialist or socialistic pattern of so progressed along certain channels. Sud ciety according to which everybody thust denly after 15 or 20 years you introduce get equal opportunities. It is not a ques a new policy and degrade them and you tion of equal opportunities. It is not only adhere to it because apparently nobody a breach of contract but it is worse; is prepared to do justice. it is a breach of faith. These men were under contract with you and their chan The position on the Ferozepore Divi nels of promotion were guaranteed, sion is the same. The other day a whole and now they are being superseded. Shri body of men came to me saying that Kaul says that there is a process of selec they were not desirous of serving the tion. I say there is no process of selec Railways. They said : “For God’s sake tion. As a matter of course, the literate let us go; we have given the administra men are now superseded by illiterate tion 15 or 20 years of loyal service. And and semi-literate men. W hat-do they if we cannot get justice let us go, we do have to do? They only have to bribe not want to join the communists. Up to the clerical staff. Today the Railways are this time the Railway Minister will only being run by the clerks, the clerks pass listen to people who are prepared to the orders and the officers have neither subvert and to indulge in violent acti the capacity nor the inclination to check vities and agitations. But we are not the orders and run the Railways. So the those types of people. If we cannot get clerks are bribed and they pass the justice by constitutional means, let us orders and these men get their promo go; we will go and buy a plot of land tion. I say this to the Railway Minister. and cultivate it.” What is the position The A grade men have come to me and in the Ferozepore Division? Your C said that if they cannot get fairplay, if grade drivers, your illiterate men, have they cannot get justice from the Minis bribed your clerks and are superseding as ter, they had better be allowed to go and a matter of course, these B grade drivers. they have already put in about 25 to 30 I am going to ask the Minister to look years of service. I say this to the Mi into this and he will do well to find out nis*^ “Let them go, if you do the full facts. If the Minister wUl meet not want to treat them fairly. them, they will show him case after case 2109 Demands for Grants — 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2110 drivers, there ate men who have come commitments, with regard to their over from Pakistan and given false dec large families, education of their laration, and they have been made rail children, etc.. What do you do in the way employees. Men who were running name of alternative employment? What cycle shops, men who were running do your local officers do, feUows who are pan shops and bin shops in Pakist^, not concerned with the interests of came over here and made declaration these poor men? that they were railway employees there, and they were put in as shimters, then Mr. Ch^innaii: Is the hon,. Member as drivers and then in higher positions. asking me to do something in the mat There is this process of corruption going ter? on. The poor drivers who are affected Siiri Frank Anfliony: I am addressing, have made representations after repre the Minister through you. Sir. Here are sentations to the officers on the spot, but four men and you offer them jobs cany- nothing happens, because someone goes ing Rs. 100 to Rs. 120 a month. They to the clerk, the clerk takes the bribe were getting ,Rs. 500 or Rs. 550 per and all these representations go into the month. I think this is a scandalous dis waste paper basket. This kind of thing grace. A poor driver was commended is corroding these men. I am not a by the President—he lost his leg when railway employee, but when I see that he met with an accident. You could have the men cannot get redress for obvious made him Controller. No, you did not grievances of this kind, 1 realise that do that. He was receiving Rs. 550; and Uiere must be resentment, frustration, instead of doing that, you offer him a bitterness and even widespread demo job on Rs. 120 per month. Even the ralisation. Army do not do it. The Army is sup A great deal of hardship is being caus posed to have the highest p>ossible stan ed by the vagaries in railway policy. dard of physical efficiency and even Recently some persons—I do not know there the people are not thrown into , where it emanated from—felt convinced the dust bin merely because they have that if a person has a squint, it is a to wear glasses after 25 years of service. major defect, and an order was issued What would have happened if those sit from the Railway Board that all squint ting on the Treasury Benches could not eyed people must automatically be re pass a naiked vision test? 1 do not know duced to category C. The issue of such how many of the people on the Treasury an order indicates not a visual but a Benches will pass a naked vision test. mental squint which vitiates so much of 4n Hon. Memben They do not get railway policy. The amazing thing is elevated. this. At least four people have come to me. They have had congenital squints. Shri Frank Anthony: Give them an TTiey passed aU their medical tests, not ad hoc allowance; give these poor peo only when they were recruited but up ple an ad hoc allowance because you to date; they passed all the medical tests have a moral, if not a legal, obligation when the standard of efficiency on the to continue to give these emoluments Railways was as good and as high, if at the fag end of their lives. Still you not higher than what it is today. These offer them only jobs carrying Rs. 120 men passed their medical tests and to per month. day also they pass your medical tests. But the amazing thing is that some Then there is the question of drastic person in the Railway Board, who does punishment. Here again I have repeated not want to look at a squint-eyed man ly brought this point to the notice of probably because he thinks it is un the Railway Minister, namely, that lucky to look at such a man, issues your young officers are running amuck, such an order as this. And therefore they cannot command the respect of you remove these squint-eyed people these men, they have got a perverted from their present employment. The sense that they should exact respect by tragedy is that these men have put in terrorisation, and suspend the men on 25 o r '30 years of service. I know the the slightest pretext. I would like the Minister will tell me to look at the Railway Minister to look into his own elaborate provisions they have got about code, outmoded as it is, which says alternative employment. The men have that before there is a suspension of the served for 25 or 30 years and are services of an employee, he is to be drawing at the end of their career about charge-sheeted for misconduct, for Rs. 500 or Rs. 600 and at that time which the maximum penalty is removal they have , the maximum of financial or dismissal. A man does something for of injustices done. Among the C grade which he is not even charge-sheeted 2111 Demands for Grants 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2112 [Shri Frank Anthony] and attachment to the railway. As a rail and yet he is suspended. You are sup wayman told me once : “Not only if my posed to suspend him for four months, veins but even if my children’s veins are I know. But there are cases, I know, of cut, steam engines will come out of suspensions lasting for a period of 2 or them; it is in their blood. It will be a 3 years. good thing and you should reserve some quotas for the children of railwaymen. The pomt I am trying to make is this. Suspension is a punishment and it Shrimati AmmH (Din- is only the Railway Administration that digul): I have only just a few points to pre-judges a man. You do not even make chiefly about the maintenance of charge-sheet him but you suspend him railways today. I have often come by the and give him one-third allowance. He Grand Trunk Express from Madras and is reduced to a sub-starvation level. You have gone back by the same train. I penalise him and you penalise his chil find that the compartments are very bad dren also. I heard of a heart-rending ly kept; every time either the fans stop, case the other day where a man is being or water does not come or windows do tried in courts. Suspend him. But what not open. has been done? You withdraw the edu cational allowances. His children—one Last time when I was travelling from in the Senior Cambridge and the odier Madras to Delhi, there was one window in the middle school—stopped getting which would not come down because this allowance. You treat him as a the catch that stops the window from felon, you treat his family as felons. coming down had been stretching out This is not the way to treat your railway and it could not be brought down. I servants. called a member of the staff at one station and told him that I would like There is one other matter. There is it to be brought down because it was this anomaly with regard to the pass very hoL A man was sent for and he rules. Here again I do not understand came and repaired it. What did he do? it. If a person has one dependent his He cut that little piece on which the pass will cover five persons—his wife, window rested with the result that I two children, himself and the dependent. could never open it. But if he has no dependent, his pass will cover eighteen children. I do not Another time a fan was not working. understand this. One dependent comes Somebody came and I do not know what in and you limit it to five. Obviously it he did but he said : “Madam, I do not is meant to cover first, his wife and think this fan will work very long; I do children. If he has got eighteen child not know what to do; the train is about ren let him have any of his dependents to leave; this is air I can do; this will as 19th. {Interruption). The railway work only for a little while.” After some people are a virile community and there time, it stopped. I am one of those obs is no maximum with regard to their pro tinate people and at the other station lificness. I called the railway people again and asked them to mend it and there it was I will repeat my plea to law down repaired. a quota. I would ask the Railway Minis ter to seriously consider having a quota We who are Members of Parliament reserved for the children of raUwaymen. travel on our first class passes. I have I raised this point sometime back. Shri never travelled from Madras to Delhi Alagesan pointed to the provisions in without some tap or the other leaking. our bright and shining Constitution. He Water sometimes comes down on your said that this would offend the Constitu head from the shower or it comes on tion. The equality clause—call it any your feet from the little tap by the side thing—^has been interpreted so that you of the basin and if you o ^ n the basin can discriminate in favour of a class. the whole water comes up on your face You are already doing it for the refu or it does not come at all. I am sorry gees. What better claim has anybody hon. Members are laughing. These are else got than the children of the rail- matters which must be looked into. I waymen? The railway oflScials tell me feel that unless you keep up the main that the traditions and the loyalty of the tenance, the travelling public is going employees are fast disappearing. You to be greatly inconvenienced. It is a are putting in refugees and other people utility service that the Government has "Who have no interest in the railways. taken up and it is neccssary for the The railwaymen have nurtured people who are travelling in die railways the traditions of service, loyalty to have ordinary comforts and fadlities. 2113 Demands far Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R ailw i^s 2114' The hpn. Minister has been saying another compartment. When we got the th^t they were thinking of having air- station where we were supposed to get conditioned third class compartments. our food, we were told that some other May 1 point out to him that it is not train had come there and all the dinner air-conditioned compartments which we etc., which were there were served to need now? We want windows which those passengers and we could not get work; we want water pipes which do even a cup of tea. As far as I and the not leak and taps which work and less other lady were concerned, we did not of overcrowding in trains by having a mmd but the little boy was hungry. I few more trains. cannot understand why all the food had I was speaking to some person been served and finished in spite of the the other day who was usually fact that a telegram had been sent that travelling by third class. She was the Grand Trunk Express was passing telling me: “What is going to through and food would have to be serv be the condition of third class compart ed at that particular station to the pas ments if they are to be air-conditioned sengers on that train because the din and if all the windows are closed? Just ing car was sick. If this is the condition think about all the biris and cigarettes of first class passengers, you can ima« that will be smoked. How are the people gine what the third class passengers going to breathe inside such compart would have to put up with. ments?” We cannot understand why the These are the inconveniences of pas hon. Railway Minister wants to have air- sengers and if such inconveniences are conditioned third class compartments. not removed travelling will be very diffi Nobody is asking for them. More fans, cult. I wish the hon. Minister thinks more water, and less overcrowding— about making improvements in these these are the three things they need. matters rather than think in terms of air- Shri Nambiar: You are talking about conditioned trains. We are all satisfied things which are going to happen after without air-conditioning. But give us ten years! more fans and as much water as people Shrimati Ammu Swaminadhan; The want. Also let the compartments be air-conditioned first class compartments well kept and maintained. are really very fine compartments but I find it difficult to stand even Aem. Shri Raghubir Sahai (jEtah Distt.- There is no movement of free air. I North-East cum Budaun Distt.—^East) : know there are ventilators and so on Mr. Chairman,...... but even then there is the very closed Mr. Chainnan: The hon. Member atmosphere. With people who would shall have to finish his remarks within smoke all the time, I think the atmos phere would be terrible in such compart ten minutes. ments. I hope the Railway Minister will Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: When is the consider this question and instead of Minister going to reply? spending a good deal of money in pur chasing more and more air-conditioning Mr. Chairman: At 1-12 p .m . machines, I wish he thinks of giving Shri Raghubir Sahai: Sir, while we more amenities and more comforts and are discussing these demands I would reducing overcrowding in trains. It can like to bring to the notice of the hon. only be done by having a few more Minister and the Railway Administra trains and not merely by icnreasing the tion a few points for their consideration. weight of the trains which will bring about delay. One point is in regard to my own There is another matter about which constituency of Budaun in western U.P. I would like to say a few words—cater It is rather a backward area and the ing in the trains. I am only speaking headquarters of the district, becomes an about the Grand Trunk Express at the Islani so to say, in the rainy season moment. I was coming to Delhi from because the district is surrounded by Madras for the November session. At Ram Ganga on the north and the Gan Bezwada, we were told that the dining ges towards the south. When they are car was ‘sick’—that was the expression flooded there is no approach to the dis used by them. All the same, we were trict except by rail The railway bridge also told that at some station or the over Ram Ganga is only open to the other, they were sending a telegram to railway traffic. I suggest that it should serve food. We were three in a compart be converted and made available for ment—one lady and her little boy and vehicular traffic also. In this connection myself. Her liusband was travelling in I would say that this bridge is an old 2115 Demands for Grants- 9 MARCH 1956 Rmlways 2116 [Shri Raghubir Sahai] amenities may also include in future all one and a risky one. In 1923, I remem users of railway transport such ber, there was a very big accident. Some as improvement of goods sheds, four or five bogies of the metre-gauge loading and unloading plat train went down into the river and there forms, waiting sheds for the trading were a number of casualties. If that public.” In neither definition, either in bridge is not fit for vehicular traffic the dictionary, the name of which I along with rail traffic I would suggest to have quoted, or in the report the Railway Board that it should be re of the Railway Convention Com novated or another bridge constructed mittee, does this word mean “full scale which should be open for both rail building”, I was really^ amazed to find traffic as well as for vehicular traffic. in a pamphlet that has been supplied to us by the Railway Ministry, Towards Another point in connection with my Better Conditions of Travel, on page 11, constituency of Budaun is that Budaun that the New Delhi Railway Station is a backward area. There was a scheme, which has been built at a cost of about an old one, that a broad-gauge railway Rs. 20 lakhs and the Allahabad Railway line should be constructed from Roza Station which is going to be constructed in District Shahjahanpur connecting it at a cost of Rs. 37 lakhs have been in with Babrala on the Bareilly-Aligarh cluded in the definition of the word section. If that scheme is taken up then “amenities”. I beg to submit that this is four or five tehsils in my district and stretching the meaning of the word one or two tehsils in the Shahajahanpur “amenities” too far. From the same District will become developed. That is pamphlet I find that the Raja-ki-Mandi a very urgent scheme and I hope that Station at Agra and Nasik Station—the it will be taken up by the Railway Ad construction of these two buildings— ministration. have also been included in the defini We are veij glad to note that the tion of the word “amenities”. As I said, Railway Administration has been spend this is stretching the meaning of the ing something like Rs. 3 crores every word too far. I do not object to cons year towards amenities for passengers. truction of new buildings. Wherever There is no doubt that within the last they are necessary they must be cons two or three years many changes have tructed. But, they must be constructed been made and almost everybody who from some other fund The sum that has travels on Indian Railways, be he lite been allotted for giving amenities should rate or illiterate, is thankful to the Rail be spent only for providing amenities. way Administration. There is no doubt Mr. Chairman: The hon. Member about that. But, as our hon. lady mem does realise that there is no statutory ber has just spoken there are many provision. He can count the fund for things yet to be looked into and to be im amenities after deducting these sums. proved. There is no doubt that the im provements that have already been made Shii Raghubir Sahai: Then, I have are very many. But, I am at a loss to something to say with regard to the dis understand how far you are going to posal of complaints. I find that in the stretch the meaning of the word "ame Acharya Knpalani Report they have nities”. I consulted a dictionary and made a recommendation that the there I found ----- complaints which reach the Railway Ad ministration should not be inordinately Shri B. S. Miirtiliy (Eluru): Webs delayed and should be disposed of quick ter’s Dictionary? ly. They have recommended that 15 Shri Raghubir Sahai : No, the name days at the most should be devoted for of the dictionary which I looked into is those matters in which confronted en Funk and Wagnelh New Standard Die- quiries are not held, 45 days in which tionary 1953 Edition. If hon. Members confronted enquiries are held and in no are anxious to see it it is in the l i b r ^ case should the final reply to a comp and they can consult it. The meaning laint be delayed for three months. Sir, given there is : “Besides pleasant ways I made a complaint regarding Bareilly or manner or reasonable features of an Junction railway authorities to the Rail estate; appurtenances to a home as cen way Minister in the month of July last. tral heating, refrigeration, electric ele Eight months have elapsed. I am not go vators, telephones, hot water, service de ing to state all the facts about the parti livery etc.” Now, when we look to the cular complaint, but I am sorry to say Railway Convention Committee Report, that up till now no final disposal in the 1954 we find that it d ^ e s “amenities” matter has taken place, I got some for the railway users as : “The scope of letter from the Railway Administration 2117 Demands for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2118 a couple of months before informing Government, our Government is serious me that enquiry was proceeding. But, ly thinking and is seriously saying about till now the matter has not been disposed the socialist pattern of society which is of. In that complaint it was not only the aim of the Government. But, when we lack of duty that was alleged but there look at the achievements of the Railway was an allegation of fraud also. It was Ministry', we will find that the adminis really a serious matter which should tration is ^ving comforts only to those have been looked into and finally dis places which are already having good posed of. If there is no disposition that facilities. In the South, there are so many the matter should be hushed up I think places which are very very backward, it is time that it should be looked into with no communications, no electricity, early and disposed of. no telephones and no proper roads even. Those places are not being given proper I would like to say a word regarding consideration. I have been suggesting for catering. I would like to ask, when the the past four years the construction of principle of departmental catering has one railway line connecting Nidamanga- been accepted why should there be so 1am and Vriddachalam via tumbako- much of tardiness in the implementation nam, T. Palur, Jayankondan and Andi- thereof ? I find that only in Pathankot, madam, and another one connecting Ari- Delhi and at one place on the metre- valur and Sankaridrug via Perambalur gauge, in Gorakhpur this departmental and Thorayur in the ^u th em Railways. catering has been provided. Why not at Regarding the first route, not only my other stations? Why not on other lines? self but the public also have sent so At the present moment everywhere, many memoranda to the Ministry. The either on the broad-gauge or on the District Board, Tiruchi, has also passed metre-gauge, there is a universal com a resolution and sent it to the Govern plaint about bad stuff being supplied ment. Again, the Bar Association of at the stations. The present caterers Kumbakonam, in Madras State has also know that their term is going to expire passed a resolution and presented it to and that they would be replaced by de the hon. Deputy Minister of Railways partmental catering. So, they have when he recently visited the place. ^ got no incentive now to improve things. these lines are really important, especial Therefore, I would simply urge that ly when our area is very very backward. the railway administration should in These are the long-felt wants of the troduce departmental catering as people of that area. So, I request the speedily as possible. Government to consider this matter seriously and undertake the construction I would now say a few words with of these two lines in the very near fu regard to publicity. We are very proud ture. about the achievements of the railway administration and we should see that Regarding amenities to the third class the achievements of the administration passengers I should like to say a few are known to the public wherever and words. There is no waiting room in most whenever possible. In this connection, of the stations particularly for the wo I would suggest that the main points men third class passengers. So, they have with regard to the railway’s achievements to lie along with the men passengers, and during the first Five Year Plan period so, some mischief is being done to the should be summarised and should be women passengers. Therefore, for the attached to the time-table which is sup protection of the women third class pas plied to the general public in English sengers, wherever possible, there should and Hindi so that anybody who uses be separate waiting rooms provided on the time-table will have an idea of the the platforms of all important stations. achievements attained so far and of what the administration is going to do I would then like to draw the atten in the second Five Year Plan period. tion of this Honourable House to the ap Shri Booyaraghasamy (Perambalur): pointment of backward classes in the I should like to draw the attention of Railway department. I have been ap this honourable House to the activities proaching so many officers with regaM of the railway administration particular to the appointment of backward classes, ly in the Southern Region which de but I have not met with success. I am serve serious notice. The Government is told that there is a general rule applica spending every year a huge amount of ble to all the people. There is of course, money for construction of new railways the term Scheduled Castes and Schedul and for other facilities to the passengers ed Tribes, and other Backward Classes only in the North. Being a democratic but I do not know the meaning of the 2119 Demands for Grants — 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2120 [Shri Boovaraghasamy] according to their population. That is the which is attached with Scheduled Castes only way by which we can equally share and Scheduled Tribes, If we go and the fruits of freedom in our democratic ask the oflRcers about this, they say that country. If you follow any other way, there is a Board, there are some exami you will ruin the coimtry and the unity nations and that they cannot do any of the country will disappear. Terms thing for the Backward Qasses people. such as ‘socialist pattern’, Hinity’ etc. are They add : “Our hands are tied”. I used only for exploiting the backward do not understand the need for using classes. For promotions also, there this term “other backward classes”. You should be a policy which must be based and all of us know that a vast popula on the population of each community. tion of this country consists of back T^ow I wish to make a few observa ward classes. This vast population is very tions regarding the construction of plat very backward in all respects. So there forms . and sheds in some railway sta should be a separate reservation for tions in the Southern Railway. On the backward classes also, on the line of the chord line from Madras to Trichinopoly reservation for Scheduled Castes and there are several big stations like Ari- Scheduled Tribes for appointments and yalur and Dalmiapuram, Lalgudi, be promotions. It is not a matter to be sides other big stations. They need laughed at. It has to be seriously consi good platforms and proper sheds. These dered. If we take the railway depart needs at those stations should be pro ment or of those employed in the other perly attended to. Central Government services today, we find too many Brahmin people and too Almost all the third class passengers many forward class people are employed have to travel with very little convenien who form a small minority in the total ces and facilities. Of course, the Gov population of the country when com ernment is beginning to give more atten pared to the backward classes popula tion to the welfare and convenience of tion. The Brahmins and the forward third class passengers. class community people are almost negligible, while compared to the total If we actually travel in third class, population, but they are dominating. we will know the difficulties of the third class passengers; which cannot be ex Mr. Chairman: Without making com pressed. In such a way they are suffer parisons, the hon. Member can proceed ing. Therefore, proper and expeditious with his theme that more attention action should be taken to rectify their should be paid to the backward classes. grievances. The third class passengers Shri B. S. Murthy: He wants to em are suffering from want of sleeping ac phasise perhaps. commodation. At least passengers travel ling more than 300 miles should be pro Shri Boovaraghasamy: I request the vided with sleeping accommodation. Government to consider this matter seriously, and I strongly make a sub 1 P.M. mission that there should be some reser I want to say something about the vation according to the population pay of the railway officers. Shri Thanu of the backward classes for their Pillai has said yesterday that the rail appointments and promotions in Rail way officers are given more pay; I also way services. Otherwise, there is no support that view. When compared with meaning in your socialist pattern of ^the other Government servants, the rail- society. The other people, in the name ‘way officers are paid very highly. At the of democracy, unity of the country and same time, Class IV employees in the the examination by the Union Public V railways are getting very low pay. In Service Commission and so on, are this democratic country, we have got a occupying almost all the key posts large number of people who are un nowadays in all the Government employed and we are taking recourse services. So, I request the Government to deficit financing. I suggest that the to reserve some seats for the backward highly paid railway officers should be classes also, according to their poptrlki' reduced and a limit should be fixed, so tion. Then only you will prove that that you can accommodate all the peo you can achieve the goal of socialist ple who are unemployed in this coun pattern of society, otherwise, by fol try. lowing the ;^csent procedure, you will exploit the Backward Class people and Shri N. Rachiah (Mysore—Reserved— certainly the country will be ruined. Sch. Castes) : Mr. Chairman, I should My request is that there should be some like to make an appeal to Government reservation for the backward classes other term, “other backward classes” 2121 Demands^or Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 RaHwe^ 2122 for the construction of the Chamaraja the Railway Minister. So many repre Nagar-Satyamangalam line. The My sentations, requests and demands have sore Government and the people of been made by the ^-M ysore State Rail Mysore have been requesting the Rail way staff. Even the Mysore Govern way Ministry for the past ten years to ment’s order, which was passed with re construct this line. Resolutions have gard to certain officials—^inspectors and been passed demanding this construction. others—^has not been implemented up The Chief Minister of Mysore and all till now. There is a feeling of dissatis the M.Ps. of the Mysore State have faction and frustration and there is also also submitted memoranda Md re a sort of disappointment in the minds presentations with regard to this line. of the ejv-Mysore State Railway staff I am very sorry that the Govern not only in the higher cadre, but in the ment are turning deaf ears to this request lower cadre as well. This state of affairs though the survey was conducted before should not be allowed to continue in the integration of the Mysore State Rail the best interests of the railways and way with the Central Railway, I mge also in the interests of efficiency and upon the Government to take inmiediate proper working of the railways, particu steps to take up this line and give due larly in South India. I request the Gov regard to the demands and requests of ernment, the Deputy Minister of Rail the people of Mysore as well as other ways in particular, to give more atten parts of South India, in the interests of tion to the redressal of the grievances promoting trade etc. of the cj:-Mysore State Railway staff. I am told that some orders have already With regard to the Mysore-Bangalore been passed solving these problems, but railway Ime, there was a proposal to with regard to certain officials, orders electrify this line. We have got plenty have not been passed. Even the regional of electricity. There is a big project there officers, particularly the General Man and we can have more electricity in ager of the Southern Railway at Madras future also according to the second Five sometimes do not care for the orders of Year Plan. When such is the case, when the Railway Board. The General Man we are having heavy traffic between My n e r of the SouAem Railway is not jus sore and Bangalore, when we are goimg tified in his action. Whenever the Rail to have a Karnataka State very shortly way Board or the Railway Ministry and when we are thinking in terms of sends some orders, he never cares for bilingual and multilingual States, it is such orders. To quote an instance, one quite essential that we should give more Gopalaswami, an Honours Graduate be amenities and develop our railway com longing to the Scheduled Caste, took munications, so that we can promote study leave; but in the meanwhile, his trade and commerce. The Mysore State services were terminated and even after Government also had an idea of electri his re-employment the Railway Board fying this line. This line must be elec passed orders to upgrade him, the trified early. General Manager did not care to give effect to those orders. Even today, they Apart from this, the Secunderabad- have not been given effect to. Mysore line is only a metre gauge line at present and there is heavy traffic May I give another instance ? Five on this line. I, therefore, urge upon the officials were recruited to the Accounts Government to see that this metre gauge Department aboUt six years back before line is converted into a broad gauge mtegration. They were graduates and line, so that we can have better and under-graduates and for all these six or quick communications with the Andhra seven years, they had been working to State and the Mysore State. the full satisfaction of the immeSate superior officers and there was no re I should like to say something about mark against them. But now some Ser the e.r-Mysore State railway staff. Before vice Commission has been set up and the integration of the Mysore State Scheduled Caste candidate was Railway with the Central Railway, the allowed to be taken in after passing the Mysore State Railway staff and the peo tests and the others had to lose their ple of Mysore expected that they would jobs. They made some representation get a fair deal. At the time of integra and they were appointed jn some ticket tion, I am told, the then Railway Mi printing s^tion. Even tM e, I am told, nister gave an assurance that the status their position is unsatisfactory. This is a quo would be maintained. I am very very very sorry state of affair? and I am very sorry that this promise has not sorry to look at the injustices done by been kept up by Ac Railway Board and . the Railway regional officers particularly, 2-20 Lok Sabha. ^123 Demands for Grants-- 9 MARGR 1956 JUdlwe^s 2124 [Shri N. Rachiah] they are giving reservation facilities to the General Manager of the Southern third class passengers who travel over Railway. Some of the railway employees 300 miles. > ^en passengers have to tra are on the verge of being thrown out vel 1700 miles from Bangalore to Delhi, of their employment. sometimes from Chamarajanagar to Delhi, they do not get sleeping accom What about the fate of the children modation. There is no ordinary reserva and dependents of such persons? Some tion. It is something like a catde doctors in the e;c-Mysore State Railway pound— service had to retire after serving for about 25 to 27 years, without the bene Mr. Chainnan: The hon. Member fit of any comepnsation, pension, or must conclude now. provident fund. All the families of these doctors are ruined. Shri N. Rachiah: This is very im portant. People in Mysore say that we In my constituency and I have been are most ineffective Members and we in touch with the railway employees. do not even open our mouths and we Their condition is pathetic, something do not bring it to the notice of the like the condition of the e;c-servicemen Government. in the military department because of the injustice done to them. Government Mr. Chairman: The hon. Member should give their immediate attention to can have his chance in the next Demand the grievances of ejc-Mysore State Rail also. It is not possible now when he way staff. comes by these trains which are run I shall not take more than one mi ning so late, to make up for all the defi nute and 1 shall finish. Yesterday I was ciencies. travelling from Mysore to Delhi. It is a routine thing, it has become chronic, Shri N. Rachiah: I request the Gov for the trains coming from Mysore to ernment to see that first, second and Secunderabad to run 3 hours late. There third class compartments are put in from was an instance when it ran 5 i hours Bangalore to Delhi, and reservation with late. At Dronachalam, it was 1 hour sleeping acconmiodation is made avail and 45 minutes late. Then I talked to able. Otherwise, it will be absolutely im the guard and told him, that I am going possible for the passengers to travel in to attend the Parhament session please these conditions. see that the train is in time. Then he had to make up. Still it was 30 minutes I wish to bring to your,notice one late. If this is the state of affairs, why particular incident which is a very pa should the Central Government run the thetic one. One P.W. Ins^ctor has as railways? Let the Central Government saulted and insulted a Harijan gangman. entrust the working of the railways to the I tabled in a question on this; but it was State Governments. They can see that disallowed. I understand a report has the railways are worked properly to the been submitted. No action has been best interests of the passengers and the taken by the General Manager of the country. I should also like to refer to Southern Railway: Even under the Anti- the amenities of the passengers from Untouchability Act, he should have Bangalore to Delhi. In April 1952, one been prosecuted. The union has made a through bogie was put in from Banga representation. The party has made a lore to Delhi. It has got only the first complaint against the official to the class and the third class. We have to Railway Ministry also. But, no action travel over 1600 miles and the passen has been taken. In this state of affairs, gers have got to be in the train for three how can any Harijan officials get on? nights and almost three days. You can They have only to go away because they well imagine the ordeals and the difficul not only get injustice, but also insults ties that the passengers have got to go and kicks and assaults. Immediate ac through. When I put a question on tion against the particular officid who 22nd of the last month, the hon. Parli^^ assaulted this Harijan, Ganga, in Ban mentary Secretary for Railways, I may galore, should be taken. say with aU humility, gave an indifferent answer. He said that there was no pro Mr. Chairman: The hon. Member can posal to proyjjde first class, second class give the particulars in writing separate and third class accommodation. What is ly to the hon. Minister. the meaning of this? They say that axe providing sleeping accommodation Shri N. Rachiah: I have aheady sent. to third dass passengers. They say that I sui^port this Demand. 2125 Demands for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2126 The Pariiamentaiy Secretary to the information of the House^ I would like Minister of Raflways and Transport to state that during the year 1954-55, as [Shri Shahnawaz Khan] Members are aware, there are. a large: number of displaced caterers from Pak I was surprised when an hon. Mem istan. Those gentlemen who worked in. ber, Shri Vallatharas, expressed indigna this catering line in Pakistan area were- tion that the travelling ticket examiners displaced and we have to rehabilitate- were being forced to ^ o w minimum re them. In a number of cases they haver sults. Surely we must have some sort got very small holdings, perhaps one; of system by which we can check the contract or two contracts or one sta working of our ticket examining staff. tion. They have very small holdings* It is not a hard and fast rule that so We do not think it would be a r i ^ t many cases must be detected. All that policy to abolish catering through con we insist on is that people working in tractors on a wholesale scale. the same section should show consis tent results. If a number of people show I might also tell the House of a. very good results and one or two per personal experience of mine. Recently I sons show practically no results, then was in Calcutta and I went to Howrah there is room for suspecting that there Station. There I found that adjacent to- is something wrong, and it is only such the third class waiting hall there was cases that are taken up. So, I do not one contractor who was serving very think the hon. Member has anything to excellent food—^rice, fish curry, two- fear when we insist on maintaining some fried vegetables ----- sort of standards. Shri Nambiar : It is only a preven Shri Kamath: Only to you or to all? tive measure. The ticket examiner can Shri Shahnawaz Khan: .. and chutnU. not bring results because he prevents He was serving aU these things with^ travelling without tickets. plenty of rice for ‘12 annas a meal, and/ Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Surely there is I was surprised to find that there were so much ticketless travel. He is expect as many as 4,000 people feeding there* ed to catch some people travelling with every day. And I learn that the clerks out tickets. who come to Calcutta daily have given The next point which was very popu up having their meals at home because lar with this House and which was refer they find it cheaper at ^ place. red to by a large number of Members Shri K. K. Basu: Taste for fish is a was about catering. hopeful sign, Shri K. K. Basu: (Diamond Harbour); Let us have a demonstration. Shri Shahnawaz Khan: I also tasted that food. It was very good food. It is^ Shri Kamath: Outside the House. the intention of the railways to retain Shri Shahnawaz Khan: I was glad to honest and good contractors who are see that there was general satisfaction out to serve the public and not to look in all quarters of the House over this after only a selected few. step of departmental catering. We have made a start at Delhi, Pathankot and Shri Gadilingana Gowd (Kurnool): Gorakhpur. The results are encouraging. Frontier Mail charges Rs. 3-8-0. . Some Members, particularly Shri Raghu- bir Sahai, I think, said he could not un Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Due to depart derstand why this scheme was so slow. mentalisation of catering, there has. I would like to inform him that with been, I should say, some excitement and effect from 1st April departmental cater certain people have been feeling worried ing is going to be extended to the follow about it. It is not our intention that the- ing stations: Nagpur, Jhansi, Wardha. small contractors should be thrown out Bhusawal, Ratlam, Mehsana, Khurda of the railways. We are trying to accom Road, Cuttack, Bilaspur, Tatanagar, modate them. Supposing we take over Waltair, Asansol, Gaya, Patna, and Mo- Delhi railway station, the persons dis ghal Sarai. placed will be given alternative holding. We wDl try to accommodate them some Shri Raghobir Sahai: On the North where else. Eastern section? Also, the employees under these big- Shri Kamath: Include Itarsi also. contractors, whose holdings we are try Shri Shahnawaz Khan: And in addi ing to cut down, are feeling nervous. I tion to this, as we gain experience, it can say that it is our intention to retain is our intention to go ahead and expand in service all the good and honest emp departmental catering. There are serious loyees under these contractors. If there difficulties in the way too. As hon. are some bad characters or badmashesr- 2129 Demands for Gtmfts— 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2130 ioaturally some of .them bave to be the scheme of reorganisation that will 4hrown out But it is our intention to matter in the final analysis, but also retain a great majority of the employees the staff who are to put it into effect. of the jcontractois whose holdings the railways are taking over. Also, the force as it stands includes in its fold an appreciable number of 1 am sure the House will be glad to undesirable elements, who had previous Jeam that the Railway Ministry has de ly come in, and who have to be sys cided to associate public opinion, and tematically weeded out now. non-official organisations with the work Shri H. N. Mukerjee took objection of supervising catering. In this context, to outsiders being imported into this I would like to inform the House that force, that is to say, the railway protec ior the better insp^tion of catering ar tion force. The House will appreciate rangements, supervisory committees, con that the watch and ward force h ^ been sisting of members drawn from the rail found to be not very effective. It is way zonal committees and other well- necessary to revitalise it into a dis known and important social service or ciplined force, whose duties will be ganisations, have recently been consti similar to those of a police force. For tuted on all railways. These com this purpose, we are utilising the services mittees are expected to undertake tours of experienced police officers. . We are •of inspection, and to bring to the notice not immindful of the interests of the of the Railway Administration concem- men already in the watch and ward •ed any irregularities, which they may force. Those of them who are deserving observe, with a view to bringing about will certainly be considered, but we the desired improvement in catering cannot subordinate the efficiency of the arrangements in those stations in parti force to the interests of the staff. cular, and in catering arrangements in Also, the House is fully aware that no :general. trade unionism can be allowed in the We know that the catering arrange security services. There is no trade union ments leave much to be desired, and movement in the Army. There is none .the Railway Ministry are determined to in the police force, and there is going see that things should improve. Now to be none in the railway security force. that we are so closely associating non But nevertheless, I would like to assure official organisations with the supervi the House that as far as the interests sory work too, I am sure that with their of the men serving in this force are co-operation and with the co-operation of concerned, their interests will be fully Members like Shri Kamath, things will guarded, and their rights fully respect improve very considerably. ed. They would be allowed to form their own associations, and represent Shri T. B. yittal Rao : Who will re their cases, as they have been doing so present the caterers’ viewpoint? far. So I do not think hon. Members have much to fear on that account. Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Shri H. N. Shri Nambiar: But punishments are on Mukerjee, Shri Nambiar, Shri T. B. the increase, unknown and unheard of. Vittal Rao and some other Members had Shri Shahnawaz Khan: Unless you referred to the reorganisation of the punish the evil-doers, you cannot stop watch and ward force of the railways. evil. As the House is aware, it was found that the old watch and ward force was Shri H. N. Mukeijee had referred to lacking in certain respects. There were the Sealdah station building, and its certain complaints, and with a view to neglecte’d condition. The Sealdah station having a more efficient organisation to building is one of the latest and it is guard railway property, and to guard having its due share of maintenance and and look after the yards and the goods looking after. Several serious problems lying there, it was found necessary to have been created in this station environ make certain changes. And in order to ment due to the influx of refugees from place the force on a better footing a East Pakistan, and due to the congested senior police officer of the rank of road traffic all round Sealdah. This sta inspector-general was appointed to draw tion is situated in the veiy busy and up a scheme for reorganisation, and the congested area of the city^ of Calcutta, recommendations made by him are in and no radical improvements are pos the process of implementation. It is yet sible without shifting the station ^to too early to make an assessment of the gether. There is, however, no possibility results achieved, for it is not merely of shifting the station to any other site. 2131 Demands far Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R d lw c y s 2132 [Shri Shahnawaz Khan] Shri Shahnawaz Khan: The implica The electrification of the Calcutta sub tion of his speech was that.. He said urban area has been approved and in that if a man came from U. P., because cluded in the works programme of 1956 the Minister came from U. P., no action 57, and it is proposed that along with would be taken against him for corrup the electrification, terminal facilities at tion. Sealdah will be improved as far as pos sible. Shri Nambian I did not say so. One hon. Member had referred to the ineflftciency of the loco department, and Shri Shahnawaz Khan: That was an stated that the efl&ciency was on the de unsportsmanlike remark to make crease. But I can assure the House that against a person whose integrity is the efficiency of the loco department is respected throughout the country. I on the increase. My hon. friend Shri would also very respectfully submit Frank Anthony is looking at me, as if that railway employees number about he does not believe me. But I can assure 10 lakhs and it is inevitable that there him and the House that things are im should be some black sheep. But to proving in the loco department. condemn any organisation or any system wholesale on that basis is not On the broad gauge, the engine-miles fair to that organisation or system. per day have increased from 109 in After all, there are thousands of 1952-53 to 112 in 1954-55. The percen trains running every day, there are tage of locomotives under and awaiting lakhs of wagons moving every day, and repairs in sheds has decreased from if every officer was corrupt or drunk, 17-91 in 1952-53 to 17;32 in 1954-55. how could the railways put up such ex And engine failures are also on the de cellent performances? The least that the crease. On broad gauge, the engine- railways, the officers and men expect miles per engine failure were 50,771 in from our hon. Members—^we do not ask 1952-53 whereas in 1954-55, they were for anything else—is a word of appre 54,022 mil«. That is to say, the engines ciation only if we do well. That will go are failing after traversing greater dis a long way. Even if a person be honest tances. There is also very appreciable and you continuously go on nagging improvement in the performance of the him saying he is a dishonest man, that metre gauge engines. Previously, tiiat is would, in a way, be an inducement to to say, in 1952-53 the engine-miles per him to become dishonest. engine failure were 31,944, whereas in 1954-55 they were 46,680. Shri Nambiar: I submitted that I bow before all honest offiLcers. Considerable improvements have been Shri Shahnawaz Khan: But the impres recorded and I do not think the alle sion one got from the hon. Member’s gation of the hon. Member that effici speech was that those officers are very ency was going down is borne out by few. facts. One hon. Member, Pandit D. N. Ti- I have a very short time left, but I wary said : think it would not be proper for me to sit down before replying to Shri Nam- biar’s charge of corruption amongst rail 5Rrr I way officers. I do not deny that there is corruption in the railways. But as the That means, ‘that it is difficult to say Kripalani Committee has very rightly who does not accept bribes in railways.* pointed out, corruption is there not only Without saying much, we would appeal in railways but in all departments, and for mercy and plead that we should corruption in railways is not very much not be condemned on such a wholesale more than, not proportionately more scale. I have gone round the railways, than, in other spheres throughout the I have met a large number of railway country. As one watched Shri Nambiar officers and I have met a large number speaking, one got the feeling that all of railway workers, and I can say that officers in the railway, wholesale, includ with independence the spirit has ing the Minister, were corrupt. changed and the officers, from top to Shri Nambfan I did not say so. bottom, and all railwaymen are mind ful and are fully aware of the respon Shri Shahnawaz Khan: He did. sibilities that they have to shoulder. I Shri Narabian My speech may be can assure you that they are determin gone through. ed to do their duty by the nation. 2133 Demands fo r Grants-^ 9 MARCH 1956 2134 Mr, Chairman: I shall now put all the D e m a n d No. 8—O r d in a r y W o r k in g cut motions relating to Demands Nos. E x p e n s e s ^—O p e r a t io n o t h e r t h a n 4 and 5 to the vote of the House. S t a f f a n d F u e l Mr. Chairman: Motion moved: All the cut motions were negatived. ‘That a sum not exceeding Mr. Chairman: The question is: Rs. 15,99,29,000 be granted to the President to defray the charges “That a sum not exceeding which will come in course of pay Rs. 34,54,85,000 be granted to the ment during the year ending the President to defray the charges 31st day of March 1957 in respect which will come in course of pay of ‘Ordinary Working Expenses ment during the year ending the —Operation other than saff and 31st day of March 1957 in respect Fuef,” of ‘Ordinary Working Expenses— Administration’.” D e m a n d No. 9— O r d in a r y W o r k in g E x p e n s e s —M iscellaneous E x p e n s e s The motion was adopted. Mr. Chairman: Motion moved: Mr. Chairman: The question is: “That a sum not exceeding “That a sum not exceeding Rs. 26,41,81,000 be granted to the Rs. 84,26,37,000 be granted to the President to defray the charges President to defray the charges which will come in course of pay which will come in course of pay ment during the year ending the ment during the year endmg the 31st day o f March 1957 in respect 31st day of March 1957 in respect of ‘Ordinary Working Expenses— of ‘Ordinary Working Expenses— Miscellaneous Expenses’.” Repairs and Maintenance’.” D e m a n d No. 10— O r d in a ry W o r k in g The motion was adopted. E x p e n s e s —L a bo ur W e l f a r e Mr. Chairman; The House will now Mr. Chairman: Motion moved: take up Demands Nos, 6 to 10 for which three hours have been allotted. “That a sum not exceeding Rs. 5,88,88,000 be granted to the President to defray the charges D e m a n d No. 6— O r d in a r y W o r k in g which will come in course of pay E x p e n s e s —O p e r a t in g St a f f ment during the year ending the 31st day of March 1957 in respect Mr. Chairman: Motion moved: of ‘Ordinary Working Expenses— “That a sum not exceeding Labour Welfare’.” Rs. 52,87,40,000 be granted to the President to defray the charges As regards cut motions, as usual which will come in course of pay hon. Members and leaders of Groups ment during the year ending the may hand over the nimibers of those 31st day of March 1957 in respect cut motions which they select, to the of ‘Ordinary Working Expenses— Secretary within 15 minutes. I will Operating SalF.” treat them as moved, if those hon. Members in whose names those cut mo D e m a n d No. 7— O rd in a r y W o r k in g tions stand, are present in the House E x p e n s e s —O p e r a t io n ( F u e l ) and the motions are otherwise in order. Mr. Chahman: Motion moved: Shri Barrow (Nominated—^Anglo- Indians) : Sir, I have in my name, mo “That a sum not exceeding tion No. 322 in respect of Labour Wel Rs. 42,07,03,000 be granted to the fare which refers particularly to railway President to defray the charges schools,—to schools for the children of which will come in course of pay employees on the railways. I was. Sir, ment during the year ending the elated when I saw an increase in the 31st day of March 1957 in respect budget under ‘Education’, by Rs. 3*44 of ‘Ordmary Working Expenses— lakhs, but my elation gave way to na Operation (Fuel)’.” tural disappointment when I found that tm Demands fa r G r a n ts 9 MARCH 1956 RifUways 2136 [Sbri Barrow] were supposed to be School Committees, fliis amount was for additional teaching but in fact no school committees were staff and trainees to cope with the addi functioning. In 1951, the Railway Board tional load of the Five Year Plan. There issued a circular to the General Man is, I feel, a policy of indifference on the agers that these school committees part of the railways towards the educa should be obliged to meet at least once tion of the children of their employees. in two months. I went recently to Kazi- pet and to my dismay I found that the I had expected that the Minister would School Committee had not met there make a definite pronouncement about since 1953. There are other places in opening of hostels in large educational which the same thing happens. In Nain- centres for the children of railway emp pur there is a school, but nobody knew loyees. I might remind the House that about the existence of this school. It this scheme was first mooted when Shri was not on the list of recognised schools. Santhanam was Minister of State for I asked the Education Department to Railways, and though. Sir, every now find out more about the school and they and again we hear echoes of this, yet no said this school had never been inspect definite clear or concrete plan emergw. ed. They were kind enough to inspect I do hope that either the Deputy Minis the school and submit report: this was ter or the Parliamentary Secretary will in 1954. That school still has not been give us some information about tUs to recognised. The Headmistress of that day. school was managing 7 sections on her own. Fortunately, the matter was taken Sir, there are 154 Railway Schools. to the Railway Authorities and they But I believe that the Railways just have appointed somebody else to help tolerate them as an unwelcome legacy. but she has had no compensation for Let me. admit that the Railway Board working for years without any assist does, from time to time, try to patch ance. or repair the fabric of the administra tion of these railway schools. But, if This is one side of the picture. On the I may quote from the Bible, it is like other side where there are Committees putting new cloth on old garments. Or, the Presidents become extremely zealous if I may use a simile which may have and they begin to interfere with the significance for a few years until total working of the schools. The Presidents prohibition comes,—it is like putting are usually XENs.—^Divisional Engine new wine into old bottles. ers—I do not know whether they are chosen because they are Civil Engineers An Hon. Memben Vice versa, —I do not know the antonym in Shri Barrow: No Sir—New wine fer engineering parlance for men who are ments and causes the old bottles to not civil engineers—but I do know that burst—all is lost—that is the point. these Presidents are not very civil in dealing with the Headmistresses of these The Railway Board or the Railway schools. I have not had an opportunity Administration try to patch and dam to psychoanalyse the gentlemen but fol but they will not make any attempt to lowers of the School of Psychology of refurbish the administration of these Adler would say they are suffering from Railway schools. an “unconscious inferiority complex re Seriously, Sir, in the context of edu sulting in an anti-teacher fixation.” I cational backwardness of this country, I am not taking up for all school mis believe, that any educational waste tresses as such. I know some of these which results from indifference, or in School Marms are themselves inhibited, ertia or, if I may say so, jWvolous in but if the Administration cannot bring ertia, is a sin against the, nation’s young. about some sort of working arrange My opinion is backward by the opinion ment between these “fixated” Presi of educational executives of the diffe dents and the “inhibited School rent State Governments. I have occasion Marms”, then these Schools and the to meet them in Conferences, from children are bound to suffer. time to time and, they have expressed clearly and categorically that the admi I can give you more examples. The nistration of the^ railway schools leaves inspection reports are sent to the schools. very much to be desired. I will give These reports are supposed to go to the some examples of what is taking place General Managers. > ^ a t happens? In in these schools. some cases nobody knows. The Inspec Some years ago we found &at there tors themselves say that there is no -.12137 Demands fo r Grants— 9 MARCai 1956 Rdboays 2138 point in inspecting these schools if the motions standing in my name, 316 and recommendations are not to be carried 317 to Demand No. 6. One was dis out. Mark you; the Railway Board have posed of yesterday which related to uni sent circulars to the General Managers forms for conductor guards on the Cen saying that they must send copies of tral Railway and so I won’t deal with it reports of any action taken on the ins now. It has been disposed of and I hope pection reports but nothing happens. it will be taken up by the Ministry very soon, and that there will be no discri There is also the question of clerical mination shown towards—^I should say assistance, temporary appointments and against—the conductor guards of one so on. 1 can go on with them. I am not Railway, the Central Railway, while all ^ s o satisfied with the Railway Service the conductor guards in other Railways Commissions and the way they appc^t are provided with uniforms. As it is now teachers. Without casting any reflection a national undertaking and not com on their powers to select, I say they pany-managed, there should be one select guards and firemen very well but uniform policy, a national policy and when they come to the selection' of there should be no discrimination teachers, their selection is not at all whatever. suitable. Very recently, I went to one school. There was a school mistress who The Minister of Railways and Trans had received all her education in Teltigu port (Shri L. B. Shasiri): There will be no and she was appointed to teach in an discrimination; it will be rectified. English medium school. It is absurd. I feel that the Railway Service Commis Shri Kamath: I am grateful for the sions do not go fully into the matter assurance. or, as I said before, they do not seem The Deputy Minister of Railways and to be able to select suitable people for Transport (Shri Alagesan): What is the ihese schools. cut motion of the hon. Member? I have brought all these pomts to the Shri Kamath: Numbers 316 and 317. notice of the Ministry not in a spirit of 1 shall take up 316, it is a very brief criticism but because I want them to matter and it will take less than 5 minu examine the whole question afresh. The tes. I have tabled this cut motion with administration and functioning of these a view to inviting the attention of tiie schools should be the subject of an in Minister and of the House to the rather vestigation and some sort of department strange manner in which the Adminis should be set up to run these schools tration calculate or works out the work separately. There is a plan—and I hope load for an employee. This is just an it comes Into operation—for creating instance and there may be hundreds of hostels. They may require educationists other instances like this. There are what to look after them. The Railways from are called C class level crossings on time to time say that they are going to the Railways. At these level crossings, raise this particular school to the status there is only one gatekeeper or gateman of an Intermediate College or that school on duty all the 24 hours of the day. I to the status of an Intermediate College. particularly refer to level crossing No. I believe in Khargpur they are going to 294 which I have seen—and of which I raise the school to the Intermediate have experience—at mile 583/1 ne^r standard and there is another school in Gotegaon where there is only one gate Broach or so which they want to raise man on duty day and night. to the Intermediate College status. I say 2 P.M. you are only adding factories for train ing educated unemployed. The Railway [Sh r im a t i R e n u C hakravartty in the schools have a wonderful opportunity Chair] of adapting themselves to the multi-pur pose or technical schools. If they care I have myself seen and several friends fully examine this question and if they of mine have also told me that the ordi go into this question and get education nary bullock-cart wallas and motorists ists to manage their schools, I feel cer have been held up outside this level tain that they will make a great contri crossing, not merely for five or ten bution towards the educational minutes, but much longer. At nights Schemes of this country. there have been instances ^hen they have been held up for as long as 15 Shri Kamath: Mr. Chairman, I will minutes. I know it as a matter of fact be very brief, as I have got only one because I was a victim during the bye- point to make. There are two cut election in April last. I addressed the 2139 Demands fa r Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R d lw t^ 2140 IShri Kamath] to be there all the time. I have heard Railway Minister in this connection and some motorist friends of mine telling me have got the following exposition,—or that this tricky gateman does not open the shall I say clarification or explana gate, then they shout at him, curse him tion—of this matter through the Parlia and swear at him, and at last he comes ment Secretariat. The question was, oat and opens the gate, telling them strange to say, disallowed but I got the information which was conveyed STTT firrft h w iw through the Parliament l^re- ( wants transfer or he wants another tariat in these terms. “The traflSjc gatemau to be posted to relieve or help at this point is not so heavy as to war rant the appointment of two gate-keep- Shri L. B. Shastri: What is that level crs”. The last portion of this explana crossing? Where is it? tion states that the gate-keeper has got ‘concentrated work’—that is the expres SM Kamath: It is gate No. 294, mile sion used here—for less than six hours 583 1, Gotegaoa, near Jubbulpore. in a cycle of 24 hours. I do not know Shri Nambiar: Not only one case, but if this formula applies to all other mat there are several cases of this type. ters, to all other employees, for the employees of the Government as a Shri Kamath: The earlier part of whole. I do not know if all the Minis the answer is that “it is not a fact, that tries adopt such a formula. I would heaVy vehicular traffic passes through like to know what “Concentrated work” this level crossing.” Gotegaon has a fair means. Assuming that the gateman has ly big mandi, and except for the mon to work, say 15 minutes in every hour, soon there is considerable traffic passing it will come to six hours in a cycle of through this crossing. I do not know 24 hours. And this particular gateman, when this enquiry or report about this I myself know very well, has been there crossing was made and in which year. all day and night because I have been It might be an ancient report and just there in the mornings, I have crossed it passed on to me in the routine course, during afternoons and I have passed because it does not state the date or give through this level crossing at night also. other particulars of the enquiry or report. At night he may retire or go to sleep I have reason to question whether the and you have to wait till he wakes up, enquiry wm made locally. I know for comes out and opens the gate. There the last nine months there have been have been complaints also that he has ceaseless complaints from the public, levied on ordinary bullock carts a small from bullock cart men, that they are tax of an anna or two, and then they held up during the day as well as at are allowed to pass through. night for more than 15 minutes some times at a time. I do not kifow what An Hon. Member : A very ingenious ‘concentrated work’ means—^whether it person. is six hours or eight hours is immaterial Shri Kamath: Yes, that is my point, —and I do not imderstand the basis of care to go and see him there, he looks calculating it. It is found that an emp a bit fierce also, and especi^ly bullock loyee has got to be on duty night and cart wallas are afraid of him and they day, may be even 15 minutes or so per naturally pay the tax. hour for all the 24 hours. It must be Shri L. B. Shastri: Will this not so arranged that there are at least two mean keeping two men at each level men on duty at this crossing so crossing? At each level crossing we that one need not be on duty will have therefore to keep two men all the 24 hours. Otherwise he instead of one. will become inefficient and the public will be inconvenienced. If work-load is Shri Kamath: Yes, that is my point. worked out or calculated like this, I am This gateman does not get rest; he does afraid that not merely will employees not get continual rest or sleep for at become inefficient and will shirk work, least four or five hours. Is it the policy but the public at large will be inconveni of the Ministry that employees should enced, be made to work in that way— 15 minutes or 30 minutes in one hour, Shri Nambiar: I may be excused for free in the next hour, but again another telling some frank things with regard to 15 minutes in the third hour? Can they the staff. There was an explanation just aot give some rest and leisure for him now in respect of what I stated yester to attend to his domestic work? This day. I brought in a particular fact particular gateman has to be on duty which is important towards proper main and if he is an honest man, he has got tenance of the Railways. 1 never meant 2141 Demands for Grants — 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2142- that there is no ofl&cer in the Railways can be resolved by a discussion with. who is honest. I am sure there are honest the railwaymen’s federation, let us dis officers; otherwise, the Railways would cuss it. W ^ t stands in the way of such have been a sheer waste all these years. a discussion ? Let it be discuss^, finalis There are good officers, I know but the ed and finished. L ef not these people be officialdom or the Ministry should not kept waiting in the balance for years. cover up those corrupt officers by mix I request the hon. Minister to consider ing up both the categories together and these points with sympathy. then protecting them. I give respect to all the honest officers and I only say that Then there is the non-confirmation of the rotten set of officers should be sepa the staff who have been officiating or rated from the former category and working in a promoted post for years hammered. It is for this purpose that together. I have brought some such I stated it but the hon. Minister on the cases to his notice. In the Golden Rock other side did not catch my point, or Workshop, there are 2,000 workers in perhaps he might have done it with a' the highly skilled category for years to view to minimising the whole position. gether but they had not yet been con Unfortunately, the operating st^, that firmed in that categor>'. If the work is, millions of workers are controlled there does not warrant those posts, then by these officers. It is they who do the they would have been done away with. job. If you want to improve the stand Not only that; today the expansion of ard of the efficiency of the Railways, the factories is under contempla you will have to attempt a change at the tion and more and more addi top as well as at the bottom. That was tional posts have to be created the purpose of my suggestion. and filled. In the circumstances, there is no justification to keep them tempo Coming to certain facts about the rary in the higher scale for so many Railways, I am making these observa years. If they are confirmed in the high tions not in a vindictive mood or with er category, they will have to be given the idea of slinging mud at them or certain benefits. Is it the reason why it of painting coal tar on their faces, but has not been done? In every other work with the hope that they will rectify the shop also, it is the same. You wiU find position and tone up the Administration this common phenomenon in the other so that it may improve. What categories as well—drivers, firemen, was the justification for the Rail guards, station masters, etc. Why is it way Administration to take the loco so? Is that a method of reducing the sheds and running sheds from the pur wage bill? I request the hon. Minister view of the Factories Act? There was to consider this point. no justification. There are such sheds at Trichinopoly, Erode and Villupuram on Much has been said here about the the Southern Railway; I know in Delhi recruitment of Class IV staff. I know the also there is such a shed* and in every details of that recruitment All sorts of railway there are such sheds where more blackmarketing is going on there. The than 500 workers are employed. They posts of khalasis are sold for R sj 300 or are working round the clock. They have Rs. 400. I have brought some instances got all the requisites according to the to the notice of the General Manager Factories Act. In the days of the Briti of the Southern Railway about this and shers, they were treated as factories but also about the recruitment to the Integral after independence, this has happened. Coach Factory where also this sort Workmen who work in a factory get be of blackmarketing was continuously nefits which are mentioned in that Act. going on. I am not talking without facts; Since these sheds have been removed 3iere are instances. They have not set from the purview of that Act, the work up a machinery to do this recruitment men are not entitled to get those facili properly. ties. I request the hon. Minister to con sider whether it is not n e ce ss^ to bring The question of recruitment of emp them back under the Factories Act. loyees’ sons came up and all constitu tional difficulties were raised. Any citi zen of India is equal to any other citi There are not less than a thousand zen in India. How can the son of an anomalies with regard to pay fixation. employee be put m a special category? The matter has been referred to the Anybody can come and stand in the tribunal which has not yet decided these queue and if he is fit, he will be things finally. These anomalies should selected. It was all good for theoretical be removed as early as possible. If this purposes. But what is the result? Every ::2143 Demands for Grants — 9 MARCH 1956 R ailw c^ 2144 [Shri Nambiar] If one is disqualified, then the next man should get his chance. Otherwise, calling post that is to be filled up is thrown 25 men and then selecting two out of opeD to such sort of elements and bad them and even out of the selected two. influences. I am not«telling you a story; appointing one and making the other it is a reality. It is not a question of re wait—all these things lead to corruption servation for Scheduled Castes alone. If and that is undesirable. it cannot be done, if the law has to be changed, then let us change the law. I have again, with a heavy heart to Should not the employees’ sons have submit certain facts about labour welfare some advantage? I can tell you why and medical attention. Doctors generally they should have such an advantage. are good. I like them. But in the rail Take the case of a station master or a ways, they are placed in such a position pointsman who is working in a wayside that they must get some money for station, far removed from the town. He granting leave. Unfortunately, if there has no chance of sending his children to is a good doctor who does not receive a school; he is left to suffer because he money for granting leave etc., he may has no benefit of being at the headquar not be liked by certain people. They ters and get the benefit of education, put up their complaints against him and etc. There are so many such places in he is transferred. Therefore, as a general this 34,000 mile long railway line. Sure case the doctors, whenever they be ly, such people must have some prefer come railway doctors, must receive ence. This preference was given by the money for grant of leave etc. If the Britishers. Some 20 or 30 per cent hon. Minister can contradict me and weightage was given to them. Why say that there are no cases of corrup should it be denied to them now? I do tion among the railway doctors I will not say that non-employees’ sons should be the first person to welcome his state have no advantage at all. There should ment, if it comes. But, unfortunately, be a minimum percentage reserved for that is not the case. ^ e s e people. That is all 1 say. With regard to the medical facilities the less said the better. It is only an . About promotions, there are two organisation to grant leave and conduct ■snethods—^promotion by selection and by trade tests for the workers. It is not for seniority. To categories whose scale of the benefit of the railwaymen as a whole. pay is over and above Rs. 200, the pro I should like to give you an example. motions are by selection. But even in In a place like Golden Rock where other cases, promotion by seniority is 20,000 is the population of the railway given a go-by at present. A keyman will colony, what is the number of beds not get a promotion to a gang-mister provided? It is only 100 beds in the or gangman. There must be a selection railway hospital. Then, how many doc and a trade test for such promotions tors are th^re? There are about 10 doc after so many years of service. There is tors. How many lady doctors are there? a trade test for any promotion under There was no*lady doctor before. Now the Sun. From semi-skilled to skilled or after much of* agitation one lady doc from unskilled to semi-skilled, for any tor has come. Out of this 20,000 popu thing and everything there must be a lation, naturally, somewhere near 10,000 trade test. There is another element in must be women and for these 10,000 these trade tests. If within one year of women there was no lady doctor. We Si person’s passing a trade test, he does had to agitate for years and years and not get a promotion to a gang-mister then a lady doctor has come. Then, lapses and there should be a re-test be what about the T.B. cases? There is no fore he is promoted. How can it lapse? chance of getting medical relief for these How is it that he gets automatically dis people from a railway hospital. Unfor qualified? And then again, once he k tunately, this is the fate of the railway disqualified in such a . trade test, he is men. One has to stand in a long queue debarred from appearing again for if one wants to get a mixture or get another seven years, I cannot im a ^ e examined. what sort of brains were there behind these beneficial rules! Does it stand to Even with regard to medical fitness reason or commonsense? I would request the position is bad. We do not say that the hon. Minister and his men to re there should not be Aiedical fitness at consider these questions and simplify all. The railwaymen must be medically the procedure. Let each man have a fit in all respects "because they have chance of promotion if he i& not other to run the trains properly and safely. wise disqualified. I have no objection But, in the name of medical fitness why to the disqualification of imfit persons. should there be harassment? A Station 2145 Dmandsfor Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 R d b m ^ 2146- Master must be given only such a kind Mr. Chainiuuu Then I think the hon.. of test with which he can safely carry Member can continue. on his work. Why should he be given such a terrible test by which he will be Shri Nambiar: With regard to leave: declared medically imfit? Today the reserve again I have got a very sorrow medical test is such that unless one’s ful story to relate. As per the rules 25- health is of a very high quality one per cent or 20 per cent reserve must, cannot pass it. Think of a dnver in the be there. But today that does not exist. railway department. Shri Frank Anthony In certain places there is only 8 per only this morning spoke about it. A cent leave reserve. What hap^ns is driver who works for all the 24 hours, when a worker fiinds that he would not- day and night is tested after 25 or 30 get any chance to go on leave he goes, years of service on the foot-plate of an to the doctor reporting sick. When he engine which is always very hot. What goes to the doctor reporting sick and- would be the condition of his eyes after when he is not actually sick he is asked 45 years? It is natural that his eye-sight to pay and he pays. That is the posi would become bad. Then at the age of tion. If there is enough leave reserve 45 he is medically tested and found and he is given proper leave, why should unfit. What is done with him? He is he go to the doctor and pay? Therefore asked to go home. What is he to do my request is that at least 25 per cent after that? Is it due to his fault that leave reserve should be provided and- his eyes failed? No, it is only because whenever there are vacancies due to of the administration. It is because of death or retirement they must be filled* the work he did all these years. There up so that the leave reserve can be main fore, there must be some consideration tained. I know of a case in Golden^. at the age of 45 or 50, not only in the Rock. A worker when he lost his child , case of drivers but also in the case of in the morning had to go to his duty,, station masters and others. If they ^ire punch his card and then apply for leave. found medically unfit they must be His leave application was received but given alternative jobs which will carry there was no margin. Then he had to the same pay. What happens to a skilled wait till 8-30 or 9-00 and get the permis- - worker if he is foimd medicaUy unfit sion of the foreman or officer concerned' at the age of 45? A skilled worker in to go on leave as a special case. After a factory doing a fitter’s or turner’s job, that he went back home where his dead:’ the moment he is declared medically child was lying. That is the position. unfit, is reduced to that of a peon getting Why should that be so? There' must her Rs. 30. This is the state of affairs. 1 a better approach to this hur^an prob will only appeal to the hon. Minister to lem. More leave reserve should be see that what justifiable things can be given. done are done immediately. In the in terest of the Railway Administration Now I come to the question o f' there must be tests. Always my conside housing. Shri Frank Anthony has ably ration is, safety first and everything put this question. The housing question^ next. For that purpose do not harass is going to be a problem for a hundred the people, treat them with a human years for the Railway administration to heart. solve. I do not know whether by the next century the railwaymen will be able Coming to the question of leave re to get houses. It is in that way the cons serves ...... truction of houses is going on. There-, fore, I would appeal to tibe hon. Minis Mr. Chairman: The hon. Member ter to see that he tries to construct more must conclude now. houses for the railwaymen. Shri Nambiar: I request that I may be given some more time. I have got some more points which I will try to finish soon. With regard to- Mr. Chairman: Another five minu canteens, credit societies, stores societies tes. and other things I need not say much be Shri Nambiar: It is a question of cause there is a lot to say. I do not know operating staff, labour welfare and other whether I will have time to say all that. things. I want to say. I will cite only one case as an example. 2000 clerical staff of Mr. Chairman: May I just find out Tiruchirappali wanted to have a canteen how many Members are desirous of par run by themselves on a co-operative.- ticipating in this debate? basis. Applications were sent. Six. months have passed but tiU date they Some Hon. Members i roserr- hav^ not been allowed. On the other: 2147 Demands fo r G r a n t s 9 MARCH 1956 R d lw c ^ 2148 [Shri Nambiar] OT TT t w STf PTT I ^ hand that canteen has been transferred to the co-operative stores society. What ^ ?rnT has the stores society to do with the can teen of a headquarters office, 1 do not STTW know. The clerfc themselves wanted to run it but the administration said : *‘No, it should be run by the stores society.” I am giving this example to show how they look at a problem. ^ ^ ^ iV ^7^ '=6^*11 I will give you another case. There ^ ^ 3rnr ^ was a co-operative credit society in Southern Railway. The directors of a co ? T R ^ ^ ^3TT# I ^ ^ operative credit society are elected by ^ I ^ ^?TT ^ the employees themselves. These direc t 1 ^ ^ JTT^ tors did sign some petition when they were on duty. For that they have been f% t ^ ^ T # ^ m m punished and three months’ increment ?fk ^ ^ ^ f f e ^ cut is given. I have brought this to the ’T R W ^ I notice of the Minister also. They say: “How can a worker sign a i^tition while on duty? That is dereliction of duty and therefore the worker must be ^ ^ ^ SJTPT ^ ?TO- punished.” This is how they argue cases. fw^r?rfT =sn^ I will now come to the question qr ?TN) f^TW ^ f% fsiVsr o f. . . . / ^ ^|iTT ITT W ^ ^TTft ^ # ^ ^ 5TTW I ^ qr ^ Mr. Chainnan: I think , he will have to finish now. It is lialf past two O’clock. ^ t I WfW ^ ^ ^ qr He will have to resume his seat. '3TRT ^ ^ i ^ ^ ^ ^ f% fdP+d Shri Nambiar: Allow me two minu tes more. ^ ^TRTT t ^ fefer ^ ^ ^ q r ^ ^TRf An Hon. Member: All right. I I wfqjT ^ f^W ^ ^ ^ I ^ ^ f^, Mr. Chairman: Order, order. I think I am capable of looking after this House. ^ ^TFTR ^ No, I think the hon. Member will h^ve ^ ^ aif+ c|K ^ 'sT^ ^ftS" ^ ^TPT to resume his seat. # q ^ W H q r q f^ '5n# 1 ^ ?TPT ^ TOT t ^ ^3^ qferrf ^ ^ TfdY t 1 ^ ^ 2TT % ^ q ^ t , OT # ^ ^ ^ ^ qr^T Fft ^ ^TPTTT ^n?TT qfclT f I i ^ srcT^TTPT I I ^37^ ^ TO ^ 5T3T^ ^nrrsf ^ ^ cTT% ^ 3 n f W ^ qifs^rrf, HiPrd ^ ^ ^ ^ i ^ ^ ^ I q i# ^ q r ^ ^ ^ 5ft f z f k ^ ^ ^ 1 1 eft ^r*R qr I ^ ^d+IH ^ ^ ^ T O t ^ ^ ^^nfqjTf cTl^^ ^ ^ <1 ^ ^ ^ ^iT ^ t # tr ^ I ^ fVl<4 J?* ^r( ^ ^ I q ^ ^ ^ g I ^ ^ f W T ^ # fJTTT ^ ^ ^eft 9 fl? ^ ^ t ?rk ??TOPft fw ^ S I T 7^ I, 5ft vrTcTT i^ n r 2149 Demands for Gfants-- 9 MARCH 1956 Railways . 2150 ift STRUTT ^ «ft, tiw r ?nfV ^ OT ?flT ^JTR I ?flT fE n fW *T^ f<4l <141 ^ I y^RT ^ ^ ^ ^ 2Tf% # TT ^ ^5TR ^ ^TT^ ^ ^If nf t 4‘^nrawr ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ f% ^ w I ’jfrzpft I W ^ ^ ft» ^ TTW^ t I f m trfw (^) ^ ^jftf 5iw^ f+^i 'Srnr f^r^ra" f^ ^ ? ?rrrrr f ^ tt ^ m w m ^ ^ *T^ 15(^ ^ ^[>f*«iij arRo t^ o As regards medical facilities, there are railway hospitals, but not everywhere. Therefore, I propose that we should ^TTW fV ftPfxi ^ co-ordinate the medical facilities with ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ '3iwr fif^ i the Health Ministry of every State.- Where there are State hospitals, the^ ^TRT '5n% ^ ^ Railway Ministry can provide a certain ^ ciKH f^W$ sum of money and have a doctor and ' ^ ?nft fW I, ^ ^ some provision for medicines, so that it may not be an unnecessary and un f«Hr<1%2TT ^3TR I bearable burden on the State. At the same time, it will help co-operative Pandit C. N. MaMya (Raisen): I effort; and, we are seeking a co-opera want to suggest certain things in connec tive society. We can co-operate and co tion with the Demands under discussion. ordinate our activities, so that we cart As regards the educational facilities, I meet the needs of the people with mini want to appreciate the attempts of the mum expenditure. If we take this mea Railway Ministry to give facilities for sure, we can save the expenditure on the education of the railway staff, and I buildings, lands and other things. We^ think this is one of the advantages of have to provide only for a doctor. The the socialist pattern of society wherein • doctor can be recruited by the State the Government takes the responsibility and if we provide some money, some of educating their staff and also the dispensary can be maintained for the people in general. But still there are cer railwaymen. tain things which are needed and I think the Railway Ministry should look into I feel like supporting, rather appre the matter carefully. That is in regard ciating, the point made by my friend,. to the conveniences of the staff who are Shri Nambiar, regarding corruption. I always being transferred from one place also want that this practice should be to another. Naturally, they cannot take stopped. If we want to stop corruption, care of their children’s education, and then we have to remove the cause of they are always worried about maintain corruption. It is true that whenever ing their houses. When they are trans railway staff go on leave, if they cannot ferred from one place to another very get leave, they have to take recourse to distant place, they have to transfer submitting false medical certificates. their households also, then again, their Hiey go to a doctor, pay a certain children have to be admitted in some amount and get the certificate. They other schools. It is, therefore, necessary are not necessarily sick, but they can that we should provide a hostel with not but take recourse to this sort of facilities for lodging and boarding. Such means. Therefore, we should take im hostels should be established at least in mediate steps to remove this cause. We^ big places like Delhi, Jhansi, Indore, should provide certain rules and facili Ujjain, Itarsi, etc. As an experiment, ties for taking leave in times of need, some hostels may be opened in the so that this sort of practice may not be Second Five Year Plan period and if prolonged any longer. the experiment proves successful, the number of such hostels may be increas We have to pay compensation to the ed. The charges in these hostels should passengers, on account of accidents. I be as moderate as the poor staff can find from the Demands that accidents- bear. This will help the staff to keep are increasing on the Central Railway, their children in such hostels and the more than on any other Railway. That children could prosecute their studies is due to the difficulties experienced by without any disturbance. the Railway Ministry in renewing the As regards education, there are cer tracks. They have not been able to main tain institutes at big stations and junc tain their railway lines in proper condi tions, but they are not provided in tion by changing the sleepers or renew many stations where there are passengers ing the rails, with the result that acci and also the railway staff are working. dents occur. Of course, it is an indirect I propose that in all stations where cause. We have to take into considera there is beavy traffic and passengers tion all the causes responsible for in mote abcmt, a library and a reading crease in accidents and take immediate room should be provided, so that pas measures to remove the causes. Certain sengers waiting at the station may not proposals have been made even by the have to waste their time, but take ad Railway Ministry, but they have not vantage^ of such libraries and reading been implemented. For example, we rooms. are not getting steel. Why should we:-- 2153 Demands for Grants — 9 MARCH 1956 Railways 2154 not take advantage of sleepers made of wood available in our forests? We should have railway forests where trees ?iW ^ ^ ^ qfbrm # which can provide wood for sleepers ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I grow and we should try to change the sleepers as soon as possible, without depending on steel. Our delegations go ' ^ fro n r # w ftt •^i^ai ^ out and they get some experience from ^ eft foreign countries as to how the fo rei^ countries have been able to save their # ^ 3 ^ yM^=fld ^ ^ iron and steel by using wood. This is # ^'Y+fd 5R T fe^^ I m r 1% a proposal which should be seriously f^icRt w ferpT # fHt' considered. I think this proposal has not been given that much of serious consi ^ ^52tW deration which it ought to receive. ^ ^ t ‘ ^ s rm rr ^ q f b r m # ^P¥Pr, ^ qr ^FTR’ ^ (f^FTT f^r^TRf # ^ ^ ^ ^ 'T fJ^ ^ TPTO, ^ ) : f T m ^ ^ Mr ^ If ’MMHi ^ p I ^3^ 2^ ^ ?ftT ^ <'«0 ^Tcf ^ ^ + [«rt # TO ^HT^ 2Tf >ft ^nrsH ^ 1 1 ¥ znfk^ff ^ f t ^ TO ^TTft i% ?rf^ # ?rf^ ^fro qf t o t ^ ^ I ^ # ^TPT ’HiM'til ««a^HT f 'jf^ ^r*T^ ^ 'd»1't>Y ^ ^ ^ I ^ g I ^ ^ ^ ^ 1 ^ qt=^ ^ ^T|f ’M^ri ^ ^ ^y1< ?rf^R> »T ^ ^ ^ I ^ T O ^ % TO ^ TO ^ f^TTOf ^ ^ qrT *j^^iRt)0 ^ T^^rTft|^TO?^T^ ^ ^ ^^rif 5TTO ^ ^ ^ ^ mv=^ ^Rm j( I ^TOTT ^ ^ t, T ^ ^ ^fhr ^ ^ ?ftT f^rof «fk ^ wT^wr ^ ^ ^ ^TPT «t>lH ^R^ WM ■H''?i^O ^ irrfktff ^ 'TT^ TOT # ^ ^TPT^ ^ ^ +l*il ^ ^ ? fk TOt ^ ^T ^ 4 ^ ^ 11 ^rrf¥ ^ ^ ^Tf ^ ^ f% m ^\< TO V ^ f^^RTR ^ W T T ^T Ti^ f 1 ^ ■«ii^al ^ ^3RT PT^T^ ^ TOt ^ ^ ^ 'TT # ?rf^ # ?rf^ STTR’ ^^T ^PT ^5T ^ ^ t #f%5T =^T^ ^ ^ 3?TT f t ?T^^ 5T^PT ^ ^rnr i ^ qT ^ T O Mr. Chairman : The following are the ^ f . selected Cut Motions relating to De mands Nos. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 which have been indicated by Members to be ^ TOt fcFTR ^ ft^TT if^-M I moved subject to their being otherwise admissible. 3n^ # ^ 3rfw^ ^npT ^ ^ grr stpt^ '^M'm O ^ ^a^T»TT ^i^ciF ^ f% ^ Demand Cut Motion No. No. f^nrpT ^ ^ ^ f^r^K t i ^ TT^ »TT^ # arr TfT «TT I s q ^ ^ 6 90, (Economy; 91, 92, 93, 94, ^ TT^ «TT ^ T ^ ^ i% 95, 96, 97, 182, 183, 185, 189, 192, 193, 217, 219, 220, 221, 222, f R f H ^ , X ^ ^ 5Tt^FTf3rW I 316, 317. ^ T f e r 5^T firro I%?t t o t Non~provision of a through train be Protection of existing pay of emj^ tween Ahmedabad and Godhra, loyees found medically unfit for certain categories but declared fit for other Shri U. M. Trivcdi: I beg to move: duties. “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Shri Nambiar; 1 beg to move: —Operating Staff be reduced by “That the demand under the Rs. 100.” head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Operating Staff’ be reduced by Conditions of service of Assistant Rs. 100.” Station Masters and Station Masters on Western Railway. Confirmation of all temporary promo tions on Southern Railway. Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: “That the demand under the Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses “That the demand under the —Operating Staff’ be reduced by head ‘Ordinar>^ Working Expenses Rs. 100.” —Operating Staff* be reduced by Rs. 100.” -Non-provision of running allowances to T.A.G.C.S on Western Railway. Block in promotions due to recruit ment of new men. Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: “That the demand under the Shri Narabian I beg to move: head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses “That the demand under the —Operating Staff* be reduced by head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Rs. 100.” —Operating Staff’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” Deterioration in punctuality of trains. Supply of foot-wear-and uniforms to Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: gangmen. “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Shri Nambian I beg to move: —Operating Staff* be reduced by “That the demand under the Rs. 100.” head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Operating Staff* be reduced ' by Deterioration of traffic in smalls on Rs. 100.” metre gauge sections of Western Railway particularly Khandwa-Ajmer Grant of Communal holidays to open- section. line staff. Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move; Shri Nambian 1 beg to move: ‘That the demand under the ‘That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Operating Staff* be reduced by —Operating Staff’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” Rs. 100.” ‘ Inadequate leave reserves for operat ing staff. Shortage of coal Khalasies in all loco- sheds on ex-S.I. Railway. Shri T. B. Yittal Rao: 1 beg to move: Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses “That the demand under the —O^rating Staff* be reduced by head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Rs. 100.” —Operating Staff* be reduced by Rs. 100.” Reclassification of pay scales of fire men, rolling stockmen, gang mates, etc. Transfer of gangmen willing to be ab ^cording to nature of work actually sorbed as unskilled labour in workshops done. and loco-sheds. Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: Shri Nambian I beg to move; ‘That the demand under the “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses “ -Operating Staff’ be reduced by —Operating Staff* be reduced by Rs. 100.” Rs. 100.” il5 9 Dmards for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 Rmlwe^ 2160 Need to raise the lowest level of pay Corruption on Western Railway in of clerks to Rs. 80-220 from the present handling public goods. scale of Rs. 55-130. Shri U. M. Trivedi; I beg to move: Shri Nambian I beg to move: “That the demand under the “That the demand imder the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Operation other than Staff and —Operating Staff be reduced by Fuel’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” Rs. 100.” Non-supply of proper uniforms to T.A.G.C.S on Western Railway. Abolition of casual labour system of recruitment, Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: ‘That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses “That the demand under the —Operation other than Staff and head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Fuel’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” —Operating Staff be reduced by Rs. 100.” Disparity in the expenses for handl ing etc., of goods and compensation for Restoration of food concession to the goods lost or damaged between two rail catering staff of railway refreshment ways— Central Railway and Western rooms. Railway. Shri Nambiar: 1 beg to move: Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: “That the demand under the ‘That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Operating Staff be reduced by —Operation other than Staff and Rs. 100.” Fuel’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” Introduction of diesel coaches bet Gatemen at level crossings on Central ween Ongole and Gudur on Southern Railway. Railway. Shri Kamath: I beg to move: Shri B. Ramachandra Reddi: I beg to move: “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses “That the demand under the ' —Operating Staff be reduced by head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Rs. 100.” —Miscellaneous Expenses’ ^ re duced by Rs. 100.” Failure to provide uniforms to con'- Continuance of managament of Vish- ductor guards on Central Railway. akhapatnam port under Railway Minis^ try. Shri i: I beg to move: Shri K. K. Base: I beg to move: “That the demand under the “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses head ‘Ordioary Working Expenses^ —Operating Staff be reduc^ by —Miscellaneous Expenses* be re Rs. 100.” duced by Rs. 100.” Deterioration in the speed of goods Expenses on health and welfare ser* trains. , vices of South Eastern Railway. Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: “That the demand under the “That the demand under the tenses head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses and —^Labour Welfare’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” 2161 Demands for Grants— 9 MARCH 1956 Railways m i Provision for education of children of Separation of administration of clean Railway employees on the Western Rail ing, sweeping, etc., of entire Railw(^ way. colony, Golden Rock— Southern Rail- way— from medical establishment for Shri U. M. Trivedi: I beg to move: the sake of better medical attention. “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Shri Nambiar: 1 beg to move: —Labour Welfare’ be reduced by “That the demand under the Rs. 100.” head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Labour Welfare’ be reduced by Need for immediate opening of mater Rs. 100.” nity wards in Railway Hospital, Golden Rock. Grant of one year's leave with full pay to T.B. Patients among Railwaymen Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: for treatment. “That the demand under the Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —Labour Welfare’ be reduced by “That the demand under the Rs. 100.” head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —^Labour Welfare’ be reduced by Rs. 100.” Shortage of doctors and medical staff in Railway hospitals. Failure to Provide quarters to staff at Shri Nambian 1 beg to move: Adoni, Nagarur, Molagavalli, Aspari, Nancherla, Bantanahal, Berinahal, Ulin- “That the demand i^er the dakonda, Betham Cherla, Dhone, Mad- head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses dikera, Tuggali, Pendekal, and Malyala —^Labour Welfare’ be reduced by stations of Southern Railway. Rs. 100.” Shri Gadilingami Gowd: I beg to Insufficient medicines to Railway hos move: pitals and dispensaries. “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: —^Labour Welfare’ be reduc^ by “That the demand under the R^, 100.” head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses —^Labour Welfare’ be reduced by Administration and functioning of Rs. 100.” Railway Schools. Siiri Barrow: I beg to move: Provision of a dispensary at Olavak- kot-Southern Railway—for Railwaymen. “That the demand under the head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: —Labour Welfare’ be reduced bv “That the demand under the Rs. 100.” head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses Mr. Chairman: All these cut motions —^Labour Welfare’ be reduced by are before the House. Rs. 100.” Shri T. B. Vittai Rao: I am glad to Establishment of Workmen's Adviso say a few words on this Demand espe ry Committees for each Railway hospi cially when our Chairman of the Assu tal and dispensary. rances Committee is by my side. A few days ago, we were sitting in the Com Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: mittee on Assurances. The question of “That the demand under the manufacturing our signalling equipment, head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses block instruments, came up there. A few —^Labour We’fare’ be reduced by years ago, in 1953, a question was rais Rs. 100.” ed by me in this House whether the Railways contemplated the establish Appointment of lady doctors in each ment of workshops for the manufacture Railway hospital. of block instruments. The reply given was that the matter is under considera Shri Nambiar: I beg to move: tion. Eventually, the matter was taken “That the demand under the up by the Assurances Committee and head ‘Ordinary Working Expenses it was stated that they could not indi —Labour Welfare’ be reduced by cate when this factory is going to be set Rs. 100.” up. Then our Chairman asked me whe- 2163 Demands for Grants—Railways 9 MARCH 1956 Shri Kashi Viswanatk Mandtr Bill 2t64 [Shri T. B. Vittal Rao] Mr. Chairman: The hon. Member can continue on Monday, Now we shall ther I have forgotten that question alto have to take up Private Members* Bills. gether. We are badly in need of these instruments to increase operational effi ciency in the working of railways and 3. p. M. we are not in a position to manufacture them. We depend largely on imports. I NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT should strongly urge upon the Railway (PEOPLES’ PARTICIPATION) Board to see that workshops are set up BILL* to manufacture these block instruments. Shri L. B. Shastri: We are already doing that. I want to inform the hon. Member that we have taken up the work ^ # 'JiHdl ST7T '5TFT ^ of manufacturing of signalling equip ment in our own workshops in the Cen tral Railway and other Railways. ^ I " Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: Thank you very Mr. Chairman: The question is: much. “That leave be granted to intro I go to the next item; transhipment duce a Bill to provide for peoples* arrangement at break of gauge stations. participation in the national deve Unless and until we arrange for mecha lopment programmes.” nised transhipment of certain bulk items The motion was adopted. or at least for coal, I am afraid we can not move the goods which we can move. In all break of gauge stations, there is f I ' this bottle-neck. We are doing the work by manual labour. Unless there is me NATIONAL AND FESTIVAL PAID chanised transhipment, it will take time. HOLIDAY BILL* We have to progress in this direction. This pomt was also urged by the Fede Shri Nambiar (Ma^uram): I beg to ration of Indian Chambers of Commerce move for leave to introduce a Bill to and Industry when they submitted a introduce a uniform system of national memorandum two years ago. I submit and festival paid holidays for all indus that at least for some of the bulk items trial workers, and coal there should be mechanical Mr. Cliaimian: The question is: transhipment. Then only we can increase “That leave be granted to intro operational efficiency and move more duce a Bill to introduce a uniform goods. system of national and festival paid Shri L. B. Shastri: There will be fur holidays for all industrial workers.” ther unemployment. The motion was adopted. Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: We will absorb Shri Nambian I introduce the Bill. them in the mineral industry. Shri Nambiar: Unemployment is not a problem. SHRI KASHI VISWANATH MANDIR Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: Then, I come to BILL an important point about schools. The Mr. Cliainnan: The House will now Railway Board and the railway adminis resume further discussion of the motion tration are thinking of converting a moved by Shri Raghunath Singh on the godown in my place into a school. There 24th February, 1956, that the Bill to is a provision made also. The godown is provide for the better administration and not fit to be converted into a school. The governance and for the preservation of site also is not good. the Shri Kashi Viswanath Mandir, » Shri Alagesan: Where ? known as the golden temple of Banaras, be taken into consideration. Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: Lallaguda. I am coming to that. That school building We have already had discussion for 35 should be constructed in a better site. A minutes out of the l i hours allotted for nice building should come up. The the discussion of the Bill, and 55 minutes school should not be located in this are still available, Shri D. C. Sharma ^dow n. It is not properly ventilated. was on his feet. He may continue his After all, a godown is a godown. speech.______*PubUshed in the Gazette of India Extraordinary, Part II Section a, dated 9-3-I956 pp. 7g to 6i 2165 Shri Kashi Viswanath 9 M ARCH 1956 Mandir Bill 2166T Shri D. C. Sharma (Hoshiarpur): 1 So far as the ritual aspect of the tem made one point last time that in view ple is concerned, I do not think anybody of the fact that this temple was not open is going to interfere with that, and it to Harijans, it should be placed under should be made clear, and it has been a management so that the Harijans may made clear, by Shri Raghunath Singh. have freedom of entry. This non-entry Therefore, this committee is meant only of Harijans into this temple, is apart for the public management of this tem from other things, a constitutional ple. offence. When Ahalya Bai reconstructed this Then I was saying that there was temple, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh nothing radical about the introduction did a great deal for this temple and when and the passing of this Bill. There is a the Nawab of Avadh built the Nowbat clear movement afoot that our public Khana in this temple, they wanted places of worship should be better ma that this temple should be a place of naged. Ther eis a trend in Hindu thought real public interest, but their intention these days that these temples should has been defeated. It has been defeated be looked after in a more efficient way. by vested interests. It has been set at It is not only among the Hindus that naught by those persons who have ac this trend is visible throughout India. quired a kind of proprietory right in For instance, we have passed already this temple. I think this goes against the the Durgah Kwaja Sharif Bill. We have public conscience of modem India. Mo the Gurdwara Bill in the Punjab. There dem India wants that these temples fore, I think that this Bill does not seek should be real places of worship. to do anything which is very radical. I am reminded of a poem by Rabin Shri Raghunath Singh in his speech dranath Tagore in GitanjalL The poet referred to the mismanagement that was asked one question : how shall I wor going on in this temple. There have ship God? And the answer came that been disputes among the persons who true devotion of God can be achieved were managing this temple. They were only if the devotee touches the feet of fighting with each other and they were God, that is to say, if the devotee tries going to courts of law. That is what he to serve the most humble persons in said. Now, I believe that it offends this world. I do not know what kind of against the sanctity of this temple, the place of worship it is where the humble religious propriety of this temple, the are kept out. spiritual significance of this temple if persons who are responsible for conduct On account of these reasons I would ing worship in this temple behave in a say that this Bill should be passed. More way which is not, I should say, very over, Banaras is a city which attracts a dignified. The committee that my friend large number of visitors from all over has proposed will be very helpful in the world, and a large number of per securing better management of this tem sons go to visit this temple also. I would ple. It is a committee representative of say that if this temple is administered all interests. It is a committee which in a better way, the persons who visit gives representation not only to the it, who go to worship there and who priestly class, but also to the represen want to go and pay their homage there tatives of the people in all directions. will be much better served than they It also makes provision for the repre are at present. sentation of those persons who have With these words, I whole-heartedly something to do with the administra support the Bill which Shri Raghunath tion of our country. It is a v e ^ repre Singh has brought forward. sentative committee, and I think if a committee like that is constituted, it would make for the better management of this temple. ^ ^ f m f I Shri B. S. Murthy (Eluru): Is there a Harijan in the committee? Mr. Chairman: I find quite a large number of Members are anxious to Shri V. G. Deshpande (Guna): No, no. participate in the discussion on this Bill. No Harijan. So, I would suggest to the House that Shri D. C. Sharma: I would ask the speakers may try to be short in their non. Mover that he should have a Hari speeches, taking 5 to 7 minutes. Then jan also on this Committee. I have no we will be able to cover a large number objection to that of speakers. 2167 Shri Kashi Viswanath 9 M ARCH 1956 Mandir Bill 2168 ^ ^ ^ ’sfr I Tffer ^ ^ q 1 ^ t ^ ^TTT^ ^ V [ ^ ^ ^ Efi^csqlr i t s T 1 1 # ^ m r W T rU , # ^STRT ^ ^ iTPTT m r | i ^ ? rm f ^ ^ M f5RT (M^) ^ ^ ^ ^ h ) + k ^ wrr ^ ITT^ t ^ W I f% ^ ^ SPTRT ?fk t ' ^ t W T g ^ ’T# ^RT ^ MMl ^ yTFTT ^ cPTT 1%^^«TPT Irpft ^ t • ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ t I ^ ^ ^^KNI 2TT ^3^ ^ W f f e ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I ^ 5ZRW ^ # ? rrT ^rniTw f 1% Hn*^< ^ vTrar I ^ ^ iFT^rm *TT I ^TFFf 'ti^l ^ I '? R ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I rRTTJ ^Wr g ^ ^ ^ ^ ^5^ ^TRft ^ Tf^RFsrr ^ ^ 3 ^ srf^rM^ ^ ^ ^ W t ^ p ^ 3 T F R fe T T t I ^ ^ ^ ^*i§iai t ^ ^ ^Tpf ^ fiffe ^ ^T5[^ ^ ^ ?rm ferr|i ^ 1 ^TFR ^ ^ ^ ... aftTfiFmi f^(f^RT^^TR^— TT^)w r ^ ^ 5Tff t» W fc [Shri Pataskar] •country goes to worship. I have na more interested in their squabbles than quarrel with that sentiment. But I would in anything else; and as they claim to appeal to those who take interest in be practically the owners who are en these matters to see that the sanctity of titled to receive and manipulate all the our places of worship is maintained. dakshinas that may be received, the Merely trying to concentrate on what result is very unfortunate. has happened in the past will serve no useful purpose. Leave aside thbse who Shri K. K. Basu (Diamond Har have got different views with respect to bour) : Is it held by any private indivi religious matters, but I do not find any dual? attempt has been made in this direction Shri Pataskar: There are some peo by those who claim that they are so ple who have filed some suits as to their deeply religious and are proud of our respective claims. Whatever the nature ancient culture. That is what I feel of those claims may be, the result is most. I read the other day that some that the court has appointed four re attempts were being made to prevent ceivers, namely Shri Gowri Prasad Ti- Harijans from entering the temple—it wary, Shri Lakshmi Shankar Tiwary, was only a report in the Press. Is it not Shri Ram Shankar Tiwary, and Shiri better that instead of concentrating at Kailashpati.... tention on preventing Hindus themselves An Hon. Member: Tiwary. from entering the temple, they should see that the sanctity of the temple is pre Shri Pataskar: I do not know what served? I am told that on account of he is. He is not a Tiwary. The result is this fight and quarrel and squabbles bet that really the state of things is very ween these people, for the last few years, deplorable. in spite of all attempts made by the^ court, whatever little it could do, things My hon. friend Shri V. G. Deshpande are not very satisfactory. was very solicitous about this particular temple. But I do not find him here at Dr. Surcsh Chandra (Aurangabad)r the moment. The Pandas must be replaced. Shri B. S. Murthy: He has made his speech and gone away. Shri Pataskar: I would not dilate oi^ that matter more because I learn that Shri Pataskan I hope my other it is the subject-matter of some litiga friend also will take some more interest tion there and it has gone to the Sup in the matter, rather than rake up the reme Court and might again start 'm old things, in respect of what is happen some other form in some other court. ing at present so far as this temple is The wheels will go on, and naturally concerned. something has to be done. -But I would tell the Mover that so far as this matter I am afraid that the relations have be is concerned, it has also attracted the come so strained that at times there is attention of the UP Government. The fighting and quarrelling going on, and UP Government has already got the reports are made to police stations. The Badrinath Temple Act passed in 1939. It dakshinas which were received on ac was subsequently made applicable to the count of the faith of the people were so Kedarnath Temple. Afterwards, it ap manipulated and used that some time pointed some special officer some years back even the electric and telephone back to inquire not only into this matter bills could not be paid, and the electric —because, as you know, in UP there are company had to resort to stoppage of so many important places of worship supply. I would appeal to all, particular belonging to the Hindus, Muslims and ly those who are very much interested others—but also other places of wor in our ancient traditions being maintain ship. The Government then thought that ed, to look at this question from this instead of having one Act for each tem point of view and to take more interest ple or place of worship, it was much in these matters. I have looked into the better to have some general Act which history which the Mover of the Bill had would give power to the State Govern given. No doubt, it is not as if the ment to make it applicable to all such temple belongs to a particular Prince or religious institutions to whatever deno Princess. 1 think the late Ahilya Bai built mination they may belong. Whether it the temple. It may be that there are is a Hindu temple which is mismanaged some other ancient temples elsewhere, but or a Muslim place of worship which is. Kashi is now regarded as a place where mismanaged, naturally it is the duty of every Hindu from any comer of the society as well as of the Government 2173 Shri Kashi Viswanath 9 MARCH 1956 Mandir Bill 2174 to see that such mismanagement is stop legislation by which it will have power ped. It was from this point of view that to manage i l such religious institutions that Government made the investigation. in future. Subsequently, the Government also in troduced a Bill in the State legislature While therefore agreeing with the for eliciting public opinion by the 18th object of this measure—because there April this year. 1 am sure that the are no two opinions about this; Kashi State Government is really trying to is a place which is sacred to millions of do as much as it could, but 1 am not people in our country—I would urge sure about the fate of the legislation, for the attention of the Mover and other because of what happened to some such Members that in all these matters it is legislation in Madras. It is very easy for much better that we leave the Govern people who are associated with such ins ments in the States to deal with them. titutions not to rise above their own They are in a better position to manage selfish interest, and drag things to court. such institutions. And even comparing Even that legislation was challenged in the provisions of the two Bills, I find some court of law. But apart Jrom that, that the UP Bill is much better natu the Government of UP is trying to do its rally because they liave skilled hands, on best. It has already introduced the legis account of their past experience in this lation. I can assure my hon. friend, the matter. Therefore, while sympathising Mover, that I have examined the provi with the object of the Mover in bring sions of this Bill as well as the provi ing forward this measure and bringing sions of the proposed enactment, and to the notice of the House the present I find that the Bill introduced in the conditions of management of the temple UP Legislative Assembly is much bet —I entirely agree with him in this mat ter. ter—1 would appeal to him, in view of the fact that there is already a Bill Shri Altekar (North Satara): What is which has been introduced in the State the title of the Bill, and what is its cha Legislature and circulated for eliciting racter? public opinion, and the State Govern ment is as anxious as anybody here to Shri Pataskar: It is called: see that the management not only of this temple but other religious institutions is ^ i T conducted properly, to withdraw the Bill. Shri T. B. Vittal Rao (Khammam): When was it introduced? Shri Pataskar: Last year. It has Ih ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ now been circulated for eliciting public opinion by the 16th of April this year. Then the Director of Archaeology was also consulted in this matter, b^ause ^ ^ there is another aspect to this question, and he also expressed his view that it ^ I ^ should rather be left to the State Gov fRTTT ^ ernment to look after this matter. This tpc ^ t ^ W is very natural because this relates to entry 28 in List III, and it is our policy ^ f I t ^ as far as possible to leave action in res t ^ I ’TTft pect of a matter in the Concurrent List —unless there are some extraordinary reasons for acting otherwise—^to the I ^ t I State Legislature. In the very nature of things, I think the management of such a temple should best be left to be dealt , I, ^ ^ ^ t ? by the State Government. In this parti cular matter, I would appeal to the Mover to redise that the State Govern ft’T t. ^ qp: ^?rr ment has, as a matter of fact, been tak ing interest. I learn that the manage Iff ^ ^ t I ment of the Badrinath temple by the State Government has been very satis factory. I think that Government is now trying to have a comprehensive piece of 2175 Skri Kashi Viswemath 9 MARCH 1956 Mandir Bill 2176 ?rnfi # 2(1 f w W t f% # W «ft 5T5f rrm STTT ^ ^ ^ T -?r^TT% 5RT3 ^ W IT ^ THT^F^ '^fR' ^ «M5^n ^ ^f<< ^ 7R ?ftT ^ ?T^Frr ^ ^ I «('•'=) ^ l i ^ , ^ 1 I ^ ^TT^r •^K # ^ ^ ^ f I TW 5Tff t ^fhT^ ^ Ttf^ ^ w ^ I !?TR ^ * rffe K ^ ^ ITTTIT^ ^ 5fk ^ ^ ^ f^ ^ ^TW ^ 37K ’Mn=l't>K 1 ^ ^5TPT I « ftft ^ Whft ^ "^TRt yPTH! t I 5T?fW f W ^ ^ ^TFT ^ «fr ?m ^rnrr ^MlMd ^ i ^ f^til ?ftT aHI* r« ^ g TOft- st^ ?T^ t, ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ »i^ ^ ^1+^ 5TFfT t, ^ f^rW 5f^ ^ ?r^ =^rf^ ^ ^7^ t ^ ^TPTT TOTTOt Ri«rH ^ 9l'T»< ^ f^R^T^r T^cTT 5TTT f^R^FTPT ^ ^ |r ?fh: ^ pK fk z f t ^ ^PTOT- 5T M ^ ^ t ? ^ t i 3;qT ^ ^ TO f% ^ HIH ^ t» ^ ^ ^ t • «ft ^o ^o ?rof 5F2T f^r^ ^ # ^ 5 r m ^ ^ ^ fiT ^ T O T ^ t f%TT ^ 1 ^ 5RT T^ t ^ ^ t, i^rf^ fR- qr ^ ^rrw fw ?ftfT t I ^3^ ^ ^TOTT ^ ^ TO *i^H^l«ri ^ ^^TPTT ^ ^ t ^ i <\H<\ q r JTT t I ^ «ft ?ra ^ 5mf : ^ ?ft7r j r ^ ^ TT^ ^ t ^ w 5IT5FT -d^ ^ ^ - ^ Tt t I TTWJ2T T f^ ^ W ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ +nr^f^o ^ 11 ^ ^ ^ f^- ^nrzT ^ w ??w TO ^ ^ Tf t ^5T ^ ^ ^ ^ ^TTsft # ^3f^ ^ 5TR ^ ?TRTT ^ ^ W ^ ^rPTT ^3PTT ...... ^ I ^W tf^ W ^ ^ ^ ^?ftT ^ ^ qr ^ ^TTR^ ^ ^ TT ^ ^ ?fh: «ft ^O ^O : ^, ^1 ?TrT^ fsTJTPT # ^ q j =#5T ?T TOT ^ «ft ?T? H15T ^ : ^JTTT TT^ <[*r^nHT q fro ^ ^ ^ r*^fHf<£T ^ ^ ^ (?^) 5T ^ I ^ Fne ^ % ^ t, t W ^ ^ ^ W l^ r ^ ^ ^ f t w ^ #?TT = 5 0 ^ t ^ ^ i -T<»^r ^ «rr ito + v «ih «ih ^ ^ ^r ^ ^ ^ i it' ^ ? rm SFTWT ^ •91 ^ ^ '3^r°FT ^l^H) (^rr^ft^FT ^ ?FRT ^ ^ I ^ r? ^ ) *tHi ^ ^ Shri B. S. Mnrthy: Depending upon Hindu a perfect Hindu, a sanatanist the reports that a certain person known Hindu, and as far as my daily life is as Karpatriji stood and prevented Hari- concerned, I always respect all divine jans, respectable Harijans, representative literature. But if you go to Mathura or Harijans, Harijans who were members Kashi, what do you see there? There of the local Assemblies, I say that if this fore, I appeal to all the leaders of is the attitude of the so called orthodox Hinduism and persons who are think Hinduism, why should I call myself a ing of the well-being of a secular State Hindu and yet be prevented entry into that these places are cleansed of not only the Kashi Viswanath temple. But I am pandas but all sorts of corruption which sorry Shri Nand Lai Sharma has not is reigning supreme and bringing discre come to my rescue, but let me go to his dit not only to the religion to which they rescue. The rescue that I am going to belong but to the country as a whole. tell him is this—let temples take care Therefore, the first and foremost action of themselves, let shastras take care of that should be taken by Government, themselves; temples and shastras are for whether Central or States, is to consti men and men are not made for shastras tute a small committee so that it may go and temples. If you take the fundamen into these religious places and see what tal and basic principle of human reforms may be introduced or what existence, all these shastras are of no action should be taken to make these use. Therefore, my humble appeal to places really religious and contribute to the Ram Rajya Parishad and to my the religious well-being of our country. other Hindu Mahasabha friends here, -excluding Shri Chatlerjee.. . . Shri M. L. Dwivedi : rose— Shri V. G. Deshpande: No party Mr. Chairman: I think we have about should be deliberately and falsely misre seven minutes left and the Bill should presented. I made it clear that the Hindu end by 3-57 p . m . I propose now to Mahasabha wants all sections of the call upon Shri Raghunath Singh to reply Hindus to come together ----- and state the position. Shri Nand Lai Sfaarma; I reiterate it Shri M. L. DwiyedI (Hamirpur Distt.): in the name of Ram Rajya Parishad. I will take just two minutes. Mr. Chairman: There i&^o time. Mr. Chainnan: I think both the hon. Members have had full cmance of ex Shri Raghunath Singh (Banaras Distt. plaining their position and certain in —Central): I shall take only five minutes terruptions had been allowed. It is not and I request that my hon. friend, Sar- as if that interruptions have not been al dar Iqbal Singh, be allowed to have his lowed. But I think the hon. Member say on this Bill. should now be allowed to continue his speech (Interruption). The position has Mr. Chahinan: In that case you will been made perfectly clear, that is, the have three minutes because at least five negotiations between him, his party and minutes should be given to Sardar the Harijans, etc. are continuing. Iqbal Singh. I call upon Sardar Iqbal Singh now to speak. Shri Nand Lai Sharma: I submit that the Ram Rajya Parishad has not oppos ed the entry.. . . Mr. Chairman: I think this battle can ^ ^ f e n % ^ be fought outside the House and I can not allow it at the moment here. ^ f I ^ f Shri B. S, Murthy: Lord Krishna is supposed to have stated. ^ ^ ^ w t ^ ^ t I w ^ ^ Therefore, it is a peculiar thing in Hindu religion that God is one of the t, t possessions of the human beings instead of God being in possession of men. We, w fm m i I ^ ^ being Harijans, naturally we are claimed by all parties, all religions and all sec tions. What I want to say here is that as far as temples are concerned, I am a 2183 Shn KaskiViswanalh 9 MARCH 1956 Mandir BUI 2184 i f ^ qr^f, ^T^RHTT TUT TT35T ^ ^ ^ ^ % ^ ^ ^rrl%T ^ ^ ^ %2TT t ? ^ T m ^ ^ w ^ ^ ^ 'Ttt^ ^ rf ^ I MTi «ft : I will reply. «ft TETTW I ^ i>iRd ^HTT TTT^pfhr ^+<. ^ W ^ ^TPT ^ ’TT I 5 n ft ^ ^ 1% ^3^0 ^ff o ? ftT I^TtT IT ^cFRTt ^n^nr w ^ i ?fft ^ ^ JTo »fto f f 1 % ^ ^^rrrt ^ «ft (f%^-^nrr) ^ r ^nrf ^ ^ ^ w ^ ^ *r ^ ^ ^ ^rrf^T^ ^ f^nrr ^ I ^^Tpft ^ 5RrSf ?To tfto ^ <1<'T>K v4ri|«)K I I ? rm ^ t ?KT ^ rq*«iK f , W i% ^ ^ ^TT ^ftfT ^RTT ^ I r^Vipf> ^ ^ ^ v iH ^ ? r r t ^ «r><.ai ^ ^ <4Id ) ^ ^ ^TPT 5Rj^ ^ 'Srnr »rf ^ ^ i ^ t , >sH+i f I ?nT ^y^nrPT ^ ^>Rft ^ *if<< Mr. Chairman: Does the hon. Mem ^ ^ I ^ ^ 5t t w ^ # ber press his Bill? ^ ^ ^ W , ^3R1^ ^ 3 ^ ^ Mpi’ial «(HN 77^ ^ « ^ F T ^ ^ I »fl«la W H T ^TTST Shri K. K. Basu: That is the practice ?TT TfT t I ^ ^TR usually. ?TT^ ^ ^ Mr. Chairman: Has the hon. Member ^ 4t:i H ’^ r f «»fc+ ^ ■Mn?< leave of the House to withdraw the ^ I ^ F R ft ^ * l f ^ < Bill? ^)Rft # ?fW ^ t ^ The Bill was, by leave, withdrawn. f ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ PcHK 2R7TT "^rrf^ I # Mr. Chairman: Pandit Thakur Das wi ^ ^ JT^c^raf Bhargava is absent. So, Shri Nambiar ^r fw t • ^ ^ ’JW '^rrpr may move his Bill. i m Indian Railways 9 MARCH 1956 {AmndmetU) Bill 2186 INDIAN RAILWAYS say that a section of the railwaymen can (AMENDMENT) BILL be asked to work more than 48 hours. I shall read out these sections. Section omission of section 11A etc. 71A says : Shri Nambiar (Mayuram): I beg to “The employment of a railway move: servant is said to be essentially in termittent when it has been dec “That the Bill further to amend lared to be so by the authority em the Indian Railways Act, 1890, be powered in this behalf, on the taken into consideration.” ground that it involves long periods of inaction; during which the rail While moving for the consideration way servant is on duty but is not of this Bill, I think I shall continue my called ufwn to display either physi speech which I started during the time cal activity or sustained attention.” of the Railway Budget discussion this I want this to be omitted. Section 71B morning. reads : An Hon. Member: The same reply “This Chapter applies only to will come. such railway servants or classes of railway servants as the Central Shri Nambiar: I am overwhelmed by Government may, by rules made emotions and feelings that it again fell under section 7IE, prescribe.” to my lot to pursue this Bill. In this I want this also to be removed. Ac very Assembly, in 1929, a Bill of this cordingly, I have got these things in type was presented and there was a dis corporated in my Bill and the rest of cussion. After several years, history has the clauses are only amendments of a changed; India has become an indepen consequential nature. ^ dent country. Even now we cannot bring in any radical changes. Let us attempt I also mean bringing an amendment to make some changes which are over to section 101 of the Indian Railways due. Act. Section 101 of the Indian Railways Act is widely known to the railwaymen. [Sh r im a t i S u sh a m a Se n in the Chair] That is something like a code. 101 can be written anywhere and the railwaymen I would draw the attention of the will laugh at it because they at once House to the Statement of Objects and understand it. There is a reason for that. Reasons of the Bill. It will be seen that In the days of the Britishers they the Bill aims at two things—^firstly, limi brought in this section which is a very tation of the hours of employment of obnoxious one. From a mere look at the railwaymen who number more than the section you will understand the na ten lakhs in this country and secondly ture of it. I shall read that for the in giving them protection while discharging formation of the House. their duties in the interest of the coun “101. Endangering the safety of per^ try. sons :—If a railway servant, when on duty, endangers the safety of any per My purpose here is that the Factories son— Act must be brought into operation and (a) by disobeying any general all should work for 48 hours in a week. rule made, sanctioned, published Whatever be the category, whether one and notified under this Act, or works inside a factory or outside a factory, one must work only for 48 (b) by disobeying any rule or hours a week. At present it is not so. order which is not inconsistent There are workers who work for 84 with any such general rule, and hours, workers who work for 44 hours which such servant was bound by and then again, 48 hours. There are the terms of his employment to these three categories. This distinction obey, and of which he had a notice, should not be allowed to existi This or case came up for discussion and Justice (c) by any rash or negligent act Rajadhyaksha looked into this question or omission, and he had given his opinion. he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which ^ By the first clause of my Bill, I seek may extend to two years, ‘ to remove sections 71A and 71B of the or with fine which may extend to Indian Railways Act. These two sections five hundred rupees, or with both.** 4~20LokSabha. 2187 laeHan Railways 9 MARCH 1956 (Anvfrtdntc-ni) Bill [Shri Nambiar] on the loop line must be 15 miles or not 4 P.M. more than 20 miles according to rules. Because this is a through train it was The sum total of the section is this. going at a very high speed. Thefe was a In the name of safety in the working train, a goods train, standing on the of the railway system the railwaymen platform. While taking the curve the for commission or omission, wilful or driver saw the engine. He regulated and otherwise, wanton or not, knowing or controlled the speed but it was a down unknowing, can be hauled up if he has gradient and therefore he could not done or intended to do anything which bring the speed to 20 miles. It was phy can be termed as endangering the safety sically impossible to do it and the speed of the public. Prosecution can be laun came only to 30 miles. The result was ched against them and they can be that there was derailment and about 50 punished with two years’ imprisonment to 60 people died. Afterwards the dri under this section. It looks at first sight ver was convicted and made to undergo as though it is necessary. Is it not neces imprisonment for two years. He was pre sary on the part uf the railwaymen to sent in the jail when I was also in the safeguard the safety of the millions of jail where we talked enough about it. people who travel by the railways? It is Subsequently he came out and he still so. But, why should there be such a lives. Therefore, what I say is that a clause that for anything and everything driver, station master or any other man a railwayman can be hauled up? I can who operates something must have cer quote one example. Supposing a station tain amount of courage in him that he master has finished his job and another will be supported if he does a thing. station master is to relieve him but that Then only he can do his work; otherwise man came five minutes late. If something he finds it very difficult. For this pur happens during these five minutes, an pose I wanted to bring in an amendment accident for instance, the first station which will be of such a nature that it master will say; “1 worked beyond 8 will instil confidence in the minds of hours and therefore I was tired. Be the railway servants. If that is there he cause the other man did not come to will do his job with confidence and with relieve me this accident took place.” The success. That is all that I have sought prosecution will say that the second to do in my amendment. 1 have also station master who came five minutes added a proviso to this section 101 late was responsible because if he had which reads : come at the proper time the accident could have been avoided. They can “Provided that this section shall thus say that he was also partially re not apply to a railway servant who sponsible for the accident and punish while discharging the normal duties him. This sort of argument can always assigned to him meets with accident be brought up. Not only that. What I under unforeseen circumstances be say is, anything that is done should yond his control and that in such nof be brought under an omnibus sort cases he shall be given suflicient of clause. Therefore, I have moved an protection against prosecution.” amendment to that. This proviso read along with the I take serious note of the necessity of amendments to section 101 proposed in safety in the working of the railways. I this Bill will create more confidence do not at all undermine the importance among the railwaymen. They will do of that. But, what happens today? To their work with more success and the day because of the fear complex, be black number 101 will be removed. cause of nervousness, because of the fear 'Ihis section will thus be made into a that if he does sorriething he may be very satisfactory one without in any hauled up and if he does not do it even way doing any harm to the working of then he may be hauled up and prosecu the railway system. ted, the person concerned operates the Coming to the question of hours of engine or the machine in such a way emirf(^me.nt in 1929 there was a discus that he commits mistakes. I know of a sion in this august House on this sub case. A locomotive driver was working ject artd I would like to bring to the the Indb-Ceylon Express, what is notice of the House what actually hap known as Boat Mail in South India. It pened here in 1929. In 1929 when the was during the days of the Britishers. Indian Railways (Amendment) Bill was ^ The driver was facing Villupuram Sta considered by a Select Committee of tion. He was just passing an overbridge. the Legislative Assembly, the Commit There was a signal which showed that tee re^rted like this :— I do not want he must go on the loop line. The speed to Tead that—and there two members Indian Railways 9 MARC3H 1956 (Amendment) Biil 2190 of the Select Committee, Messrs, Abdul I shall also quote what exactly the Matin Chowdhury and Harbildas Sarda, veteran, the great, labour leader, the in a minute of dissent, suggested a 48- late Shri N. M. Joshi, is reported to hour week for continuous and 60-hour have said : ■ week for intermittent workers. Mr. Kel- “Mr. Joshi, the workers’ dele also considered this demand not un gate, observed that personally he reasonable, but on practical grounds did not approve of excluding India persuaded himself to agree to the pro from the 48-hour week and felt visions of the Bill as only a first ins that Indian workers would produce talment. This is what is said in the in 48 hours what was required in notes prepared on tlie Adjudicator’s a 60-hour week.” Award given by Justice G. S. Rajadh- yaksha—this is given on page 43. The Let us remember the words of the House will be interested to hear what great trade union worker. the labour leader Dewan Chamanlal “But he recognised that the and Maulvi Abdul Matin Chowdhury country as a whole might not had to say. Here it is said : accept this view and for practical “When the Bill came up for dis considerations temporarily concur cussion, both Dewan Chamanlal red in the Commission's repon. and Maulvi Abdul Matin Chow He expressed his pleasure at the re dhury made a vehement plea for duction of hours from 72 to 60 fixing the weekly hours of continu and congratulated Government ous workers at 48.” delegates for putting forward this proposal.” This happened in 1928. 27 years after That was started in the year 1929 that now 1 have the privilege to still and has continued till date. The All-In plead for the same 48 hours which our dia Raiiwaymen’s Federation and the own present Congress leaders wanted trade union organisations in India work the other day. Dewan Chamanlal is ing on the railways made a represenia- still a Member of the other House. I tion to the Government and they think. pressed that there must be a reconsider Shri T. B. Vittal Rao (Khammam): ation of the hours of employment. It He is re-elected; he is coming back. was as a result of that pressure that the matter was referred to Justice Kaja- Shri Nambiar : I am very glad. But, dhyaksha for adjudication. In this con unfortunately, India’s future depends nection, I would also read a few lines upon us. What we could not do in the to show what the desire of the rail days of the British in 1929 let us do waymen was. now at least. “These demands were more or Not only that. This question of hours less echoed in the Statements of of work for the railwaymen came up Demands received from several before the International Labour Organi unions affiliated to the All-India sation, along with the very birth of the Raiiwaymen’s Federation, ...... International Labour Organisation, The It is exactly that Federation that the International Labour O^anisation was Railway Ministry wants to kill or rather born just after the war in 1919, accord destroy and they have partially succeed ing to the Versailles Treaty. In the ed in it. That Federation had started very first meeting of this organisation the battle earlier which the Govern this question came up. ment did not like. The meeting was in Washington. “ ___ namely, N.W, Railway There also every one felt that 48-hour Employees’ Union, N.W.R. (Re week should have been given. But, un gistered and Recognised) Union, fortunately for India, the employers, E.I.R. Employees’ Association, that is the British Government, who G.I.P, Railway Accounts Staff represented India there demanded that Union. G.I.P. Raiiwaymen’s Union, an exception must be made and in B.B. & Cvl. Raiiwaymen’s Union, India they should be allowed to work B.B, & C.I. Railway Employees’ up to 60 hours a week. Under the Union, O.T. Railwaymea’s Union. factories Act, the ceiling limit must be B.N. Railway Indian Labour ^ hours, and what is known as the Union”.— ^essentially intermittent hours’ could go of which the great Kelappa was one to any extent which the Government of the leaders, and “the M. & S. M. «ould fix. Railway Employees’ Union.’" 2191 Indian Rm lw^s 9 MARCH 1956 (Amendment) BiU 2192 .Shri Nambiar] We copied it because we had that tradi Some of these unions went one step tion and we are having that legacy. Now,, further and asked for a still shorter the time has come when from 12 hours, limit where the work was very onerous. the period must be reduced to eight Some of the unions not affiliated to the hours. Federation wanted some restriction of Another submission that I have to hours. Among them,— make is with regard to the running “The B.B. & C.I. Railway Emp staff. When we say, ‘running staff, loyees’ Association asked for a 48- people may laugh at it and ask whether hour week for skilled and semi-skil the staff is all the time running. There led workers and inferior and daily is another term, ‘fireman’. Perhaps you rated staff generally. The Nation^ may not go near him because, being Union of Railwaymen of India and a fireman, he may bum you! It is not Burma asked for a 48-hour week like that. Running staff means, those for all workers.” persons who run the train, who take The S.I. Railway Guards’ Association the train, the guard, the driver and demanded a 42-hour week. The Tele all those persons who take the train graph Association, Allahabad, asked out on its journey. So also the fireman. for the working hours of signallers to In Hindi, we call him as agwala. He be reduced to 36 hours a week, while is a person not to bum you but who the S.L Railway Clerks’ Association de deals with fire in the engine. He is all manded a 33-hour week for clerks. the time on the foot-plate of the en gine. These people are now asked to From these facts, you can find how work for 54 hours even after the award keen the demands were. What I request of the Justice Rajadhyaksha. That is now is a very reasonable thing. It has the ceiling limit given. What I submit not come from my brain. It has come is this. A driver or a guard does not from the brains of those trade unionists work according to day or night. The from those workers who, out of their railway system functions all round the own suffering, out of their hardships, clock. It is a movement which is all requested the Government to give them round the clock—all the 24 hours, all at least this minimum consideration the 30 days and all the 365 days of the when the country was free. Today, what year, and for all the centuries it must is the justification that the Government work like that. When once the system may ask for? The Government will ask starts, it does not stop. It is a system of why a worker on a wayside station, say, eternal working. In that system, we a pointsman, who works only when the must realise that a worker works hard,, train comes, should be given only eight and we must realise that a worker works hours’ duty, and why he cannot be against Nature and the natural pheno asked to work for more hours. They mena and natural forces. A driver works may say, “Let him work for 12 hours, also in the night. You would be sur because he does not have much of prised to hear that a driver runs the work tp do”. But the fact remains that train for something like 300 to 400- he must be in the place for all the 12 miles. He runs the Grand Tmnk Ex hours. He is, shall I say, tied down to press or a fast passenger for about 400 his post with a mope. He cannot leave miles in the n i^ t. We get into the trainr the placc. If he leaves the place, he after our dinner and we will be reach Ain be charge-sheeted and punished. He ing Madras or Delhi for our ^breakfast cannot relax and sleep. Sleeping while or our tea the next day, but during all’ on duty means dismissal on the spot. those hours, the driver has to keep That is the disciplinary action according himself awake and run the train. The to the rules. He cannot relax. So, what slightest mistake on his part will en is the use of saying. “You have no danger the travellers, the life of the work to do. You are just there for 12 whole lot of people travelling in the hours and so you can work for 12 hours”. train. So, it is such a hard job that There is no argument in saying so. If he does. He has to work, yet, for 54 he is there, he is there for the work. hours a week. That is the present time Therefore, there is no point in saying limit that is fixed. Why cannot that be that it is essentially intermittent. reduced? While I arg u ^ this case oa This term ‘essentially intermittent" was another occasion the hon. Deputy Mi Introduced by the Britishers, by the nister told me that the drivers may western capitalists, if I may say so. They not like that, because they would lose did so to exploit the working classes of some allowance. So if the Government Europe first, and then other coimtries. want to reduce the working hours, they 2193 Indian Railways 9 MARCH 1956 {Amendmenl) Bill 2194 are thinking of the redxiction in emo enforce 8-hour dut\\ There must be luments. That is what they mean. If some change in the total number of the hours of employment are to be re working hours. duced, immediately, Shri Alagesan, the hon. Deputy Minister of Railways, will The question that is posed is, think in terms of the amount—the “What about finance? Wherefrom is the rupees—^that could be cut from the money to come?” When the question of wages of the workers. It is not for that finance is there for everything. But, that I have moved the Bill. I have when the question of workers comes, moved the Bill with the hope that with this finance question comes to the top. out affecting the emoluments, the hours When the consideration of the workers* of work must be reduced to a reason rights, concessions and privileges comes, able level or limit, a limit which is ac all other lactors go into the back cepted by the world today. The work ground and the question of money ing class today is a big force in the^ comes at the top. Why should it be world. We should not forget it. It is not so? If we are marching towards social only in India but everywhere in the ism—I am using the term in all serious world that it is a big force. The working ness—^let us march towards it in reality. class is today not only a force but a Socialism means that those who work decisive force. The exploiters—^the mill- must get a reasonable return according owners or the money-bags—cannot to the work they do. All that is pro keep the workers under their thumb duced in the country belongs to the for ever. A stage has come when we State, i.e., to the people. That is the must recognise that if a worker, today, comman man’s meaning of socialism. If demands an 8-hour day in India or we are embarking on the first and second anywhere, he demands it as a matter of Five Year Plans in order to march to right. If the hon. Minister has not got wards that kind of socialism, let us give the heart to allow it, the workers will the worker, who is the toiler and never leave it, and what they want will who produces wealth, his rightful take place. A day will come when the share. That will be the starting point worker will establish his right to a 48- for creating socialism in the country. hour week. I cannot say how many days When we are demanding 8-hour dut>% or how many years later it will take we are not doing anything against so place. Therefore, let us see how the cialism. We demand it on the same pat time moves. We are "not asking for a tern on which we march towards so wrong thing. It is a thing which was cialism. promised in this very hall, in this very august House, by great men who adorn Let the Government take this mat the Treasury Benches today. When the ter seriously into consideration. Let International Labour Organisation was them start thinking of doing a thing born in the year 1919 in Washington, which the railwaymen will appreciate after the Versailles Treaty, I think I and for which they will be thankful was not even born, but today, I have and grateful. Let them not think that got the inspiration and the fortune to if they yield, then the credit will go to fight for a cause which was taken up the Opposition, since this demand i? well in advance. You may be interested coming from the Opposition Benches* to know that I myself was a victim of let them not think that they will be this 12-hour-day duty. doing harm to their party. I do noi In 1940-41, I was working as a clerk want such a consideration to come in in the loco shed at Tanjore. I had to go the way. Let them take the credit, I at 7 in the morning and I was supposed do not mind. I shall be pleased to live to be on duty till 7 in the night. i.«., In a society where the workers get the for 12 hours. There was no break for benefit of 8-hour work a day and 16 lunch or for breakfast and there was no hours relaxation. I do not want to say time for doing any other work. There that it must be done under my personal fore, I have myself enjoyed the privi leadership or any such thing. I do not lege of being a worker on intermittent claim any credit for this. I submit that duty. I have also worked in continuous this consideration must prevail upon duty—60 hours’ employment regula them in supporting or op^sing the Bill. tion—while I was a loco clerk in Ma dura where I worked day and night, in Finally, a word with regard to the rain and sun. Therefore, I know the duties of the workers, I have dealt with sufferings of a worker. With all vehe the working hours; I now come to ar mence, but with all humility and emo rests and prosecutions. Prosecutions tions, I request the hon. Minister to have started in many cases. Anything 2195 Indian Rcdlways 9 MARCH 1956 {Amendment) Bill 2196 [Shri T. B. Vittal Rao] workers and how we respect the conven is termed as “accident”. A thorough tions and the recommendations adopted derailment killing 200 people is an ac by the International Labour Organisa cident; if a driver hits at a bullock and tion. Unfortunately for us, our Gov kills the bullock, it is also an accident. ernment have ratified only 20 conven There is difference between one acci tions as against the 110 conventions dent and another. If any passenger pulls adopted by the I.L.O. Even such a the chain and stops the train, that is small country like Bulgaria has ratified also termed as an accident and the 65 conventions. driver and the,>guard shoiild go to the The Deputy Minister of Labour (Shri spot. For all these things, there should Abid AH): How far have those con not be the same sort of punishment. ventions been enforced there? Therefore, I submit that all these Shn T. B. Vittal Rao: I im only things must be taken into consideration quoting that 65 conventions have been dispassionately and without any politi ratified by Bulgaria. This is from the cal approach in all earnestness and sym notes given to me by the Minister of pathy. There will be no difficulty in ac Labour when I attended the 13th ses cepting the spirit of my BiU. You may sion of the Indian Labour Conference not accept the wording which I have at Mysore. I do not know how far given; I am prepared to change it. I they have been implemented in Bulga am prepared to leave it to the Govern ria. That is a different point. ment to put it in any fashion they like, Regarding the hours of work, the but the spirit and the content of my adjudicator went into the whole ques Bill must be there. That is all my sub tion coined terms like “Intermittent”, mission. ‘continuous”, “essentially intermittent” Mr. Chainnan: Motion moved: etc. and gave an award. The “That the Bill further to amend recommendations contained in the the Indian Railway’s Act, 1890, be adjudicator’s award given in 1948 taken into consideration.” have been implemented to some extent in 1955. It took seven long Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: I am only years even for the recommendations of support the Bill sponsored by my friend, the adjudicator to be implemented on Shri Nambiar. In doing so, I will say some of the Railways. There is a lacuna. a few words. I will be very brief. Those who perform overtime work, more than the hours stipulated in the I want just to go into the background adjudicator’s award, referred to by my of the fixation of hours of work for the hon. friend Shri Nambiar, receive only workers engaged in running this great H times the normal rate. Under the national undertaking. It was in the year Factories Act, when a worker puts in 1946—I am not quite sure about the overtime, he is paid twice the normal date—when our Deputy Minister was a rate. Why has this exception been made Member of the Lagislative Assembly, here? Overtime is overtime. Even this that the railwaymen wanted to go on an overtime has been implemented on some All-India strike. Then the Government of the Railways only since 1954, for appointed a Central Pay Commission to the guards and some running staff. go into the question of wages, an adju Even the Bill that they have brought dicator to go into the question of the with a view to see that the I.L.O. con working hours and a high power com vention concerning hours of work is mittee to make recommendations as to ratified by our Government, was how best they could absorb the surplus brought in only after Shri Nambiar staff. After that, the strike was with-, gave notice to move this Bill. Even drawn. then, it is not useful. As provided under Before this, there was an Interna the Factories Act, whenever any worker tional Labour Organisation convention puts in more than 48 hours of work, he that was adopted several years ago. must be paid twice the normal rate. That has not yet been ratified—I am When a worker is in a station, say the glad the Deputy Minister of Labour is pointsman, how do they calculate the here—and there is no statutory provi work? The pointsman, waiting for the sion. We are always told about our in arrival of the train after setting the ternational prestige. Our international points, is required to give sustained at prestige can be measured not only by tention. So also is the station master. our role in international affairs; though May I ask, can a pointsman or the we play a very notable part there, it station master leave the place of duty? will also depend on how we treat the Especially in these days when trains are 2197 Indian Roly ways 9 MARCH 1956 {Amendmeni) Bill 2198 running late, he has lu be continuously accidents. There is something wrong at the station. This arbitrary fixing of somewhere. Therefore, it is very neces 48 hours, 52 hours, 54 hours, contin sary that at least a judicial authority uous arid intermittent, asking that he should be appointed. The way in which must for 6 hours or 10 hours, does not Government is moving creates a little hold good. At least in these days when suspicion in us. There was a major ac •we are told that we are moving towards cident in Hyderabad, in 1954 when so a socialist pattern of society, the worker many people were killed. Not a single should get what is normally due to him. man has been punished so far. For a In this Bill, we are not asking anything small accident at Domakal, when the which is not prevailing in any other in Janata Express bumped into a station dustry- We are asking what is given ary through carriage and one man was under the Factories Act. Nothing more injured, the assistant station master is than that. The running staff perform being prosecuted. I do not say that you not only arduous duties, but in many should .iot take action. Whoever is at cases, they perform most hazardous fault should be punished. For that, duties. Even the benefits enjoyed by there nmst be a proper enquiry. I raised the loco staff before 1948 have been this issue in the discussion on the Rail , taken away. The loco shed staff have way Budget also as to why the Govern ' been removed from the purview pf ment is not willing to publish the Ac the operation of the Factories Act. Is cident Enquiry Committee’s re|>ort this justifiable? Can so many hundreds when it was under the Chairmanship of workers in the loco running sheds be of Shri Shahnawaz Khan. Shri Shah- removed fi-om the purview of the Fac nawaz Khan is a person who is well tories Act? By which Act are they known all over the country for his ho governed. Goodness only should nesty. I do not say that the Railway know. Board is hushing it. It creates a suspi cion when a well known person like With reference to the next clause Shri Shahnawaz Khan has made a re which my hon. friend Shri Nambiar port and you are not going to publish has brought forward, I shall only refer it. If there are any strictures made to the speech made by the hon. Railway ' against any staff or the Railway Board, Minister some years ago. He said that the Railway Board is strong enough to he is much concerned with the rate of defend itself. Why should that report accidents in the Indian Railways, and not be published? We see that many ac therefore he is appointing a committee. cidents are taking place. But still we do He did appoint a committee under the not do anything. I have been speaking Chairmanship of Shri Shahnawaz Khan. on this Railway Budget for the last 3 He has submitted his report. In that re days. I^ a d a little hesitation also when port, he wanted that all accidents should I stood up to support this Bill, How be enquired into by a judicial authori ever, I wanted to say these few things. ty. He said that a judge should preside I commend the Bill for the acceptance ' over the enquiry and that he should of the House, be assisted by two assessors, one tech nical expert from the railways and The Deputy Minister of Raflways and another from the public. So far, that Transport (Shri Alagesan): It so happens recommendation has not been imple that this Bill is coming up before the mented. Take the Mines Act. There is House when we are still in the mids* a provision that, whenever the Gov of the discussion on the Railway ernment thinks that a serious accident Budget. It looks as though it is a con has taken place, the Government may tinuation of the discussion on the Rail appoint a court of enquiry presided way Budget. But, the difficulty with over by a High Court Judge and as my hon. friend Shri Nambiar is that sisted by two assessors, one a technical he refuses to see the facts. He refuses to expert and another a public man. This acknowledge facts. A person who deli would go a long way to improve the berately closes his eyes to facts, natu situation. We should know who is res rally, is led to false conclusions and ponsible. If a Court of enquiry is ap false positions. pointed and if they hold that the rail way staff are responsible, straightway you can punish them. In the communi Shri T. B, Vittal Rao: Let us ,go to cations Ministry, we have the Inspec a judicial authority. tors. These inspections are statutory, I recognise that. But, so far, these ins Shri Namlnan I shall open my eyes pections have not minimised the rate of now. 2199 Indian Rcdlivcys 9 MARCH 1956 {Atntndment) B ill 2200 Shri Alagesan: I hope they are not some time had to elapse before the deliberately closed and they will open whole thing can be given effect to, be at least when an attempt is made to cause it has to be done in slow stages, open them. etc. After the acceptance of the award, during the course of 2 or 2i years, Shri Nambian 1 shall open them. the recommendations of the adjudica Shri Alagesan : This Bill was intro tor have been given effect to on the duced in the year 1953. Unfortunately Indian Government Railways by amend we have had another Bill which was pas ing the hours of employment regula sed by the other House and which is tions. Without doing anything to the waiting for entiy into this House. That Act, they have been given effect to, and also was done in the year 1953. That changes,—very significant changes and shows the congestion of business in the very far-reaching changes,—have been Houses of Parliament. We have been introduced. ' discussing the congestion of passengers on the railway trains. The congestion Formerly, there were only three clas of business in this House seems to be » sifications, namely, “continuous”, “es much more than the congestion of pas sentially intermittent” and “excluded”. sengers on railway trains. Another classification has been added to them as a result of the adjudicator’s award, and that is “intensive”, and they There is an Act, the Indian Railways are asked to work only for 45 hours. Act, which was amended in the year Regarding the continuous workers, the 1930 with regard to the provisions re houre of work have been reduced from garding which the hon. Member has 60 to 54, and regarding the essentially again brought forward an. amendment intermittent workers, the hours of before us. It is true the Statement ot work have been reduced from 84 to Objects and Reasons agrees with the 75. letter of the Act, i.e., the Indian Rail ways Act, but it does not agree with He was talking about the running the existing state of affairs. Though staff and explaining the terms “fire certain hours of work etc., are stated* man”, “running staff” etc. I was a bit in the body of the Act itself, they amused as to what he took this House have been changed long ago and I to be. He was enlightening the House was expecting that both the hon. Mem about the running staff, giving the bers would make a reference to the meaning of running staff', defining them existing state of affairs. as also “fireman” etc. Anyhow, I have Shri T. B. Yittal Rao: I made. no objection to his amusing himself and trying to amuse others, but I Shri Alagesan: I did not expect Shri shoutd like to say that the running staff Nambiar who is always carried away who were excluded from the scope of by his emotions and his own self-as the hours of employment regulation sumed leadership of the workers of this have been brought within the scope country to acknowledge the facts, but of the hours of employment regulation I expected a much more sober person as a result of implementation of the like Shri Vittal Rao to acknowledge adjudicator’s award and they are clas the existing state of affairs and tell the sified as “continuous”. H ou^ what improvement has been made and what further steps have been He also referred to overtime pay taken in this direction. ment. That also has been increased from U times to U times as a result I should only like to mention the of the adjudicator’s award. position after this Act was passed. Since then much water has flowed under Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: It must be made the Yamuna bridge and my friends twice. completely close their eyes to it. Shri Ahigesan: I shall be dealing with Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: 1 said it that. Shri Alagesan: I do not know how Then, regarding the periods of rest as a they can take up such a position. result of giving effect to the award, here also the conditions have been improved. The adjudicator’s award has been I do not want to go through the posi given. It was given in the year 1947, it tion before and the position now ob was accepted in the year 1948. The ad taining. My hon. friends know that judicator himself has envisaged that very well. Only a small number have 2201 Indian Railways 9 MARCH 1956 {Amendment) Bill 2202 been called excluded staff, and I under constant mental tension, in recog stand that they go to make a very small nition of which certain Administra percentage of railwaymen. tions have already introduced 6- hour shifts for such controllers.” My hon. friend Shri Kamath men tioned one case. He will live for a hun Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: Certain ? dred years. He is just entering the House when I was thinking of him and Shri Alagesan: mentioning his name. “At the other extreme are a few Shri Kamath (Hoshangabad); Your categories of staff such as the rest- thought is very powerful. There was house chowkidars, saloon atten telepathic communication between us. dants and gatekeepers at unimport ant level-crossings -----” Shri Alagesan: I hope so. All sincere thoughts are very powerful thoughts. — mean Shri Kamaths* friend— He was this morning quoting the case Shrimati Renu Chakfayaitty (Basir> of a gateman. Perhaps he has obstruct hat) : Enemy! ed him in his election work a lot. Shri Alagesan: Shri Kamath: In spite of that, I got “ ....w h o se work is so light, through. In spite of all the obstructions, both in its nature and volume, &at I am back here. Not merely he but it will be wasteful even to have many others also obstructed. two shifts. Between these two ex Shri Alagesan: He must have suffered tremes come the bulk of the rail at his hands and so he made a full way staff such as the majority of speech regarding that one small level- Station Masters ...... ” crossing .... So, this has been dealt with. How it Shri Kamath: About all “C” class has been calculated etc., can be known crossings not that one only. if the adjudicator’s award is gone through. So, except these, the others Shri Alagesan: . . . as if all our De have been put in the categories al mands running into crores were hang ready mentioned by me and most of ing on the behaviour of that one per them find themselves in the category son. of continuous workers. A good percen Shri Kamath: I said all “C” class tage has been put in the category of crossings. It was only representative. intensive workers. So, here, if you are going to adopt the system of 48 hours Shri Alagesan: It so happens that peo to these men at unimportant level-cros ple like that person who has given sings, it will so happen that you will such a lot of trouble to Shri Kamath, have to have not two men but three come under this excluded category. men at these level-crossings. I should They do not have much work to do, not like to put it higher than this, that and as he said they are expected to do it will mean a criminal waste, and it will only about six hours of work in the be demoralising to a very great extent. course of the day, and they are classi fied as “excluded”. Shri Kamath: Have two men, not three. Shri Kamath: I wanted to know how this “six hours” is calculated. Shri Alagesan: Even at present, the reaction that this kind of work produ Shri Alagesan: I shall refer him to the ces is as follows: I have seen many of adjudicator’s award where this particu the peasants-who do agricultural work lar subject has been dealt with. I in the villages, and I have heard from can read the paragraph for the hon. them what they have to say. Some of Member’s edification. This is what it them happen to have their brothers as says. I have got it here typed and I gate-keepers, and they envy their shall read it : bk)thers very much, because whereas they sweat and toil in the fields to earn “Again as a result of the diver their livelihood, these people do simply sity of occupations, the nature of the act of closing the gate and opening the work varies considerably. At thfe gate for a few minutes in the day, one extreme, for example, is the and yet they are paid so much. That is Train Controller of a heavy section, the type of reaction that this kind of who has to work in a state of work produces even at present. 2203 Indian Railways 9 MARCH 1956 {AmendmeiU) Bill 2204 Shri Kamath: That applies pefliaps to So, I should like to say that Shri several government employees. Nambiar is by means of this Bill trying to fight a phantom which does not That applies not merely to gatemen exist. He is trying to paint a picture but to some other Government emp which does not correspond with the loyees also, both of the Central and actual state of affairs. the State Governments. Shri Nambiar: Including Ministers. Shri D. € . Sharma: That is what he always does. Shri Alagesan: 1 hope also Members of Parliament. Stei Alagesan: If that is an indication Shri T. B. Vittal Rao: We are losing of the measure of that doings of my hon. our lunch also every day. friends on that side, I think I can only be sorry for them. Shri Kamath: I never said, Members of Parliament. I only said that that Regarding overtime payment, I applies to several Government emp should like to say that it is true that loyees. under the Factories Act, it is twice the usual wage. But there the purpose of I shall now say Ministers also. You fixing it at twice the usual wage is com invited it yourself; you asked for it, pletely different. There, it is expected and you got it. to act as a deterrent. The employer is not expected to take work from the Shri Alagesan: My hon. friend Shri employees for more than 48 hours a Kamath was able to hear what I had week, and that is why twice the usual to say, but he has not been able to wage has been fixed there. But here in hear what Shri Nambiar who is sitting a huge organisation like the railways, behind him said. He said, including my hon. friend will concede that they" Ministers. I added. Members of Parlia are bound to overstep the hours of ment. employment; and as the basis and pur pose of the two overtime payments Shri Kamath: He only whispered in differ, there is difference in the quan my ear. It was not meant for you. You tum ^so. have been concentrating your attention on me. The third object of the Bill introduc Shri Alagesan: Naturally, because you ed by my hon. friend is that people concentrated yours on me. should not be taken to task if accidents occur. Here, I would like to say two Shri Kamath: Your thoughts got me things. First, we are trying to blow hot here. and cold at the same time. My hon. friend has talked about the Accidente Shri Alagesan: I heard what Shri Nam Enquiry Committee’s report and their biar said. I was not all along concen findings, and has been demanding the trating my attention on Shri Kamath. publication of that report, as if we are I hope my hon. friend Shri Kamath trying to hide something from the view will oblige me by not interrupting me of the House. There is absolutely no any more. thing of that kind. Whatever recommen Shri D. C. Shanna (Hoshiarpur): He dations have been made are already out cannot help that. in the other committee’s report. There, we want that the recommendations of Mr. Chairman: Order, order.. Let those reports should be given effect to, there be no interruptions. and those who are responsible should be punished. That is what we say. Shri Akigesan: Barring these few cate gories of workers, all others have been put in the proper categories, and tills If the position taken up by Shri award has been given effect to. * Nambiar is accepted, then it will not be- possible to punish anybody. It may be There was some delay in giving the worst accident wluclv;iiiay involve effect to it on the ex-State Railways, many people in serious injuries or minor because they were integrated at a liter injuries or even deaths, but under this stage, but even there I think before the Bill we shaU not be able to punish any Bill was introduced, or nearabout that body, unless it could be established time, it has been given effect to. that the person concerned has wilfully 2205 Indian Railways 9 MARCH 1956 {Amendment) BiR 2206 disobeyed the rules, and wUfully neglect thought that we could wait. But that ed his duties. It will not be possible to seems to have been a mistake, because establish that anywhere, that a person this sort of thing would not have oc has wilfully caused an accident to a curred, if the actual amendment had train. taken place, and it had become a part of the Act. Some time back, I had answered a question on accidents. And in connec Therefore, I hope—though I am not tion with that question, in a particular very confident—that my hon- friend group of accidents on a particular raD will be good enough to withdraw the way, on analysis it was found that a Bill. If he is not good ^enough to with good number of those accidents was draw the Bill, I should like to oppose due to the fault of our staff. If we are the Bill. not going to punish them, or if we are Mr. Chairman : Does any other Mem going to amend the Act in such a way ber want to speak ? that it will not be possible to punish them, then we shall be simply placing a Shri S. C. Samanta (Tamluk): Mr. premium on inefficiency and callousness. Chairman,.... So, 1 humbly submit that it will not do to blow hot and cold at the same time, Shri Alagesan: Now, it is for the if we want to prevent accidents. Mover to reply. Shri Kamath: No, the Minister was If we want to ensure greater safety only intervening. Shri Samanta can in railway operation, surely we should speak. place squarely the responsibilities on the shoulders on which they should rest; Siiri Alagesan: It is for the Mover to and the persons concerned should be speak now. You had asked earlier whe made responsible for seeing that safety ther any Member wanted to speak, and is guaranteed cent, per cent. nobody stood up. And then I was cal led to place Government’s case before As the torm ‘accident’ itself denotes, the House. Now it is for the Mover to it is not possible at all times to see that reply to the debate, and then wind it nothing untoward happens. At times, up. accidents do occur, and they occur not 5 P.M. only due to the fault of the staff, but also due to other defects as well. The Shri Nambiar: I was rather amused House cannot upbraid the Ministry for to hear the reply of the Deputy Minis the accidents, and at the same time ter. I can understand the stand of the plead that those who are found respon Government, but I could not under sible for the causing of these accidents stand how the capacity of the Depup^ should not be punished. That will be Minister to hear was so bad. He said a very untenable position to adopt. I that I was blind, I BEiust open my eyes. hope that point will be easily appreciat But he proved himself a deaf man. I may be excused for saying this. The ed. reason for my saying this is this. What All these recommendations have I said is borne out by the records. Whal been given effect to, and they have I said was that there are three catego been in operation over a' number of ries of railwaymen: one working for 48 years. We thought that it would be hours a week, another working for 54 better that such a vital thing which re hours a week and the third working fers to the actual conditions of work of for 84 hours a week. And he tells me a large number of workers should not a story that I did not know these facts. be dependent merely on what are called Whether he did not grasp what I said the hours of employment regulations or his capacity was so low, I cannot but should find a place in the Act it say. self. It is for that purpose that the Shri Alagesan: I was referring to the other Bill was introduced and passed Statement of Objects and Reasons. in the other House, and it is now awaiting passage through this House. I Shri Nambiar: Since the Statement did not take the trouble of hurrying the of Objects and Reasons was written, the Minister of Parliamentar>^ Affairs and changes took place. The Deputy Minis others, because by doing so, I am not ter himself said that. Now, it is not due going to get anything done, or add to to my fault that the Bill which w ^ in anything that exists at present by troduced then is taken up for considera making it a part of the Act. So, I tion today. The Deputy‘Minister must 2207 Indian Railways 9 MARCH 1956 {Amenament) B ill 2208 [Shri Nambiar] Shri Nambian At the time of introduc have humility, sagacity, a certain capa ing this Bill, the Rajadhyaksha award city to understand and grasp and then was not even implemented nor was there talk. That would be a great contribu anything in writing in the form of an tion—if he would make a study of order. these things. Shri Alagesan: 1 said it had been given Shri Raghimafli Singh (Banaras Distt. effect to three years before the Bill was — Central): On a point of order. There introduced. is no quorum in the House. Shri Nambian Even today the Rajadh yaksha award is not fully implemented. Mr. Chainnan: The bell is bemg Let him contradict me. That is the un rung—^Now there is quorum. The hon. fortunate situation. Now he comes and Member may proceed. says that ev6n three years before it Shri Nambian Therefore, I would was given effect to. Of course, when request the Deputy Minister to under there is a long rope one tries to take stand. I can understand his difficulty. advantage of it. I have no objection to The railway problem is such a techni- that. But he must at least now under x:al problem that it is not easy for a stand what is happening. Minister to understand it in a few Leaving aside that dispute, the ques months. Of course, he must make a tion is whether the Government are in study and understand. a mood to accept the 8-hour day and Leaving aside that point, I will try 48-hour week or whether they want to to explain my position. The Bill had a allow 84 hours or 75 hours a week* or purpose to go beyond the adjudicator’s 54 hours a week to continue. If they award. He says ^ a t whatever has been accept the first alternative, there is no ,:^ven by the adjudicator has been put difficulty. If they say that there is no into practice. He perhaps forgot that 1 case for a 48-hour week or 8-hour day, quoted 1919 happenings in this House then it is up to them. Of course, whe and the deliberations of the first ILO ther we are here talking on a self-im Convention in Washington immediately posed or presumed leadership can be after the Versailles Treaty. He could judged. Of course, he may be a leader not understand what I was referring to. imposed, but I am here exactly because What I said was that the demand for of the misdeeds of the previous Railway an 8-hour day and 48-hour week for Ministers. Otherwise, 1 would not have the Indian workman, whether he belong been here. If this is self-imposed leader ed to the railway or otherwise, was rais ship, I would say that only they can ed as early as 1919 immediately after think in that way. I leave it at that. World War I. What was demanded then has not yet been achieved. The Coming to the question, I would sub adjudicator, Mr. Justice Rajadhyaksha mit that there arc today workmen who referred to all these facts, but he came do 12 hours a day and still they are to the conclusion that, unfortunately, treated as “essentially intermittent” work for so many reasons he was not in a ers. This is in spite of the fact that position to award an 8-hour day but these cases have been brought to their that he would give some consideration notice. Take the case of a rolling-stock ^nd concession. He gave some concession. fitter in a junction like Tanjore. Olava- That is the position with regard to the kot or even Chengelpet wherefrom the adjudicator. That concession which was Deputy Minister is elected. That area •^ven by the adjudicator is not satisfac is his own constituency, his junction tory in view of the fact that there is station. A rolling-stock fitter there is a strong case for a 48-hour week. working 12 hours, though that is a junc tion. Perhaps he does not know it. Un [M r . Sp e a k e r itu the Chair] fortunately, it is not his fault. Anyhow, For whatever Mr. Justice kajadhyak- it is there. Why should there be such a sha has given in his award, we are condition ? \ want that to be reduced. thankful, but it is far below the expec That was the purpose of ray Bill. tations we had. If the Deputy Minister Coming to the other question, I have had answered that point clearly, I would to submit with much sorrow that I heard have tried to satisfy myself. what I exactly expected from the Deputy Shri Alagesan: There is not one word Minister. He said that those people who in the Statement of Objects and Rea talked tall about railway efficiency sons, which I went through again, about wanted to see that there were more the Rajadhyaksha award. accidents, and they did not worry what 2209 Indian Railivays {Amendment) Bill 9 MARCH 1956 Factories {Amendment) Bill 2210' happened. He can very easily brush rather deliberately confusing the issue aside my argument by simply making if he does not want to pretend not to this statement. But I say I never intended have understood it—^he says something, to support nor do I ever intend to sup it is not my funeral. I only ...... port, any idea to increase accidents or to reduce the responsibility of the rail- Mr. Speaker: It is nobody's funeral waymen. I never said any such thing; here, unfortunately. that was not at all my argument. If he Shri Nambiar: I submit that these- had carefully read my speech, he would things must be taken in the light and have found that I said that there should the spirit in which they are given out not be unnecessary harassment. There and not in a spirit of opposition for fore, he should not be prosecuted for opposition’s sake. J-et them take my anything and everything. That fear Bill if it has got any worth in it; but complex that the pistol is being pointed if they do not like it because it comes, at him should not be there. You should from a person whom they do not like remove that and tell him that if he for political reasons, then I have no commits an offence he will be punished. thing more to add. Therefore, I submit Punish him if he has to be punished; I am not in a position to withdraw my" hang him if he has to be hanged Bill. {Interruption). The point is give them that much of freedom to act in the cir Mr. Speaken The question is: cumstances. “That the Bill further to amend the Indian Railways Act, 1890 be taken into consideration.” Shri Velayudhan (Quilon cum Mave- likkara—Sch. Castes) : The hon. Minis The motion was negatived. ter is not attending. Shri Nambiar: Therefore, my submis FACTORIES (AMENDMENT) BILL. sion was that there should be an at {Substitution of section 59) tempt to remove that fear complex. That was the purpose of my Bill. I will again Shrimpti Renu Chakravartty (Basir- read my amendment for the benefit of hat) : 1 beg to move : the hon. Deputy Minister. “That the Bill further to amend “Provided that this section shall the Factories Act, 1948, be taken not apply to a railway servant who into consideration.” while discharging the normal duties As stated in the Statement of Objects assigned to him meets with ‘acci and Reasons the amendment is a small dent under unforeseen circumstan one. It is a coincidence. I think, ces beyond his control and that in that today w^hen we fiave been discus such cases he shall be given suffi sing the question of at least a minimum cient protection against prosecu of 48 hours’ working week, I have tion.” brought forward this Bill saying that there should be an amendment of the Factories Act which grants overtime What is meant, ‘beyond his control’ allowance for work above 48 hours, de and ‘unforeseen circumstances’? What manding that this should be changed is the meaning of this? It means that if for those industries where the conditions anything happens beiyond his control of work are so strenuous, or where then he should be given protection, so there has been collective bargaining, that he may be courageous enough to whereby a lesser number of hours o f run the train. Supposing a pilot who work have been prescribed and agreed takes a plane is not given the right to to between the management and the take the plane as he likes when he is workers and that overtime should be in the air, and if he is to be controlled granted for work above that number o f by the Minister and the Minister wants hours. to tell him that should not take the plane in a particular way, then he will For example, in our country there is only end in a crash. So, also a driver in Andhra in the tobacco curing in who takes a train must be given certain dustry an understanding in certain area& rights and privileges and certain pro where because of the strenuous nature tection. That is what I want. Without of the work, the workers actually work understanding that—or, as he said. for less than 48 hours a week. A worker 2211 Factories {Amendment) Bill 9 MARCH 1956 Factories {Amendment) Bill 2212 [Shrimati Renu Chakravartty] work 12 looms—and rationalisation has been introduced, the total number of is expected to work there on an hours of work in a week is less than average for 44 or 45 hours a week. 48. But, if at any particular period of time the employee asks him to work for 47 hours a week, he is not entitled to In the chemical industries the condi ask for any overtime allowance be tions are hard and the nature of the cause “47 hours is below the 48 hours” work is strenuous and we find that the stipulated in the Factories Act. It is our hours of work vary in these industries. opinion and the opinion of all well- Some work 7i hours a day—about 45 meaning and intelligent people that in hours a week—and so on. Therefore, the interests of labouj, in the interests there are in our own country certain of productivity, this amount of WQ^k industries where the workers work for which has been agreed upon should be less than 48 hours a week. And, the regarded as the maximum for which managements of these industries have the worker should normally work and recognised that the needs of the indus that anything beyond that should be try can be satisfied only if the worker regarded as extra work for which he is kept at a high degree of efficiency should be entitled for overtime allow by working for those specified number ance. What is the reason for it? In the of hours. For any work more than that, olden days, the unenlightened capitalist the worker needs extra nourishment for wanted to fleece the worker as much as him and without that he will not be possible and get as much work as pos able to keep up that pitch of health sible from him. But, today, even in the and a :tivity which will result in stepping capitalist system, intelligent employers up 'F roductivity. have recognised that if one wants more productivity, the health of the worker Niany people may say that they can should be guarded and strain on the not understand why at a time when we worker must be eliminated to a great are wanting more productivity and pro degree. duction to go up, we should lower the number of hours of work below 48. As a matter of fact recently, in the textile industry, the ii.O prepared a I do not want the carte blanche low note on the problems of productivity ering of the hours below 48 hours. As and in the report at the session held my friend, Shri Nambiar, has pointed in October 1955, it was pointed out out, there are important industries like that increase in productivity of labour Railways where people work round the can be secured by measures which do clock, where they work for 75 hours a not involve harder work for workers. week or 54 hours a week and so on and They have gone on to give examples where it is a battle even to guarantee as to how the human factor is important the 48 hours per week. But my case be for productivity and, for giving the fore the House is that the Factories Act human factor the proper environment in has specified a maximum, not a mini which to work, how it is necessary to mum. My desire, by my amendments, is provide adequacy of working conditions. to introduce the recognition that there They speak of the health and safety ar may be a lesser number of hours work rangements that should be guaranteed ed by the workers beyond which they in factories. If these are guaranteed, should not normally work and after then only the capacity to produce effec which they should be paid overtime al tive and productive work becomes real lowance. As a matter of fact, it is and possible. That is why we find even really no use comparing conditions in in our country there are certain indus other countries with ours although we tries in which, because of the strenu hear in this House again and again ous nature of the work done or due to many hon. Members, especially our big some other reason, an agreement is capitalist friends, saying that our work entered into between the management ers i^roduce much less than workers in and labour and a worker works for less other countries work less hard, are lazy than 48 hours a week. and so pn, which is the reason for the cost of production going up. But if we For example, in the textile industry were to bring an American worker or in the Buckingham and Carnatic Mills English worker and put them in our they work for less than 7 hours in the factories and make them live in the night-shift and in the Mettur Textile hovels in which our workers live, in the Mills where they work 6 looms—others hellish conditions in which they live, 2213 Factories {Amendment) Bill 9 MARCH 1956 Factories {Anundment) Bill 2214 then we can see their capacity of pro work round the clock, sometimes driv duction. We should take into account ing a van without imy rest and thus the environments in which our workers h o m in g a source of danger to life, work and live, the type of home life particularly when driving a passenger they jiave, the burden of debt and the car. In U.S.A. they do not work for amount of nourishment they get and more than 40 hours a week, in Great then we will all admit that to work foil Britain 44 hours a week and so on. I 48 hours per week in certain industries can go on giving examples. Even in is an impossibility, and the work and countries where the workers have much sweating to which they will be subject ^ tte r conditions, where the wages are ed will result in their falling down dead high, where the standards are high, some day under these conations. where they are working with much greater mechanical equipment, the nimi- In the steel industry, for example, so ber of working hours is much less than heavy and strenuous is the nature of the ours. In our country, we do not even work it is reaUy a job for those who allow overtime allowance in those in work in blast furnaces to go on working dustries where an agreement has been for 48 hours per week. In other count arrived at between the management and ries the workers work for a lesser nurn- labour by which, although the total ber of hours. Even in the good condi number of working hours is less than tions which prevail in Great Britain or 48 per week as stipulated in the Facto U.S.A. and in certain Latin American ries Act, overtime may be allowed above countries, I find that industry after in the agreed norm, whatever it be. dustry has a,much lower number of Lastly, I would like to mention that it working hours per week than has been is the character of the industry that stipulated in our country. For instance, we have to take into consideration and in a country like Argentine, which is the number of hours should not be not supposed to be a very highly deve fixed at a flat rate. When the Factories loped or advanced country, they do not Act was introduced, I am sure they did work for more than 44 hours a week in not take into consideration the various the coalmining industry underground; in types of industries that are developing Great Britain, underground coalmining in our country today, some of a highly work is done hours per day which technical and skilled nature, some of a will be also about 47 hours per week. v e^ strenuous and arduous nature, re quiring physical labour of a very inten Shri T. B. Vittal Rao (Khammam): sive type and also work in very bad But they work five days in a week. conditions of life. That is why they laid down a flat rate of 48 hours a Shrimati Renu Chakrayartty: In that week and only above that number of case, that will be even less than 47 hours overtime may be allowed. Since hours. Again, in the chemicals industry, agreement in these industries has been *-they work for 44 hours in Great Bri reached between the workers and the tain and—please note this—in U.S.A. management, there is no reason why they work for 35 hours a week on cons our Factories Act cannot be amended truction and buildings. In U.S.A. where so as to allow at least the benefit of they work with the best types of ma overtime allowance to these workers. As chinery, cranes and other mechanical far as productivity goes, we already equipment, it is only 35 hours a week, know that during the last few years whilst in our country, the heaviest ther^ has been a remarkable increase «nd most crude forms of work are in productivity—increase at an annual done physically by our people in this rate of 8:5 per cent, has been achieved. industry and yet we have absolutely no In spite of all that has been said, name minimum hours—some work for 48 ly, that our workers do not work hard hours and many even more. In the cons enough, that our people in comparison truction industry in Great Britain with those in the western countries have they work 44 hours a week. not done well, that our productivity is Again, take the heavy industry such very low, I say that we have achieved as the manufacturing industry, in a record production limit. I wish to Canada they work for 42 hours a place before the House that if we really week, in Great Britain. 44 hours a want to keep up this rate of production, week. In the transport industry, as my we cannot bring the workers’ physical friend Shri Vittal Rao, said the other strength to the breaking point. It is 'day, when he was discussing his Bill a necessary to keep the workers healthy; fortnight ago, our transport workers it is necessary that they should be able 2215 Factories {Amendment) Bill 9 MARCH 1956 Factories {Amendment) Bill 2216 [Shrimati Renu Chakravartty] now and the hon. Member can continue on the next day. to replenish themselves with good, with nourishment, etc., so that they may be Mr. Speaker: I did not want to inter able to work better. And in this way rupt the lady Member in the midst of I feel that it is necessary that my amend her speech. How much time wDh she ment should be accepted. After all, it pquire? If she can conclude without is a small amendment.. Without tato g losing the force or the effect of away or lowering the rate of 48 hours her arguments, how long will she stipulated^by the Factories Act a$ a take? general average of the amount of woiking hours which ^ould be put in by a w ork^ Shrimati Renu Chakravartty: I will above which he is entitled to overtime take some more time. ^lowance, it should still recognise that Shri Nambiar: It will automatically in those industries due to the nature of come the next day. the work, due to the heavy load of work or other factors, where the work Mr. Speaken If she wants to continue ers have been working for a lower num the next day, she may do so. ber of hours they should be . entitled to overtime allowance, above the stipulat 5-31 P.M. ed number of hours which may be less than 48 hours. The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Half Past Ten of the Clock on Monday Shri Nambiar (Mayuram): It is 5-30 the 12th March, 1956. DAILY DIGEST 2217 [Fridayy gth March 1956] 2218 C o l u m n s C o l u m n s LEAKAGE OF BUDGET nath Singh was further con PROPOSAL . . . 2081 sidered. The Bill was there after withdrawn by leave The Prime Minister and Mi of the House. nister of External Affairs (Shri Jawaharlal Nehru) made a statement regarding PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL the progress of enquiry in NEGATIVED . 2185-2210 regard to the Leakage of Budget. The motion to consider the Indian Raulways (Amend DEMANDS FOR GRANTS— ment) Bill (Omission of sec RAILWAYS . . 2089-2164 tions 71A etc.) was moved Further discussion on the De by Shri Nambiar. After a mands for Grants Nos. 4 short discussion, the motion was negatived. and 5 in respect of Rail ways continued and the Demands were voted in PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL full. Discussion on Demands UNDER CONSIDERATION 2210-16 Nos. 6 to 10 was comme nced. The Discussion was The motion to consider the not concluded. Factories (Amendment) Bill (Substitution of section PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS 59) was moved by Shrimati INTRODUCED . . .2164 Renu Chakravartty. Her (1) National Development speech was not concluded . (Peoples* Participation) Bill by Shri M. L. Dwi- AGENDA FOR MONDAY, vedi 12th MARCH, 1956- (2) National and Festival Paid Holidays Bill by Demands for Grants on ‘Ac Shri Nambiar count Demands for Grant»- Railways, Supplementary PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL Demands for Grants—^Rail 2164-84 WITHDRAWN . • ways for 1955-56; and dis Shri kashi Viswanath cussion on Report of Jaun M andir Bill by Shri Raghu- dice Enquiry Committee* GIPN—S.IV—20 Lok Sabha—21-12-56—840.3^ ^ fVfiH Tf ^TTFT ^ t I # ^ ^ 1 1 ^ i n t f^nTBT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ f%2TT ^ I ^ I ^ ¥T ^ qr ^3^ ^ ’T^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ I o '»iw IV ^ ?Trr ^ ^5pt^ T W w t I ^ ^ WTT ^TJT ^ »rT?: ^3^ qpft ^ ^r ^nw t W ^ ^ *^<^1 ^-^dl ^ I ^ >d»i+ ^ I I ^ ^ WTT ^ ^ I ^ ^ vi'i'rTl T F ft ^ ^ ^ ^ TRTT I ^H«=h) ^ ^dT I tr^ ^ # Tpft f^^rr ^ #■ i ^ WTT W W t ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ mf I ^ ?m7T I T5C ^ q p ft fqWFT ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ \ «rt ^ ^iW ^ Tpft # ^ ^ ^TPT f J T ^ =5nf|#, ^ I % ^ =^^rrvT t I ^ ^ «fV I ^ ? f k ^ i q p f t ^ lq«nia ^ *ft f% ^ «Ft ^ HTSFTT ?TTT snTTftrRTflT ^ I ITT, ^ ^ STT^ I ' I ^ ^ ’fN ’ ^ ^ tii»a *f H