provinces should be given the maximum autonomy. The Central Government should not be undermined but still there are many subjects which can be assigned to the provincial Governments for administration. In the committee stage I had also my difference of opinion and I shall try to express my opinion both in this House and elsewhere. I feel that without affecting the integrity of Pakistan, a larger number of subjects can be given to the provinces. That would be good both for the Centre and the Provinces. It is difficult for the Central Government to administer many subjects from here-from the seat of the Federal Capital. The Secretariat, the Staff and the Ministers who cannot have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties and sufferings of the people on those matters cannot dispose of things quickly and properly from the seat of the Central Government. So far as East Bengal is concerned, the geographical position has got to be given a special consideration. It has been found very very difficult by experience of these six years that some subjects which can easily and without affecting the authority of the Central Government be transferred to the Provincial Governments, could not be dealt with properly and quickly as they could have been done if the subjects were administered by the Provincial Governments.
I am also in favor of having one list instead of having three lists. Make one list of subjects for the Central Government and no more. The rest of the subjects will be administered by the provinces. We had three lists in the Government of India Act; we have suggested three lists in the reports; but I think the best course would be to have only one list, namely, subjects to be administered by the Central Government and there should not be any other list.
Shri Dhirendra Nath Datta: Provinces must have funds to administer the subjects.
The Honorable Mr. Nurul Amin: The question is as the responsibilities will be transferred the sources of revenue will follow. That goes without saying. If the responsibilities are transferred the sources of revenue will also follow.
Now, certain references have been made with regard to the language question and I was surprised that Honorable Members of this House who know the history of the language could raise this question at this stage. After a resolution which was adopted by this House, the Basic Principles Committee had no jurisdiction to make any recommendation with regard to the language. It was decided by this House that the question of language will be taken up when the report is taken up. So this has got to be considered by this House as a proposal or an amendment. The report could not have contained this recommendation. So this issue was out of place. We stand by that resolution which was passed by this House, and I am sure the time will come when the members of this House will give due weight to the claim and sentiments of the people of East Bengal and a solution, as we have been able to find with regard to other matters. will be found for the language also. Sir there was another point on which most of the time of the Honorable Members belonging to the opposition was taken that is with regard to the separate electorates. This very question was discussed threadbare and a full-dress discussions (lasting for several days) took place in this House, when separate electorate was acceded to the scheduled castes on account of their demand. You might have noticed that the other day Mr. Bhandara, who belongs to the schedule Castes...........
