HC Deb 03 March 1930 vol 236 cc6-7
11. Major POLE

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can give information showing the progress made in the last five years in the Indianisation of the superior grade establishment and the upper subordinate staff of the Government-owned Indian railways?

Mr. BENN

I will circulate these figures from which my hon. and gallant Friend will see that progress is being made in this matter.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

May I ask whether the Indianisation in question is being effected in the interests of efficiency, and whether the support of the European managers of the railways has been given?

Mr. BENN

The hon. and gallant Member is aware of the pledges which have been given in reference to Indianisation. By those pledges we stand; we intend to implement them.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

That is not an answer to my question. Is the Indianisation in question in the interests of efficiency?

Mr. BENN

The hon. and gallant Member must form his own private opinion about his own private doubts.

Following are the figures:

Gazetted officers and higher subordinates on Government-owned railways from 1st April, 1924, to 1st April, 1928.
— Officers. Subordinates.
1924:
Europeans … 1,446 2,777
Indians … 372 4,504
1925:
Europeans … 1,418 2,375
Indians … 458 5,315
1926:
Europeans … 1,426 2,089
Indians … 543 5,955
1927:
Europeans … 1,443 2,039
Indians … 619 6,251
1928:
Europeans … 1,410 2,005
Indians … 684 6,468