Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: Has the Minister’s attention been drawn to the statement made by the Prime Minister recently that elections would be held by the end of 1950? May I know if that is the decision of the Government and, if so, whether the progress made in the preparation of electoral rolls, etc., is sufficient for holding the elections in 1950?
The Prime Minister (Shri Jawaharlal Nehru): My statement was “during the next winter”, not by the end of this year: but 1950-51 winter.
Shri Tyagi: What arrangements are being made to hold bye- elections in the various States for seats which have fallen vacant during the last six or seven months?
Dr. Ambedkar: This is a matter which is left to the Governors of the Provinces and they are also under such orders as the President is authorised by the Constitution to give in this be- half.
Shri Vyas: Have Government given any special attention to get the electoral rolls prepared in the case of such States where there are no Legislatures at present?
Dr. Ambedkar: Certainly.
Shri Bharati: May I know if it is a fact that the Government of India have asked the Provinces and States to give their opinion regarding the desirability of holding the elections after the 1951 census so as to have a breathing time? I understood from the papers that the Government of India have asked various States as to their opinion regarding the advisability of holding the general elections after the 1951 census.
Dr. Ambedkar: I am not aware of any such proposal.
Shri Tyagi: Have instances come to the notice of the Government of seats which had fallen vacant months ago in various States and which have not yet been filled up?
Dr. Ambedkar: That is a matter for the Provinces.
Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: Is the Hon. Minister aware of the fact that assurances were given by the Deputy Prime Minister to the Constituent Assembly that in certain areas like East Punjab, Delhi and perhaps Bombay or West Bengal fresh elections will be based on a fresh census? If so, what steps are being taken by the Government to have a census in these areas before the electoral rolls for the new elections are pre-pared.
Dr. Ambedkar: I do not think that is a correct statement of facts.
Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: May I draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the question and the reply of the Hon. Law Minister and ask him whether it is a fact or not that the Deputy Prime Minister had given an assurance?
Mr. Speaker: The Hon. Minister has already replied to the question.
Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: He says that it is not a fact. I want the Prime Minister to say whether it is a fact or not. The assurance is on record.
Shri Kamath: Has the Hon. Minister’s attention been drawn to a United Press of India report from Madras that the Government of India in a communication addressed to the State Governments have asked them whether it would be convenient for them if the elections to the Legislatures of the States are held a few months after the 1951 census is over?
Dr. Ambedkar: I am not aware of it.
List of Scheduled Castes
Prof. Yashwant Rai: Will the Minister of Law be pleased to refer to Article 341 of the Constitution and State:
(a) Whether it is a fact that many castes are anxious to know their inclusion in the list of the Scheduled Castes; and
(b) if so, what steps have been taken by Government in this direction and when the list of the Castes included in the Scheduled Castes will be announced?
The Minister of Law (Dr, Ambedkar): (a) and (b) As required under Article 341 of the Constitution, the Govenors and Rajpramukhs of States have been consulted with regard to the castes, races or tribes etc., which are to be specified as Sched- ule Castes for the purposes of the Constitution and their views and suggestions are at present being examined. This examination is expected to be completed soon, and thereafter the Notification specifying the Scheduled Castes will be issued.
Prof. Yashwant Rai: May I know, Sir, how long will the Government take to announce the list?
Dr. Ambedkar: I have said “soon”. I am sure it will not take very long.
(To be continued)
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings & Speeches, Vol. 15, (pages 1001-1003) 1997, Rs. 110. Govt. of Maharashtra, Bombay. The book may be had from Director, Government Printing. Stationery and Publications. Netaji Subhash Road, Bombay 400 004.
