বাংলাদেশের স্বাধীনতা যুদ্ধ দলিলপত্রঃ দ্বিতীয় খন্ড regions comprising the integrated province. For instance, out of 310 seats, which was the strength fixed for the provincial legislature, 10 were reserved for women and the remaining 300 were divided as follows: 1. Former Punjab - - - 120 plus 4 women’s Seats. 2. Former Sind - - - 56 3. Former N. W.F.P - - - 43 4. Former Baluchistan and States * * * | | 5. Former Bahawalpur State - - - 22 6. Former Khairpur State * 4 в 4 7. The Federal Capital - - - 14 8. Special Areas (including Swat) - - - 30 It was provided that this arrangement should continue for a period of ten years. The idea obviously was that, by the time that period expired; there would be sufficient fusion of interests and, thereafter, it would not be necessary to mark off the seats on the basis of regional representation. We have already indicated in the preceding chapter that the One Unit should continue, and the preponderance at view is to the same effect. If, therefore, the integrated Province is to be continued, it is but reasonable that it should continue on the basis agreed upon at the title it came into existence. They, therefore, do not wish to interfere with the above allocation of seats, and we consider that the arrangement should continue for a period of seven years computed from the date of promulgation of the new Constitution. 82. This scheme also gives the Tribal Areas and the States some seats, though these areas are not liable to taxation. The majority opinion is in favor of these areas, remaining as they are. With regard to the Tribal Areas 83.26% are in favor of keeping them separate, while 15. 6% want them to be merged and 1.14% aims at a gradual merger. As regards the States, 58. 82% want them to remain as they are, while 41.18% want their immediate merger. We have been through the Tribal Areas and we have visited one of the States, Swat. We are in favor of accepting the majority opinion that at present the Tribal Areas and the States should be left as they are. We favor the view that the Tribal Areas should be gradually merged. They desire that, before such merger, they should be materially helped in the matter of education and that their economic conditions should also be improved. From this point of view, their continuance in the Provincial Assembly, irrespective of their not being liable to be taxed, is necessary, as It would give them the necessary training and experience. With regard to the States also, the representation given to them should be continued. As we have recommended only a hundred seats for the province, there should be a proportionate reduction in the number of seats to be given to the various regions, including the Tribal Areas and the States.
