On 29th April 1947 Mr. Promatha Ranjan Thakur [Bengal General] at the Constituent Assembly spoke as follows;
“Sir, this is a List of Fundamental Rights, which are only justiciable, I do not understand why economic fundamental right should not be included in these justiciable rights. Economic rights are essential while framing a Country’s Constitution and they must also be made justiciable, I do not understand why mines and key industries and basic industries should not be nationalized…”
“Another point which I wished to refer is in relation to Clause VI – regarding untouchability where it is said that…”
“Untouchability in any form is abolished and the imposition of any disability on that account shall be an offence.”
“I do not understand how you can abolish untouchability without abolishing the very caste system, untouchability is nothing but the symptom of the disease, namely the caste system, it exist as a matter of caste system, I do not understand how this in its present form can be allowed to stand in the List of Fundamental Rights? I think the House should consider this point seriously. Unless we can do away with the caste system altogether there is no use tinkering with the problem of untouchability superficially. I have nothing more to say, I hope the House will consider my suggestions seriously.”
Comment: In spite of the pioneering speech with foresight, caste is fully protected in the Constitution.