LABOUR IN MADRAS 209 really broad point of view in the light of the actual experience of other countries of the world in this respect. Also, I think the difficulties of election arrangements are overrated. However, observing the way in which the reforms are shaping themselves, I regretfully abandon the 4 million voters for Madras, and in advocating enfranchisment for Indian Factory Labour, I beg leave to put before this Joint Committee two suggestions. My aim is to gain for the factory labourer direct influence in the legislature. My first suggestion gives him power, and a really suitable environment for political education ; the second suggestion does this in a less effective manner. Both these suggestions are very bare outlines, and details will have to be filled in after further consideration. I have appended to this statement & table showing the number of labourers employed in large industrial establishments, both governmental and private. From this it will be seen that some 950,000 Indians work in such factories. The total number of workers in all industrial establishments is about 17,515,250. Both my suggestions endeavour to bring on the electoral roll some at least of the emlpoyees in large industrial establishments I propose that all labourers working in factories and earning a particular wage should be given the vote The wage may differ in different provinces. For Madras, I should suggest that every labourer earning Rs. 15 per month in any large factory should be given the vote. In Bombay and Calcutta the figure will have to be higher. To members of this Committee who may not be fully conversant with Indian labour conditions 14
