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BOMBAY BRANCH

Oil? THB

ROriiL ASJATie SOCICTY.

TOWN HA Eh, BOMBAY.

Digitized with financial assistance from

Government of Maharashtra
on 01 February, 2020
 BOMBAY BRANCH

OF THE

ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY.

TOWN HALL, BOMBAY.

 BIHAR
IN

1937-38

say
CrjANCH
■ OF
f
o /
BY
S. M. WASI,
Director of 'Publicity.

SUPERINTENDENT, GOVERNMENT PRINTING,

BIHAR, PATNA.
1941.
Priced Publications of the Government of Bihar
can be had from—
X

IN INDIA.
The Superintendent, Government Printing, Bihar,
Gulzarbagh, P. O.
(1) Masses. Thacebb Spimx & Co., Calcutta.
(2) Masses. W. Niwuah & Co., Calcutta.
(3) Masses. S. K. Lahiri & Co., College Street, Calcutta.
(4) Masses. R. Camleay & Co., 6 and 8 2, Hastings Street, Calcutta.
(3) l^sBs. Thomproh & Co., Madras
.(6) Massbs. D. B. Tabafobavala Sons & Co., 103, Meadow Street, Fort, Post
Box No. 18, Bombay.
(7) Masses. M. C. SiBHAB & Sons, 75, Harrison Kosd, Calcutta.
(8) PROFBIXTOB 01 THB Nkwal Kishorb Prbss, Lucknow.
(0) Massbs. M. N. Birman & Co., Bankipore.
(10) Babu Bam Dayal Aoarwala, 184, Katra Bead, Allahabad.
.(11) Thb Stamoabd Literatdba Go., Ltd... 13-1, Old Court House Street, Calcutta.
(12) Manaoab or thb Indian School Supply Depot, 309, Bow Bazar Street,
Calcutta.
(13) Masses. Bottebwobth & Co., Ltd., 6, Haatinga Street, Calcutta.
(14) Masses. B.ui Krishna & Sons, Anarkali Street, Lahore.
(15) Tha Oxford Book and Stationary Company, Delhi.
(16) Masses. Das Brothaes, Nouaerkatra, Patna City.
(17) Tha Book Company, 4/4(a). College Square, Calcutta.
(18) Ma. K. L. Mathub, Guzri, Patna City.
(10) Masses. Raghunath Prasad & Sons, Patna City.
(20) Tha Gbantha Mandtr, Cuttack.
(21) Babu Madan Mohan-Singb, Pbopbiatob, Masses. B. P. Sinha & Beothbes,
Guzri, Patna City. - J-.'
(22) Masses. Sampson •5ViLiliicy& Co,, 127-B, The Mall, Cawnpnr.
(23) Tha Naw Book-^.Company, Publishers and Booksellers, * Kitab Mahal ’, 182.
Hernby Road, Bombay.
(24) Pbopbutob S'aeaswati PusiAXALkii, Booksellers and Stationers, Daltonganj,
(Palamau).
(25) Masses. R. S. Tovaba & Sons, Publishers and Booksellers, Opposite Fort
Gate, Oelbt
(25) Masses. Ham Chandra Nsooy & Company, Bankipore, Patna.
(27) Pbopbiatob, Kamala Book Stoea, Bankipore, Patna.
(28) Pbopbiatob Masses. Bbawani & Sons, Cannuaght Place, New Delhi.

IN EUROPE ANO AMERICA.

Tha Offica of tha High Commissionae foe India, Public Department, India
House, Aldwych, London, W. C.
 Ph o .

5M’

a*^ :'
s<s
*< 3

.^.I'tA
 NOTICE.

The task of preparing this book was entrusted to Mr. S. M.

Wasi, Director of Publicity, and it is now published under
authority and with the general approval of the Provincial
Government, but it must not be assumed that the approval
extends to every particular expression of opinion.

’ CF ,

/<• .0?
 PREFATORY NOTE.
i

tBaS volume de^s with the ^aUeUl year namely

from the 1st April 1937 to the 31st March 1938? Besides
feviewitig> the first year of the working of Provincial
Autenotny and the'activities of the various Departments,
it Surveys some of the more uhportant subsequent
.administrative and legislative measures of Government,

iv
 CONTENTS.

Page.

Pbefatoey Note .. .. •• iv
List of Illustrations and Diagrams .. •• vii
(/hapteb Contents .. •« viii
CHAPTER I.
PouTioAL and General Events •• 1
CHAPTER n.
Hinanod •• •• •• * •• •* 13
CHAPTER m.
The Legislature .. - 22'
CHAPTER iV.
Local Self-Government 31
CHAPTER V.
Education 41
CHAPTER VI.
Public Health and Medical Relief 53
CHAPTER VII.
.Maintenance of Peace, Administration of Justice and Jails 65
CHAPTER VIII.
Excise 84
CHAPTER IX.

The Land and the People .. •• 92

CHAPTER X.
Agbioulture), Livestock and Co-operation 113

CHAPTER XI.
CoMMEEOB AND INDUSTRY •• 128

X
 yi

appendix I.
Pagw.
A.—Thb Oovebhob • •• • •• • •• i
B.—Ministers *•* i
C. —Parliamentary Secretaries ... ... • •• i
D. —Members of the Council of State from Bihar ••• •• i
E. —Members of the Central Legislative Assembly from Bihar .. ii
F.—The Bihar Legislature ••• •»< u
Q.—Members of the Bihar Legislative Council ***. u
H,—Members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly • •• iv
APPENDIX n.’'

Abstbact of the Budget Estimate fob 1938-89 and 1939-40 X

APPENDIX m.
A. —His Excellency Sib Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech,
WELCOMING THE FIRST (AD INTERIM) COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
FORMED UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF InDIA Act OF 1935, ON THE
1ST April 1937 xviii
B.—His Excellency Sib Maurice Gabnieb Hallett’s reply to THE
WELCOME ADDRESSES PRESENTED TO HIM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS
FIRST OFFICIAL ARRIVAL AT EaNCHI, ON THE IOtH J ONE 1937

C.—His Excellency Sib Maubice Gabniee Hallett’s reply to the

WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED TO- HIM BY THE DIRECTORS AND
Members of the Anglo-Indian Colony at MoCluskiequnge
ON THE 12th June 1937 xxiv
D. —His Excellency Sib Maurice Gabnieb Hallett’s Speech at
the PROROGATION OF THE BiHAB LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY AT THE
Council Chamber, Patna, on the 27th September 1937 XXV ii
E. —His Excellency Sib Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech at
THE OPENING OP THE PROVINCIAL FlOOD CONFERENCE AT THB
Sinha Hall, Patna, on the 10th November 1937 ... taix
P.—His Excellency Sib Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech at
THE Police Conference, held at Patna on the 81st January
1938 ... ... ... ... ... ... Xxxiv
G.—His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech
DELIVERED AT DaLMIANAGAR ON THE 2OTH MaBCH 1938 XXXV

H.—His Excellency Sib Maubice Gabnieb Hallett’s Speech at

A pdblio meeting, called in response to the appeal of Her
Excellency Lady Linlithgow fob funds to fight THB
SCOURGE OF Tuberculosis in Bihar, held AT Patna ON THB
28th March 1938 ...

APPENDIX IV.
SOUBOBS OB INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO PUBUO ... klil
GiX)SSABT • •• >•4 • •• Jliv
 LIST OF ILLOSTMTIONS AND OIAORAMS

Page.
1., The Ministers in 1937-38. (From left to • right>*-rThe Hon’Me
Mr. 4^ugFQ^ Narayan Sinha, Minister ior Finance, Locsi
Self-Government and Public, Works; iho Hon’ble Mr. Shri
Krishna Sinhsi, Prime Minister for Eome Afiairs, Kevenue -
and Legislative; the Plon’ble @r. Saijid Mahmud,
Minister for Edueation, Development and Employment;
and the fflon’ble Mr. Jaglal Chaudhuri,. Minister for
• ■ Excise and Public Health ... ■■■ ' Frontispiece.
2. Women 3uabourers' Literacy Class at Xamshedpur 50
8. His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett^ inspecting the scene of the
Bihta train disaster ... ........... .... ........ ^0

4'. Literacy Class at Gaya Central Jail 30

5. ‘ Clean-al( ’ oampai^ as part of the rural development, drive
■ in Bihar .. 123
DIAGRAMS.
1., JDiagranx showing the price in rupees of one standard maimd
of common rice mmiA by month in 1986 and 1987 ... 114

2.. .Cbaph sh^^iog price pet standard mauhd in rupees ef hnportant

agricultural' commodities from 1'938 to 1988 ' 1X5
8. .Chart showing the rise and fall in the best of living of the
labouring classes at Patna compared with ^e pre-war
nermM period ending 1914 which has been takep as 100 141

*♦
vu
 CHAPTER CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. CHAPTER HI—conoid.

POLITICAL AND GENERAL Page.
EVENTS. Budget Discussion' And Voting
Page. Of Demands 26
Congress In .Office ... 1 Obituary References 26
Kisan And Other Politics Bye-Elections 26
Movements 8
Buildings Of The Legislature 27
jBengali-Bihari Controversy ... 4
Bills 27
Communal Relations 5
Party Organisations In The
Labour 6 Assembly 28
The Press 7 Legislative Counoil 20
Their Majesties’ Coronation ... 8 First Session ' ... 20
Floods 8 Meetings 20
Economic Situation 10 Questions And Resolutions 29
Administration 10 Budget Discussion 80
Public Service Commission ... 11 Course Of Legislation 80
CHAPTER II.
FINANCE. CHAPTER IV.
••• ••• 18 LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.
Budget For 1937.88 18 General ... ... ... 81
I
New Schemes 16 District Boards ... ... 81
I
Earthquake Expenditure 16 Income And Expenditure ... 82
I
Supplementary Grants 16 Education 88
Quest For New Sources Of Medical ReliefAnd Public
Sbvsqiiq ••> ••• 17 Health ••• .—
Retrenchment 18 Veterinary
Rural Electrification Scheme 19 Civil Works ... ...
Budget For 1938.39 19 Water Hyacinth ...
Features Of The Budget 20 Local Boards
Union Committees
CHAPTER in.
Union Boards
THE LEGISLATURE,
Municipalities
Provincial Autonomy ... 22
Income And Expenditure ...
Elections ... 22
Education
First Meeting Of The New
Assembly 28 Indoor Administration
Demonstration Of Kisan And Outdoor Administration
Khet Mazdoors ... 23
Sessions And Meetings 24 CHAPTER 7.
Questions 24 EDUCATION.
Resolutions 25 Primary Education 41
Adjoxumment Motions 26 Secondary Education • •• 48
••*
VUl
 ix
CHAPTER ¥—conoid. CHAPTER ¥1—concld. .
Page. Page.
University And Collegiate Diseases Of The Eye 56
Education 44 Health Propaganda And
Oriental Education 44 Special Measures 57
Technical Educatfon 45 School Hygiene 57
Training Of Masters 45 Public Health Laboratory ... 57'
Female Education 45 Water-Supply and Drainage ... 58
Education Of Muslims 46 Jharia Mines Board Of Health 58
Education Of Aborigines 46 Medical Institutions 58
Education Of Europeans And Medical Aid To Women 59
Anglo-Indians 47 Medical Education 59
Education Of Harijans 47 Mental Hospitals 60
Education Of Criminal Tribes 48 Itki Sanatorium 61
Factory Schools 48 The Radium Institute .61
Education Of Backward Com­ 48 The Pasteur Institute 62
munities.
St. John Ambulance Asso­
Education Of Defectives 48 ciation 62
Hazaribagh Reformatory Rural Medical Relief 62
School 49
Nursing Facilities ... 62
Unrecognized Institutions 49
Medical Education For Wo­ 63
Miscellaneous 49 men.
IMPORTANT MEASURES AND Tuberculosis Clinics 63
ACTIVITIES IN 1938-89.
Anti-malarial Work 63
Committees 49
Nutrition Survey 63
Wardha Scheme 60
Other Public Health Measures 68
Mass Education 50
Schemes Under Consideration 64
Girls' Education ... 51
Primary Education ... 51 CHAPTER ¥11,
Libraries ... 51 MAINTENANCE OF PEACE, AD-
... 62 MINISTRATION OF JUSTICE
Miscellaneous AND JAILS.
The Police 65
CHAPTER ¥1.
Revolutionary Crime 67
PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICAL
RELIEF. Crime 68
Vital Statistics 53 Murder 68
Cholera 68 Riots 68
Small-Pox 53 Dacoity 69
Plague 64 Robbery And Burglary 69
Dysentery And Diarrhoea 64 Theft 70
Dropsy 66 OSences Against Currency 70
Malaria And Other Fevers ... 65 Fatalities ... ' 70
Kala-Azar 55 Railway Crime 70
Tuberculosis 66 Other Crimes 71
Leprosy 56 False Cases 71
Venereal Diseases 56 Surveillance 71
 X

CHAPTER ¥11—concld. CHAPTER ¥111—concld.

Page. Page.
Criminal Investigation De- Inauguration Of Prohibition
partment ... 72 In Saran 89
Motor Vehicles ••• 72 Public Reaction To Prohibi­
Criminal Justice ... 72 tion 90
Magisterial Courts ... ... 73 Other Supplementary Measures 90
Courts Of Sessions ... 73 Extension Of Prohibition 90
Duration. Of Sessions Cases 73 Progress In New Dry Areas ... 90
Trials By Jurors And Asses- 73 Prohibition Propaganda 91
sors.
Appeals ... 74 CHAPTER IX.
Death Sentences 75 THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE.
Panchayat Courts ... ... 75 General 92
Complaints By Courts ... 75 Tenancy Reforms ... 92
Receipts ... 75 Rent Reduction 98
Magisterial Staff ... 75 Transfer Of Occupancy Hold­
Civil Justice ... 75 ings ■ 95
Civil Appeals 76 Problem Of Landless La­
Judicial Staff ... 77 bourers os
Miscellaneous ... 77 Restoration Of Lands Sold
Eor Arrears Of Rent 98
Other More Recent Measures , 78
Reduction Of Arrears Of Rent 100
JaUs ... 79
Special Tenancy Legislations 100
Education Of Prisoners ... 80
Belief To Debtors ... 103
Discipline ... 80
Land Revenue And Cess 104
Jail Manufacture ... 81
Coercive Measures ... 105
Health ... 81
Government Estates 105
Miscellaneous ... 82
Wards And Encumbered
Prison Reform ... 82 Estates 106
CHAPTER ¥111 Relations Between Landlords
And Tenants 107
EXCISE.
Survey And Settlement 107
General ... 84
Revenue Cases 108
Developments ... 84
Loans 108
Revenue ... • •• 85
Treasure-Trove 108
Excise Charges ... 85
Forests 108
Tree-Tax System For Toddy 85
Irrigation And Flood Protec­
Cormtry Spirit ... 86 tion 110
Pachwai 86 Buildings X12
Foreign Liquor 86
Ganja 87 CHAPTER X.
Bhang ... 87 AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK
'Opium • •• 88 AND CO-OPERATION.
New Developments in Excise Weather And Crop ... 118
Poucs IN 1938-39. Autumn Crops ... ... 118
Prohibition Act • •• 89 Winter Rice ... ... 114
 XI

CHAPTER X—contd. CHAPTER X—concld.

IMPORTANT MEASURES AND
Page. ACTIVITIES IN 1938-39.
Rabi Crops ... 114 Page.
Lute ... 114 Improvement Of Agriculture 12Q
Sugarcane ... 114 Improvement Of Livestock ... 126
Cotton • •• 116 Rural Development 128
Cropped Area ... 115 CHAPTER XI.
Prices And Marketing 115 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
Agricultural Research ... 115 General • •• 128
Sugarcane Research 116 Sugar Industry ... 129
Rice Research ... 117 Other Industries ... 180
Fruit Research 117 Coal ... 180
Research On Quality Of Iron • •• 181
Cigarette Tabacco 117
Mica •*« 181
Fodder Research ... 117
Copper 181
Provincial Research ... 118
Other Minerals ... 132
Agricultural Engineering Sec­
tion 118 Coal And Metalliferous Mines 132
Accidents ... 132
Agricultural Farms 118
119 Factories • •• 182
Propaganda ...
Agricultural Education ... 119 Registered Companies And
Associations 133
Cattle Diseases 119
Boilers • •• 184
Veterinary Hospitals ... 120
Electricity • •• 184
The Cattle Farm ... ... 120
Cottage Industries ... 135
Bihar Veterinary College ... 120
Pisciculture • •• 137
Propaganda And Research ... 121
State Aid To Industries ... 137
Co-operative Movement ... 121
Industrial Education 138
The Provincial Co-operative Industrial Engineering And
Bank 121 Chemistry 140
Central Banks and Unions 122
Cost Of Living ... 141
Rural Development ... 123 Information Bureau ... 141
Societies ... • •• 124 Commercial And Industrial
The Co-operative Federation 125 Intelligence 142
Co-operative Training Institute 125 Other Important Measures ... 142
 tH&PTER 1.
1 »

Political and. General Events.

There was a general feeling of'relief at the disappearance of
the first obstacle to the successful working
constitution. Early in July,
19.37/'the jDongress decided to accept office. The .long-range
exchange of views which look place between the Congress and the
Secretary of State for India, as' well as between the Governor-
General and. the Governors and the Congress, during the greater
part of summer served to clear th© air.
It was on July 20, 1937, that a Congress Ministry assumed
office replacing the minority ad interim Ministry which had been
functioning uneasily under th© certain knowledge that they were
destined to be defeated on their first encounter with the
Legislature.
With’ th© assumption of office by the Congress there was an
outburst of popular enthusiasm. Meetings and processions were
held all over- the province on the 1st of August on the occasion of
Ministry Day ”. Flags were hoisted on a large number of
buildings under the control of local bodies.
The' Ministry were energetically engaged in translating into
effect their electoral pledges and in this they had the loyal support
of the permanent' .services.
On the adnainistrative side, the release of political prisoners
and the -maintenance of civil liberty were some of the major items
of the Ministry’s policy. All persons interned or externed under
the Bihar Safety Act, 27 in all, were released during the first
month of the Ministry’s taking office.
The first year of the working of Provincial Autonomy was
not without its teething troubles. There' were differences of
opinion with regard to the release of political prisoners in February,
1938, which led to the temporary resignation of the Ministry.
But with goodwill on both sides, the differences were soon composed
and the Ministry returned to office. By the 19th March, 1938, all '
political prisoners were released and subsequently 3 other persons
not previously classed as political prisoners were also released.
2 85 Kev.
 2

The political literature proscribed by previous Governments

was put to a careful examination and the ban was removed from
92 books and publications. No newspaper was now working under
security and there was no ban on any association.

Government took an early opportunity of making it clear to

the public and to all officers of Government that previous parti­
cipation in political activities so long as they did not involve
violence would no longer be a bar to appointment in Government
service. The question of reinstating in service those who resigned
or were discharged on political grounds during the civil disobe­
dience movement was also under examination.

Three important committees were set up: one to enquire into

the extent of corruption in the public services in the province and
to ascertain its causes and to suggest suitable arid effective
remedies; another to enquire into the present administration of
the Santa! Parganas and to suggest such changes and improve­
ments in it as would conduce to the well-being of the inhabitants
and the third to examine the question of separation of executive
and judicial functions and to frame a practical scheme for the
purpose.

Section 8 of the Bengal Kegulation XI of 1806 which enabled

transport to be impressed for officers and travellers was repealed.

The Ministry, though being in an absolute majority in the

Legislature, tried to work in the spirit of democratic theory so far
as the opposition and opposite points of view were concerned by
deciding questions at issue by discussion and compromise. Even
in the matter of tenancy reform, they tried to give full considera­
tion to the landlords’ point of view and to bring about an equitable
adjustment between the two interests, doing justice to both.

The policy of the Ministry towards the minorities was one of

assuring them complete protection of their rights and interests
and this policy was reiterated in the various speeches of the
Hon’ble the Prime Minister. Special attention was paid to the
various needs of the Mussalmane and other minorities. In the
case of the Mussalmans, their public wakfs were allowed to be
exempted from agricultural income-tax, while in the case of the
Christians, they were given exemption for the use of wine for
religious purposes under the prohibition legislation.
 3

The Kisan; /Sabha, the main plank in whose programme is

the abolition of the zamindari system,
continued vigorous propaganda., which
tended more and more towards extremism.
Early in the year trouble occurred in South Bihar, when harvested
or standing crops were looted, while during the cultivating season,
attempts, resulting in riots accompanied in some cases by murder,
were made to take forcible possession of bakasht lands (lands
which passed into the possession of landlords in lieu of arrears of
rent). The storm centres were the .district of Gaya, the Tai area
of the Monghyr district and the adjoining tracts of the Patna
district. The differences between the Congress and the Kisan
Sabha grew and, towards the close • of the year, the Congress
committees of Saran and Monghyr opposed projected visits by
Swami Sahajanand, the Kisan leader, to these districts. Their •
decision was later approved by the Provincial Congress 'Working
Committee and ratified by the All-India Congress Committee.
The Kisan Sabha directed its mam attack against the tenancy
legislation passed by the Ministry on the basis of an agreement
arrived at between the zamindars and the Congress representing
the Kisans.
By common consent the mass of tenancy legislation enacted
by the Ministry was a great step forward in remedying immediate
grievances of the peasants and affording them substantial relief.
There was a conflict of ideals between the orthodox section of
the Congress and the Kisan Sabha votaries who, it was alleged,
preached abolition of property and class war and used the name
of the Congress for that purpose and the breach between the two
became more pronounced. The propaganda carried on by the
Kisan Sabha was disapproved by the Working Committee of the
Bihar Provincial Congress Committee' which was compelled to
adopt the following resolution :
“ In the opinion of this Committee the kind of propaganda
that is being carried on in this province has been responsible for
producing a poisonous atmosphere and attacks are being made on
the principle of “ Ahimsa ” which is the cherished creed of the
Congress. An atmosphere is developing in certain parts of • the
province which, it is apprehended, is likely to do much harm to
the country and put obstacle in the way of the country’s march
towards freedom. The Committee, therefore, considers it neces­
sary and proper to enjoin all Congress workers and those sympa-
fliising with it to keep themselves aloof from such activities and
 4
in accordance with the Congress policy, to fight those who may be
found indulging in them. In view of the fact that the Committee
has before it enough material to prove that many a worker of the
Kisan Sabha is engaged in such activities and in public meetings
organised under the auspices of the Kisan Sabha statements are
being made as a result of which the situation is growing from bad
to worse, and there is a likelihood of the Congress being hampered,
this Committee impresses on such Congress members as are work­
ing in the Kisan Sabha that not only their activities but also their
passive association with them is improper, and directs the District
Congress Committees to keep an eye on these activities of its
workers and report them to the Provincial Congress Committee.”

Prom the last quarter of the year, political activity among

the Muslim community became marked and there was consider­
able propaganda in favour of the Muslim League, whose leader
Mr. M. A. Jinnah visited Patna in October, 1937. With the
exception of the Independent Party, whose attitude was doubtful,
other Muslim Parties in Bihar joined the League. The League
propagandists were assiduous in their condemnation of the Congress
Ministry.

A good deal of controversy raged round the circular issued by

Government to adjust the claims of
Bengall-Blhari
Controversy. different castes and communities in the
services according to their percentage in the
services and in the population. The circular made it clear that
it was not the intention of Government that the appointment of
Bengalis or of any other class should be stopped, nor that the
efficiency of the services should be lowered in order to secure
representation of particular communities. It was, however,
challenged by the Bengali domiciled community contending that
it was untenable in law as it militated against the provision of
section 298 of the Government of India Act which laid down that
“ no subject of His Majesty domiciled in India shall on grounds
only of religion, place of birth, descent, colour or any of them be
ineligible for office under the Crown in India It was pointed
out by the spokesmen of the Ministry that no Provincial Govern­
ment would be expected under any Statute to throw open the
gates of the province to outsiders for the purpose of Government
appointments and as such the Provincial Government were fully
competent to make rules to regulate recruitment to lhe Public
services in the province. The controversy was ultimately taken
 5

to the forum of the Working Committee of All-India Congress

which appointed Dr. Rajendra Prasad to deal with the question
and to submit a report to the Committee.

The province was not free from communal trouble and every
major religious festival became a signal for
Commnnal Re ations. kind of trouble or other. There was
a riot in the Godda subdivision of the Santa! Parganaa in connec­
tion with Holi where the Muslims, who had assembled to resist
the passage of a Holi procession, attacked the police and the Hindu
villager.^;. This was followed by a serious riot at Bhui, a village
in the interior of the Patna district. An agreement had been
reached before the Subdivisional Officer that the members of a
Sankirtan procession would refrain from music or cries while
passing for a distance of some 35 paces in front of the village
mosque. The Subdivisional Officer and a force of police remained
to see that order was maintained but the processionists violated
their promise and burst into loud cries while passing through the
zone of silence. This caused a small body of Muslims to attack
the Hindus and while the police were dealing with the situation
certain Hindus entered a house, murdered two Muslim women and
wounded a third. The situation was brought under control and
a strong police force was left in the village. A week later a
chance quarrel at a mela in Deo in the Gaya district led to wide­
spread looting of Muslim stalls in the mela and some 60 Muslims
received injuries. This caused the mela to break up and as
parties of Hindus were passing through Aurangabad, some 9 miles
from Deo, they were assaulted in the bazar by local Muslims and
the latter attacked several shops before order could be restored.
Instances of communal friction occurred at the same time in
various other parts of the Aurangabad subdivision and feelings
reached the danger point over a wide area. But, fortunately, through
the intervention of the interim Premier, Mr. M. Yunus, outstand­
ing communal differences at Aurangabad were composed and a
settlement was arrived at between the communities. After some
lull communal trouble again made its appearance in the shape of
a riot on the 25th July, 1937, at Madanpur, which is near the
Deo-Aurangabad area where serious communal rioting took place
in the early summer. The riot did not appear to have been
primarily due to communal reasons. During the latter part of the
year communal troubles subsided to a certain degree except for a
riot at village Khairati, police-station Darauli in the Saran district.
The trouble appeared to have been due to strained feelings on
 6

both sides and both parties appeared to have shared in the

responsibility for it. Several houses were burnt but it was not
ascertained whether this was done by the Hindus or Muslims.
The year continued to be characterised by general restlessness
in the labour world. This was due to the
* expectations raised by the emergence of
political leaders among the labouring classes and the failure of
certain industrial concerns to deal with grievances even when
genuine. There were 11 strikes as against 5 in the previous
year. One of the first strikes to occur was at the works of the
Indian Copper Corporation, Limited, at Maubhandar in Singhbhum.
The lead was taken by certain Punjabis and the whole staff,
excepting those in the power-house, came out demanding an
increase in-wages and other facilities. Orders under section 144,
Criminal Procedure Code, had to be promulgated. to prevent
meetings and the carrying of weapon!? and one mob had to be
dispersed by the police and a number of the Punjabi ring-leaders
arrested. This action was followed by a meeting between repre­
sentatives of the strikers and the Manager, whose terms were
accepted by the strikers. Another strike was at the Tata Iron
Foundry, Jamshedpur. On the day the strike commenced only
•28 persons were involved but later on the number of strikers rose
to 1,200. It apparently originated in measures taken by the
management to .deal with unsatisfactory output. As a result of
mediation by the Deputy Commissioner of Singhbhum, an
amicable settlement was arrived at. This was immediately
succeeded by a strike at the Indian Steel and Wire Products,
Limited, Jamshedpur, over the question of bonus. Attempts at
settlement proved unsuccessful. The management refused to
come to terms and by recruiting unskilled bands resumed work
by the end of January, 1938. Picketing, however, continued ■
until March, 1938, in a half-hearted way. The strike ultimately
ended unsuccessfully, many of the workers having resumed work
quietly. The strikes at the Coke Ovens of the Tata Iron and Steel
Company, Jamshedpur, the Chandil Lac Factories, Manbhum, the
Kustore Colliery, Dhanbad, Manbhum, Knmardhubi Works of
Messrs. Bird and Company, Manbhum, the Dalmia Paper Mills at
Dehri and the Portland Cement Factory at Japla were short ones
and were amicably settled.
Efforts were made by Government to improve the lot of both
industrial and agricultural labour. A Committee was appointed by
Government to investigate the condition of industrial labour and
 7

to make recommendations for the purpose of improving their level

of wages, conditions of work, employment, etc. A Labour
Assistant was appointed to investigate the conditions of labour and
assist the Ministry in tackling labour problems arising from time
to time. Considerable progress was made in the settlement of
important labour disputes and three such, namely, at the Indian
Copper Corporation, Mosabani, the Tinplate Works, Golmuri, and
Tatanagar Iron Foundary were satisfactorily settled by the Concilia­
tion Board appointed by Government.
The Press functioned throughout the year without any
restrictions. No action was taken against
any paper and there was no restraint upon
comment. While this was appreciated by the Press generally,
there was a tendency in some quarters to abuse the freedom of the
Press. As before, the Searchlight and the Indian Nation were .
the two most important English dailies. The Searchlight, as the
leading Congress daily, continued to support the Congress Govern­
ment, while the Indian Nation identified itself generally with the
opposition in the Legislature though not by any means always
critical of the Government or their measures. Of the English
weeklies, the Sentinel of Ranchi and the Bihar Herald of Patna
(converted from bi-weekly into weekly) continued to hold a
field. The latter, a well got-up journal, concentrated mainly on
the heated controversy over the Bengali-Bihari question, represent­
ing the Bengali side of the case. Of the Hindi newspapers, the
Navashakti and the Yogi continued to be pro-Govemment while
the Janta was hyper-critical of Government and launched an
intensive attack against the land policy of Government and
supported the extreme socialist and the Kisan Sabhaite views.
Of the Urdu journals of importance, the Ittehad remained anti­
Congress, whjje the Muslim, a pro-Congress journal, ceased pub­
lication during the year owing to the death of its editor. The
Muslim League started their own paper, the Muslim League, an
Urdu bi-weekly.

Provincial matters, all-India political issues and international

affairs were discussed freely in the Press. Among the domestic
questions discussed were the constitutional crisis over the release
of the political prisoners, the Bengali-Bihari controversy, the
agitation for the separation of Chota Nagpur from Bihar, the
tenancy legislation, the Congress-Zamindar agreement, prohibition,
the mass literacy campaign, the rehabilitation of the co-operative
movement, the electric grid scheme, the relations between the
 8

police and the public, the agrarian and the communal situation, the
breach between the Congress and the Kisan Sabha and the proposed
acquisition of the zamindari estates by Government, while of the
all-India issues the Ministerial crisis in the Central Provinces, the
question of appointment of acting Governor for Orissa, the
Gandhi-Viceroy interview, the Gandhi-,Tinnah unity talks, the
Congress attitude towards Federation, the Army Recruitment
Bill, the Congress Premiers’ conference and the Muslim I,eagne
politics received special attention,. Interest was also evinced in
international affairs. The- resignations of the Congress Ministries
in Bihar and United Provinces over the release of political
prisoners were featured in the Pres.s and the actbin of the
Ministries in the two provinces was generally supported. Except
for two minor prosecutions for technical offences no action was
taken under the Press Act.

The Coronation of their Majesties was celebrated throughout

the province with great enthusiasm. The
leaders absented themselve.s from
the function without any active opposition.

The province escaped lightly this year in the matter of floods.

North Bihar was unusually free from floods.
Floods. fact, there was less flooding than in any
year since the earthquake. Owing to the late break of the rains
there were no early floods and the first flood came at the begin­
ning of August. This was due to a simultaneous rise in the
Ganges and the Gogra and it affected the diara areas of Siwan and
Sadr subdivisions of Saran, the Eaghopur diara in Muzaffarpur
and Mohiuddin Nagar thana in Darbhanga. The flood lasted for
about ten days and caused very little serious damage. There was
some apprehension in the Saran district owing to the fact that
Government had not been able to permit the repair of the embank­
ment along the Darauli-Guthni roads which in the previous years
furnished a protection against the Gogra floods. Fortunately, the
flood was not high this year and the repairs done to the Daha
Nala embankments withstood the floods and prevented them from
spreading to north-east. The flooding in the diara tracts of
Saran, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga was entirely normal. There
was little damage to village sites and the cattle were removed in
time. The china catch-crop was destroyed and the bhadai crop
was almost completely destroyed but these are not the main crops
in .this area, which depends chiefly on the rabi crop,
 9

In the middle of August a rather severe local flood took place

in the Kamla and the Tiljuga rivers in Darbhanga which lasted
from about 11th to the 21st of the month. The Madhubani flood
was unusually high and a considerable scare was created in the
newspapers by grossly exaggerated reports. Actually the flooding
was hmited to a small area of about 15 square miles containing a
population of 15,000 people. About eight villages were severely
inundated. There was no loss of life or cattle and the damage to
crops subsequently turned out to be not more than one-fourth of the
expected outturn. Relief arrangements were prompt and sufficient.
The simultaneous flood in the Tiljuga affected the eastern
parts of the Madhepur thana and about 259 houses in low-lying
villages were damaged. The flood covered an area of about
40 square miles. The damage to bhadai crop amounted to one-fifth
of the expected outturn.
The second main flood occurred at the end of August and the
beginning of September and again affected mainly the riparian
tracts along the Gogra and the Ganges. This was more severe in
the Saran district but did not do so much damage in Muzaffarpur
and Darbhanga. The flood invaded 124 villages in the Siwan sub­
division but was kept out of the Sadr subdivision by the
arrangements made to preserve the Daha embankments.
Certain areas in the South Bihar districts, namely, Shahabad,
Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Monghyr were also affected by flood.
The flood in Patna was due to the almost simultaneous rise of the
Sone, the Ganges, the Poonpoon and the Batane. Luckily the rise
did not continue long, and the floods in the district did not assume
any significant dimensions. Gaya and Shahabad were also
partially affected by floods. In the Bhagalpur district, there were
floods in Supaul and Madhipura subdivisions, while in Monghyr a
portion of the'Badr and Begusarai subdivisions was affected by
the floods. There was no loss of human life or cattle, bamng the
loss of a number of lives in two cases of private boat accidents.
In all parts of the province in which flood occurred all
possible steps were taken to warn the people of the impending
danger, to rescue them promptly and to give them immediate
relief in the shape of shelter, food and fodder. A' total of
Rs. 70,738 was spent for flood relief in addition to Rs. 25,000
which was sanctioned, for purchase of boats and rescue work.
Takavi. loans to the extent of Rs. 1,65,169 were distributed, a
major portion of which was spent on flood relief.
 10

There was no appreciable change in the material condition of

the people though in parts of the Bhagalpur
Economic Situation. ^ivigiQu^ jt deteriorated on account of heavy
floods in the north Gangetic and the Kosi areas. Rainfall was
scanty and irregular in the beginning of the monsoon but the
Hathia rains were good. Sugarcane was grown on a smaller scale
than last year. The entire output was consumed productively on
a higher minimum price to the growers’ benefit. The price of lac
continued to be low, affecting the material condition of the people.
Parts of the Sadr and Siwan subdivisions of Saran and of
Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Monghyr were again
affected by floods. In Darbhanga owing to heavy rainfall, the
paddy crops of .the low-lying tracts of Sam&stipur and Madhubani
subdivisions and the bhadai crops of the Ganges diara lands were
destroyed. Relief in the shape of takavi loans and free grants
was given to purchase seeds and reconstruct houses.
There was no marked change in the wages of labourers.
Landless labourers in Tirhut continued to be employed on earth­
quake reconstruction work on roads and buildings. In the Santal
Parganas the labouring classes had plenty of work in the stone
quarries, sabai baris, mills and collieries. Making of roads and
sinking of wells out of the Rural Development grant provided
employment to a number of labourers. In ITazaribagh there was
an abnormal increase in the demand for labour in the mica area,
the result being a marked increase in wages and a shortage of
supply of labour for agricultural and domestic purposes. Supply
was deficient in private collieries which led to considerable compe­
tition among owners for labour. The shortage was due to the
prohibition of employment of women inside the mines as the
men did not generally like to go there leaving their wives and
children alone in the villages.
There was only one ©migrant from Hazaribagh against 71 in
the last year. In Ranchi, the nmnber rose from 7,838 adults with
3,633 dependants in the previous year to 10,502 adults with 4,517
dependants and in Palamau, from 726 adults with 453 dependants
to 1,170 adults with 490 dependants. The increase in both the
districts is ascribed to fluctuations of the labour market. In the
Santal Parganas 444 emigrated against 420 in the preceding year.
His Excellency Sir Maurice Gamier Hallett, k.c.s.i. , c.i.b.,
I.C.S., continued to hold office as Governor
Administration. the Province throughout the year.
 11

Following the resignation of the ad interim Ministry on the

19th July, 1937, His Excellency, acting in his discretion, appointed
a new Council of Ministers with effect from the 20th July, consist­
ing of the following :—(1) The Hon’ble Mr. Sri Krishna Sinha,
m.l.a., Prime Minister for Home Affairs, Revenue, Judicial and
Jails, (2) The Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, M.L.A.,
Minister for Finance, Commerce, Local Self-Government, Medical,
Public Works and Irrigation, (3) The Hon’ble Mr. Jaglal
Chaudhuri, m.l.a. , Public Health and Excise and (4) The Hon’ble
Dr. Saiyid Mahmud, m.l.a., Bar-at-Law, Minister for Education
and Development.
To relieve the Hon’ble Ministers in the discharge of their
parliamentary duties in the Legislature, His Excellency the
Governor also appointed with effect from the 27th September,
1937, the following members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly as
Parliamentary Secretaries to the Hon’ble Ministers :—
(1) Mr. Krishna Ballabh Sahay, m.l.a.. Political, Appoint­
ment and Revenue Departments, (2) Mr. Shiva Nandan Prashad
Mandal, m.l.a., Judicial and Jails Departments, (3) Pandit
Binodanand Jha, m.l.a.. Local Self-Government, Medical and
Public Health Departments, (4) Mr. Jagat Narain Lal, m.l.a..
Finance and Commerce Departments, (5) Mr. Jagjivan Ram,
M.L.A., Development Department, (6) Mr. Sarangdhar Sinha,
M.L.A., Education Department, (7) Mr. Sayeedul Haque, m.l.a..
Excise Department and (8) Mr. Jimut Bahan Sen, m.l.a.. Public
Works and Irrigation Departments.
At the High Court, the Hon’ble Sir Courtney Terrell, Kt.,
continued to hold charge of the office of the Hon’ble the Chief
Justice.
Two temporary judgeships were created in the Patna High
Court—one for the period from the 20th September 1937 to the
27th September 1938 and the other for the period from the 20th
November 1937 to the commencement of the long vacation in
1939. Mr. Justice Manohar Lal was appointed to act as an
Additional Judge of the Patna High Court in the former vacancy
and Mr. Justice Subodh Chandra Chatterji was appointed in the
latter vacancy.
The Government of Bihar jointly with the Governments of
Orissa and the Central Provinces and Berar
constituted a Public Service Commission
under section 264(2) of the Government of
India Act, with effect from the let April, 1937, for conducting
 12
recruitment to the various Proviaciai and some of the Subordinate
services under the contrel of tbe respective Governments concerned.
I'fee Commission consisted of three members "svlio- af).p©i'D'ted by
the three Governors acting in their discretion under section 265'(1)
of the Government of India Act. His Hscellency the Governor of
H&ar appointed Mr. G. E. Pawcus, m.a., o.i.e., O,B.R., t.B.s.,
V.n. ^retired Director of Public Instruction, Bihar), as the member
hrom Bihar and he assumed charge of his office with effect from the
22nd April, lO-ST. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the
Commission since the nomination of the first Chairman rested with
the Gover or of Bihar in terms of the agreement drawn between
the three contracting provinces. The Governors of Orissa , and the
Central Provinces and Berar appointed Khan Bahadiw M. Hamid,
h.A. fa I’etired inemlber of the Orissa Provincial Executive,Service}
ahd Bao Bahadur G. H. Gokhale, b.a.^ (a retired member of
the Central' Provinces ^u^ciat Servace), respectively, as members
to serve on the Commission on behalf of their respective prcjyifices
and they assumed charge of their office with effect from the Sth
and 3rd May, 1937, respectively.
 CHAPTER 11.

Finance.
In the realm of finance the first year of Provincial Autonomy
had to contend with its own peculiar
General. difficulties. Ordinarily, the scheme of
expenditure sponsored'by the Government and embodied in their
budget estimates is presented to the Legislature in advance of the
commencement of the new year, and the spending authority has
before him, at its very start, a well-defined progi’amme to which
he has to conform, barring vicissitudes, in incurring expenditure.
The ad interim Ministry which was installed on the 1st April,
1937, had no approved budget ready to its hand, and the necessary
fuel for keeping the machinery of Government going had to be ■
supplied by His Excellency the Governor in the shape of * Grants on
Account ’ under his discretionary power. The Ministry had,
therefore, to set its shoulders to the task of framing a budget but
before it could pilot it through the Legislature, it had to give
place to a new Ministry, representing the majority party in the
Assembly. As, however, the life of the ‘ Grants on Account ’
was limited to a period of six months from the date of commence­
ment of Part III of the Government of India Act, 1935, the
Ministry had no time to prepare a new budget giving concrete
expression to the economic and social schemes to which it stood
pledged. It had, therefore, to adopt the budget prepared by its
predecessor with a few changes, hoping to find money for some
of its proposals by re-appropriations within the sanctioned grant
or by obtaining supplementary grants from the Legislature.
The first budget, under Provincial Autonomy, for 1937-38 was
" presented to the Assembly in August 1937
Budget For 1937-38. j^y Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah Narayan
Sinha, Finance Minister. The budget estimates framed by him
provided for a revenue deficit of Es. 8,19,000. Actually, however,
there was a surplus of Rs. 7,96,000. The conversion of an
anticipated deficit into a revised surplus was rendered possible in
part by an improvement in revenue, and in part by a decrease in
expenditure. Revenue receipts (Rs. 5,03,27,000) were better than
the budget forecast by Rs. 8,12,000, an improvement wholly due
to a windfall (Rs. 12,50,(X)0) from income-tax receipts assignable
to the provinces under the provisions of section 138(1) of the
Government of India Act, 1935. Expenditure met out of revenue

13
 u
amounted to Es. 4,95,31,000 against Rs. 5,03,34,000 in the budget,
General Administration, Education, Public Health and Civil Works
being mainly responsible for the decrease.
As in past years. Land Revenue, Provincial Excise and Stamps
constitute the mainstay of the Provincial resources. Together, they
accounted for more than 70 per cent of the total Provincial revenue.
Land Revenue has the largest yield of any single tax, and contri­
buted Rs. 1,36,78,000 during the year, but revenue from this head
is not expansive owing to the permanent settlement obtaining in
a major portion of the province, and the actual yield is, to a certain
extent, a gamble in rains. Next in importance in the scheme of
taxation is the Provincial Excise with an yield of Es. 1,21,99,000
but this is likely to undergo progressive shrinkage with the gradual
enforcement of the policy of Prohibition to which the new
Government is pledged.
With the advent of Provincial Autonomy three fresh streams
of revenue have begun to flow into the provincial exchequer,
namely, (1) a share of taxes on income, (2) an increase in the
share of the Jute Export Duty payable to provinces, and
(3) certain interest receipts. The assignment of a share of
“ Taxes on Income ” which is assessed 'and collected by, the
Central Government is the main method of assisting the Provincial
finances contemplated by the Government of India Act, 1935.
The amount distributable to the provinces during the first quin­
quennium commencing from the introduction of Provincial
Autonomy is dependent on the size of the receipts from this source
entering into the divisible pool and the extent to which Railways
can achieve a surplus. The revenue from Customs represents the
share of the Jute Export Duty payable to the provinces. As a
result of the Niemeyer recommendations the share assigned to the
jute-producing provinces was raised from 50 to 62| per cent, and
this increase is answerable for the betterment of about Rs. 2,18,000
under Customs as compared with the previous year. Owing to
the cancellation of the permanent debt of the province as a part
of the financial settlement between the Centre and the Provinces
consequent on the inauguration of Provincial Autonomy, the
interest on the capital borrowed for the construction of Irrigation
works amounting roughly to Rs. 11,44,000, which used to be paid
to the Government of India,'is now credited as an item of
Provincial revenue on the receipt side by a corresponding debit
to Provincial revenues on the expenditure side.
On the expenditure side, the main spending departments are
those grouped under section ' Civil Administration ’ which during
 15

the year appropriated to themselves a substantial chunk (about 67

per cent) of the aggi-egate expenditure. Broadly speaking, these
departments fall into two main divisions, one associated with the
inherent and protective functions of Government like General
Administration, Police, Justice and Jails and the other known
comprehensively as * social services ’ within whose boundaries are
included such diverse heads as Education, Medical, Public Health,
Agriculture, Co-operative and Industries. The former group cost
Rs. 2,01,48,000 (40 per cent of the total expenditure) and the
latter Es. 1,33,08,000 (27 per cent of the total expenditure).
The extra burden on the Provincial revenues which can be definitely
isolated as due to the new constitution—cost of the Governor’s
Secretariat and the Public Service Commission and expenditure
consequent on the enlargement of the Legislature and the pay­
ment to the members—is not, on the balance, likely to be very
much in excess of Rs. 2,00,000 in a full year. This, however, is
exclusive of the non-recuiTing expenditure necessitated by the
additions to the Council Chamber at Patna amounting roughly to
Es. 4,12,{X)0. Next in importance are the ‘ Civil Works ’
(Es. 47,18,000) and the Miscellaneous groups (Es. 52,95,000)
which between themselves claim Es. l,(X),13,000. About a fifth
of the sum under ‘ Civil Works ’ was distributed as * grants-in-
aid ’ to local bodies. The chief ingredient of the latter group is
pension payments. Pension claims are on the increase and the
peak has not yet been reached. They have risen from Es. 35,10,000
in 1936-37 to Es. 39,15,000 during the year. The only other
important item of expenditure is that set against Debt Services,
representing mainly the interest payable on the Provident Fund
deposits, a fresh liability which has devolved on the Provincial
Government under the scheme for the decentralisation of balances
and cancellation of the debt owed by them to the Central
Government.

It was estimated that the province would have at the close

of the year a closing balance of Rs. 87,04,000 of which
Rs. 13,18,000 would be ordinary balance, excluding Es. 11,00,000
as normal treasury balance, and Es. 10,00,000 as minimum balance
with the Reserve Bank available for all expenditure of the
Provincial Government and the remainder earmarked balances.
The province had a balance and no debt. This is satisfactory
looked at from a purely conservative financial point of view, but
this has been made possible because the standard of expenditure
has been' kept at a very low level over a number of years.
 le
Only Es. 7J lakhs was available for new schemes properly sb
New Sche les called and the Government made the best
possible use of the available funds. Of this
over Rs. 3 lakhs was given, by way of assistance to district boards
. for such essential rural services as water-supply, drainage and
sewerage and to help to deal with malaria epidemic and for medical
relief and equipment. Education, Agriculture, Veterinary and
Industries absorbed another lakh and new schemes under these
included increased provision for scholarships for industrial educa­
tion and the Industrial Information Bureau to deal with the
problem of middle class unemployment, provision to improve the
educational facilities for the Harijans and provision for emergency
flood relief in North Bihar.
The expenditure in connection with earthquake reconstruction
falls into two classes. The first is the
Earthquake Expenditure, expenditure on the reconstruction of Govern­
ment buildings and the other is in connection with the
reconstruction of the property of local bodies, hospitals, schools,
etc. Under the former class, provision was made in the budget
for a total expenditure of Rs. 14,02,000, while under the latter,
out of the sum received from the Government of India, the
Provincial Government decided to set aside Rs. IJ crores for these
purposes which was considered sufficient. Out of this sum,
Rs. 1,06,00,000 was allotted up to the end nf 1936-37 and it was
anticipated that Rs. 42 lakhs would be allotted in 1937-38 and
the balance of Rs. 2 lakhs in subsequent years. It was hoped that
at the end of the year, the process of earthquake reconstruction
of Government buildings would be nearly complete—the total
cost on tiiese would then have been Rs. 1,19,92,000 of which
Rs. 51,48,000 was met from the fund set aside by the Government
of India, Rs.'35,97,000 by borrowing from the Government of
India (the outstanding balance of which has, however, been can­
celled as part of the Niemeyer proposals) and Rs. 32,47,000 by
drawing on Provincial balances.
The new Government financed some of their important social
welfare schemes by means of supplementary
Supplementary Grants, appropriations during the year.
Two supplementary schedules of authorised expenditure were
authenticated by His Excellency the Governor during the year,
one for Rs. 3,86,086 in 'December 1937 and the other for
Rs. 7,76,214 in March 1938. The first consisted of eleven
supplementary grants; the second of twenty-one supplementary
 it
grants aggregating Es. 643,499 and eleven supplementary appro­
priations amounting to Es. 1,32,715 required to meet the
expenditure charged on the revenues of the province. The
supplementary grants voted by the Legislature and the supple­
mentary chaJ’ged appropriations thus amounted to Es. 10,29,535
and Es. 1,32,715 respectively.
A popular Government pledged to strengthen the people’s life
in several important directions could not
Quest Fob New Sources ggntenh with the static state of the
or Revenue. • ,
province s finances coming as ■a-legacy from
the past. They, therefore, started exploring the possibilities of
augmenting the revenues of the province either by fresh taxation
measures or by retrenchments in expenditure. They being com­
mitted to introduce prohibition in stages, it was obviously necessary
to see that the losses' arising thereby were made good in other
ways. Apart from this, it is well known that the existing sources
of revenue are so inadequate that very little is left after meeting
the lowest requirements in the way of expenditure to which
Government are committed. More money is essential if the
activities of the nation-building departments’ are to be enlarged
and the condition- of the rural masses improved.
Of the taxation measures enacted by Government, the most
important was the Bihar Agricultural Income-Tax Act. Next in
importance were the .Bihar Stamp (Amendment) Act and the
Bihar Entertainments Duty Act. Taxes on agricultural incomes
and duty on entertainments and on stamps are all items included
in the Provincial Legislative List of the Government of India
Act. Government saw no reason why those who derived large
or relatively large incomes from agriculture should not pay tax
on those incomes or why those who spent money over entertain­
ments should not contribute something towards the revenues of
the State. The taxes which have been imposed by these measures
will affect only those who are able to pay them and will not touch
the poorer classes. Under the Agricultural Income-Tax Act
petty landlords and the smaller cultivators have been exempted
from the payment of the.tax, income below rupees five thousand
having been exempted from the tax. The general principles in
assessment of this tax follow what is done in the case of assess­
ment of non-agricultural income under the Indian Income-Tax
Act, a graduated scale having been fixed in which the rate of tax
per rupee of the taxable income increases with the increase in
such income. The total income from this tax wag ■ originally
5 85 Rev.
 J8

6XJ)6cted to be about forty lakhs of rupees but has, after actual

working of the Act, been found to be considerably less. The
Bihar Stamp (Amendment) Act enhanced .the rate of stamp duty
on certain instruments, etc., so as to bring in an increased annual
revenue of Bs. lakhs. The Bihar Entertainments Duty Act
empowers the levy of a tax on all payments received for admission
to places of public entertainment. The principle pf taxing what
are after all luxuries has 'been established and an annual income
of about Es. 30,000 is expected from this source.
Considerations of economy in expenditure on the permanent
services of the administration so as to
Retrenchment. release funds and make them available for
the beneficent activities of Government have been constantly
before Government since they assumed office, and in order to
explore all avenues of economy and retrenchment by the reorgani­
sation of services, the fixing, wherever possible, of new scales of
pay and allowances and the restrictions of expenditure on com­
paratively less useful activities or otherwise, Government
appointed a Eetrenchment Committee under the chairmanship of
the Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Finance Minister.
The Committee has now submitted its first report and the various
departments of Government are examining the recommendations
made. Government had already sanctioned and enforced certain
reduction in the rates of travelling allowances of the officers which
were expected to result in an economy of about one lakh of rupees
annually. In pursuance of their policy of avoiding expenditure
on brick and mortar. Government practically stopped all
expenditure on new building projects and also reduced the
provision for minor works projects to about a fifth qf the normal
provision.
Along with reduction in expenditure where possible, the
need for allotting more funds for the amelioration of conditions
in the rural areas was prominently kept in mind. Funds on a
very liberal scale were allotted to deal with the acute malarial
problem in Muzaffarpur, and other districts were also given
special grants for anti-malarial measures. Funds were provided
for various nation-building activities of other departments.
Provision for rural water-supply was rrtade on a much larger scale
and steps taken to improve the progress of work of rural recons­
truction financed from the grants of the Government of India.
A sum of Es. 80,000 from this source was placed at the disposal
of the Hon’ble Minister in charge of Development for expenditure
 19

bn village welfare "schemes. The importance of repairs to ahdrs

and payens and of bandhs for flood protection had been recognised
and expenditure on these allowed as a charge on the rural
development grants.
The most important scheme under the consideration of
Government in the Finance Department
Rural Electrification was of rural electrification through a grid
Scheme.
system. The scheme is expected to achieve
the object of supplying cheap electricity to rural areas for
domestic, agricultural and industrial purposes. As a preliminary
step, distribution of current for water-supply and domestic
purposes in Sasaram as also for tube-well irrigation through
current purchased in bulk from the Rohtas Industries was being
worked out and almost completed. Similarly, another scheme '
was being worked out for tube-well irrigation in the Bihar
subdivision. Current will be generated in the latter case by oil­
engines for the time being, the pm'pose being to gauge the extent
to which tube-well irrigation is likely to be taken advantage of
by the cultivators pending completion of the general scheme.
Judged from the Gladstonian standard that “ budgets are not
merely affairs of arithmetic but in a
Budget For 1938-39. thousand ways go to the root of the pros­
perity of individuals, the relation of classes and the strength of
the people ”, the Bihar budget for 1938-39 presented to the
Assembly by the Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Finance
Minister, in -March, 1938 was the real people’s budget. AJl the
available’funds were devoted to the carrying out of the Govern­
ment’s forward' ail'd intensive policy of development and
reconstruction. Not given the riches of her neighbours, Bihar
has very limited financial resources though committed to cater
for the heeds of a big and growing population. The speech
delivered by the Finance Minister in introducing the Budget
reviewed the nation-building activities of Government and the
future programme of development. Reference was made to the
various schemes of relief which had been undertaken or were
contemplated by the popular ministry. Important measures for
bettering the condition of the rural masses included tenancy and
agrarian reform, legislation to deal with rural indebtedness,
regulation and rationalisation of the sugar industry, expansion
of the activities of the Agricultural Department and a compre­
hensive scheme of rural development.
As for the actual budgetary position, the Finance Minister
observed that the budget was a surplus one. Taking on the credit
 20

side’ the Es. 7 lakhs representing the excess of loans recovered

over loans advanced (which under the Niemeyer Award was
treated as equivalent to a grant-in-aid to the province) the total
sum available for expenditure was Rs. 505J lakhs. The Expendi­
ture charged to Revenue was Rs. 494 lakhs.- To this was to be
added Rs. 8 lakhs earmarked as a reserve for financing of new
schemes under preparation but which were not ready at the time
of presentation of the budget. It was proposed to finance them
through supplementary demands during the year 1938-39. The
Revenue surplus was thus about Rs. 3 lakhs.
Bi mi. T> J., *
Features Of The Budget.
The ,noticeable
„
features of the budget
®
were as follows :—?
1. Revenue.—Under * Taxes on Income ’ provision was made
for a receipt of Rs. 12,80,000 from the Government of India as
the province’s share of income-tax and Rs. 5 lakhs from the
Agricultural Income-Tax, the Bill in connection with which was
still before the Assembly but was expected to be passed so as to
make some collections possible in the latter part of 1938-39. An
increased provision of • Rs. 3 lakhs was made under ‘ Stamps ’
accounting for the extra revenue expected from the passing of
the Stamp (Amendment) Act at the previous session of the
Assembly. Similarly, as a result of the enforcement of the Bihar
Entertainments Duty Act, Es. 30,000 was provided under ‘ Other
taxes and duties ’.
The provision under ‘ Excise ’ was kept down by Es. 17 lakhs
of which Es. 10 lakhs was earmarked for loss of revenue due to
prohibition measures proposed to be undertaken in selected areas
and closure of some liquor shops situated in objectionable areas.
The remaining fall of Rs. 7 lakhs was anticipated as a normal
loss resulting from temperance propaganda, etc., etc.
Similarly a reduction of Rs. 2 lakhs was made in the revenue
head under ‘ Irrigation ’ in anticipation of certain reductions con­
templated in, the canal raises which were to be effected in 1938-39.
Expenditure:—-Expenditure had still to be kept down to
what was practically*= an' impossibly low figure in order to balance
the budget. Major retrenchments were hardly possible as the
rate of expenditure .in ’ general was already very low. Only
certain minor retrenchments could, therefore, be made.
Reserve earmarked for new schemes.—The earmarked reserve
of Es. 8 lakhs to which reference has already been made was
 SI

intended fo finance schemes still under preparation connected with

rural development, improved irrigation facilities, tackling of the
acute malarial problem in Muzaffarpur, enquiries in connection
with the mineral resources of the province and of the possibility
of a scheme of electrification in the rural areas, and the reorganisa­
tion of jail industries.
New schemes.—-The provision for new schemes actually
included in the budget amounted to Es. lakhs recurring and
Es. 28 lakhs non-recurring 'of which Es. 18 lakhs were intended
to be spent in 1938-39. A large share of the non-recurring items
amounting to an ultimate cost of Es. 19 lakhs was for. expenditure
on road projects financed from the Central Eoad Fund by the
Government of India. The rest included Es. 1,25,000 for' grants
to district boards for rural water-supply, an increased provision of
Es. 19,450 for special scholarships to Harijans, Es. 10,000 for
scholarships to Mqmins and Es. 3,420 for aboriginals. Es. 44,000
was provided for improvement and equipment of hospitals and
dispensaries, Es. 20,000 for medical relief in rural areas and the
same amount as contribution to local bodies for water-supply,
drainage and sewerage projects. Funds were also provided for
ameliorative schemes like resuscitation of the existing village
industries and establishing new ones, improvement of the standard
of agricultural farming and for prevention of epidemics
“ Little money and much to do ” was the problem before
the popular Government, and, in spite of the financial limitations,
they were deteripined to do their best for the people and had in
fact done as much as possible within the limited financial
resources at their disposal. The Finance Minister, therefore,
rightly hinted that situated as they were, it seemed that there was
no way out for'them except to nlan some big measure for raising
large sums which could be immediately available for the various
purposes in view.

OF THE
/O BOMBAY P !
!•< branch
I > OF
 CHAPTER III

The Legislature

The 1st April, 1937, witnessed the inauguration of Provincial

_ , . , , . Autonomy as envisaged in part IH of the
P»,lndd AMonom,. iggj The
unicameral legislature of the old Government of India Act was
replaced by a bicameral legislature, namely, the Legislative
Assembly and the Legislative Council, under the new Constitution.
The Legislative Assembly has a strength of 152 members chosen
directly by the people voting in territorial and special constituen­
cies in accordance with the extended franchise qualifications
embodied in the fifth and the sixth schedules to the Government
of India Act, 1935, the Government of India (Provincial Legisla­
tive Assemblies) Order, 1936, and the Provincial Electoral and
Election Rules. The new Council as constituted is a permanent
body and is not subject to dissolution as was the old unicameral
Bihar Legislative Council. It consists of 30 members including the
Hon’ble the President. Of these nine represent the general seats,
four the Muhammadan seats, one European seat, 12 are elected
by the Bihar Legislative Assembly and four have been chosen by
His Excellency the Governor in his discretion. -
The Indian National Congress fought the elections on the basis
Elections detailed economic and political
programme with demand for a Constituent
Assembly in the forefront and achieved remarkable success, at the
polls. As many as 97 (out of the 152 seats) went to the Congress
Party. Out of 152 members of the Assembly there were only
30 who were members of the Legislature of the province which
existed before the 1st April, 1937, at one stage or another.
The new elections brought to the poll nearly 1,367,184 voters.
But the Congress Party’s success did not at once bring its
leaders face to face with the formation of a Ministry owing to the
constitutional impasse that had been created over the question of
office acceptance of which no solution was forthcoming on the
J st April, 1937, and the summoning of the new Legislature waR
postponed for about four months.

22
 23

On the 3rd July, 1937, a notification was issued by His

Excellency the Governor summoning the
A8semSy7’*° Legislative Assembly on the 22nd July, 1937,
in the old Council Chamber. Mr. (now Dr.)
Sachchidananda Sinha who took his oath before His Excellency
the Governor at Government House on the morning of the 22nd
July was appointed under sub-section (3) of section 65 of the
Government of India Act to perform the duties of the Speaker of
the Assembly until a Speaker,was elected. The members spent the
whole of the 22nd July in taking the oath prescribed by section 67
of the Government of India Act. On the following day, i.e., 23rd
July, the Assembly proceeded to elect a Speaker and a' Deputy
Speaker. Mr. Eamdayalu Sinha and Professor Abdul Bari were
elected without any contest as the fii’st Speaker and Deputy Speaker
of the Assembly respectively. Before vacating the chair of acting '
Speaker Dr. Sinha delivered a long speech rapidly surveying the
political changes since 1893 and dilating on the altered constitutional
circumstances due to the introduction of Provincial Autonomy and
the new powers and responsibilities under it.
When the Hon’ble Mr. Eamdayalu Sinha took the chair as
the Speaker of the new Assembly, he received warm felicitations
and glowing tributes from all sides of the House, In acknowledging
the congratulations the new Speaker assured the House that be
would discharge the onerous and responsible duties of the high
office that devolved upon him always keeping before him the
example set by the late Mr. V. J. Patel and expressed in the
following words:—
” Anyone who aspires to fill this great office with any hope of
success must lay aside all that is personal, all that is of party, all
that savours of- political predilectiop, and learn to subordinate
everything to the great interests of the House as a whole. Not
that it is possible for anyone to divest himself so completely of
the influence of his political associations and the teachings of a
lifetime. He may have his political opinions, he may retain them;
he may have his prejudices; but in his general decisions and in his
treatment of individual members no trace of them should find any
place.”
On the 23rd of August, 1937, when the Assembly met for the
first time after the election of the Speaker
’°A“d“£t Deputy Speaker, there was a
demonstration by Kisans in front of the
Assembly Chamber due to which (ihp meeting of the House was
 24

delayed for an hour and a half. There was also another demons­
tration by Khet Mazdoors on the 15th December, 1937, but
this time the processionists remained outside the compound of the
Assembly and Council buildings and the business of the Legislature
was not disturbed.
During the period under review there were two complete
Sessions And Meetings, sessions of the Assembly and the third
-n session which commenced on the 5th March,
1938, continued up to the 23rd August, 1938. The first session
which commenced on the 22nd July lasted till the 27th September
and the second session which began on the 1st December ended
on the 23rd December. A session in December is not likely to be
an annual event but this time it was an indispensable necessity
owing to the pending legislative measures designed to improve the
lot of the peasants. The protracted third session was necessitated
by the heavy legislative programme of Government.
The Assembly again met on the 5th March, about a month
later than the usual winter session of the old Legislative Council,
though it was expected that it would meet much earlier. The
delay was due to the fact that a vital constitutional issue arose
over the release of political prisoners, which resulted in the
resignation of the Congress Ministry for the time being. But
it was soon over, and on the opening day of the Assembly session
the Prime Minister and his colleagues were warmly congratulated
by the leaders of the different groups in the House on the amicable
solution of the differences over the issue.
In all, there were 58 sittings of the Assembly, of which
27 days were devoted to the transaction of financial business, three
to non-official business and the remainder to the disposal of official
Bills and resolutions.
The privilege of interpellation in order to gather information
Questions bring certain facts to the notice of
Government or to act as a check on the
day-to-day administration of the executive Government has been
fully utilised by the members of the new Assembly. This is evident
from the abnormally large number of questions, of which notices
were given during the period under review. There were received
notices of 1,860 questions during the year under report. Of these
questions, 1,091 on a wide range of subjects were answered, 237
questions were disallowed as they contravened the rules of the
Assembly, 8 lapsed, 85 were withdrawn and 109 remained pending
at the close of the year. In addition, 1,579 supplementary questions
57ere put and answered.
 25

Out of 832 resolutions of which notices were given, as many

as 204 ranging over a wide field of social
esou ons, political subjects were included in the
agenda for discussion during the year under review. Ninety-three
resolutions received from different members related substantially to
the same subject. Only 12 resolutions, however, were actually
moved of which eight were carried, three were withdrawn and one
was rejected. Of the resolutions adopted four related to the
appointment of Committees, namely:—
(1) Committee to enquire into the causes of the Bihta
Railway Disaster and the extent of loss;
(2) Committee to enquire into the administration of the
Santal Parganas;
(3) Committee to enquire into the living wage of labourers;
and
(4) Committee to prepare a scheme for separation of
judicial and executive functions.
Of the resolutions discussed by the Assembly during the year
special mention may be made of two, both of which were moved
in the August-September Session. The resolution about the
framing of a constitution for India by a Constituent Assembly on
the basis of adult franchise was moved by the Hon’ble Mr. Shri
Krishna Sinha, Prime Minister. Along with four amendments
with regard to the safeguarding of minority and other special
interests it was discussed on four days, but ultimately the resolution
with the amendment moved by a Muslim member, Mr. Saiyid
Rafiuddin Rizvi, was adopted by the House.
A good de?,}, of political controversy also raged round the
resolution moved by the Finance Minister, Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah
Narayan Sinha, which sought approval of the Assembly to the
principle of taxing agricultural income and made a recommendation
to the l*tovincial Government to introduce a Bill for the purpose.
Discussion on the resolution lasted for four days. The only
amendment moved and discussed was that sponsored by
Mr. Cbandreshwar Prasad Narayan Sinha, Leader of the Opposi­
tion, to the effect that a committee be first appointed consisting
of the members of the Legislature to examine and report on the
principle of levying the said tax before Government introduced a
Bill on the subject, but it was eventually negatived by the House
and the resolution as originally moved by the Finance Minister was
passed.
 26

Notices of five motions for adjournment of the House were

received. Of these one was disallowed by
Adjournment Motions, p-jg Excellency the Governor and the other
by the Hon’ble the Speaker and the notices of the remaining three
were ultimately not pressed by the members concerned.

During the period under report two budgets were presented,

I discussed and voted upon : the budget for
the year 1937-38 was presented on the 23rd
Voting Of Demands. . . ..._ , ., F c moo on
August, 1937, and that for the year 1938-39
on the Sth March, 1938.
As usual the presentation of the budget for the year 1937-38
and 1938-39 each took one day, three days were devoted to the
general discussion of the first budget and two days to that of the
second budget, while the voting of demands for grants occupied nine
days in each case. In dealing with the demands for grants the
Assembly had before it on the agenda 432 motions for reduction of
grants or omission or reduction of items in grants relating to the
budget for the year 1937-38 and 536 relating to that for the year
1938-39. Of these motions 58 were actually moved and discussed
and of these one was rejected and 57 were withdrawn.
Apart from the main budgets, there were as many as 30
supplementary demands of which a large number of items related to
new services. All the demands were voted by the Assembly.

During the period under review the Assembly mourned the

, deaths of the following members and ex-
members by passing condolence motions
(1) Mr. Shashi Bhusan Bai who had been elected from
Pakaur cum Bajmahal General Rural Constituency of
the Assembly.
(2) Raja Bahadur Kirtyananda Sinha of Banaili who was
a member of the old Legislative Council in the vear
1921.
Peeling references were also made to the memory of Dr. Kashi
Prasad Jayaswal, the great historian and litterateur.
During the period under review there were seven bye-elections
to fill vacancies in the following constituen-
Bye-eleot ons. Legislative Assembly :—

(1) Patna and Tirhut cum Bhagalpur European

Coristituepcy.
 (2) Bihar Planters’ Association Constituency.
(3) Indian Mining Association Constituency (two bye­
elections).
(4) Pakaur cum Rajmahal General Rural Constituency.
(5) Chota Nagpur European Constituency.
(6) Patna City Muhammadan Urban Constituency.
Of these bye-elections, only the bye-election in the Patna City
Muhammadan Urban Constituency was contested.
During the pre-autonomy days there was one building only to
accommodate the members of the Council
BuUdfngSj^Of^The Legis- offices of the Legislature. With the
introduction of the bicameral Legislature
and need for larger accommodation for office, Library, Ministers,
Parliamentary Secretaries and leaders of the parties, two additional
wings one on either side of the old Chamber have been
constructed, the southern wing being styled as the Administrative
•Bloc, and the Northern wing as the Council Bloc. The total cost
of the construction of the new wings and of the alterations in the
existing building together with the cost of furniture and electric and
sanitary fittings was Es. 3,57,925.
The year was one of the greatest legislative importance in the
gjjjg history of the province and the measures that
provoked considerable discussion related to
reforms in tenancy laws. The following Bills were passed by the
Legislative Assembly during the period under report :—
(1) The Bihar Legislature (Officers’ Salaries) Bill, 1937.
(2) The Bihar Ministers’ Salaries Rill, 1937.
(3) The Bihar Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications)
Bill, 1937.
(4) The Bihar Entertainment Duty Bill, 1937.
(5) The Famine Relief Fund (Expenditure) Bill, 1937.
(6) The Bihai’ Stamp (Amendment) Bill, 1937.
(7) The Bihar Tenancy (Amendment) Bill, 1937.
(8) The Chota Nagpur Tenancy (Apiendment) Bill, 1937.
(9) The Bihar Sugar Factories Control Bill, 1937.
(10) The Bengal Troops Transport and Travellers Assistance
Regulation (Amendment) Bill. 1938.
 28

The following Bills were also introduced in the Assembly

during the period under review but they reached subsequent stages
in the following year :—
(1) The Bihar Money-Lenders’ Bill, 1937,
(2) . The Bihar Agricultural Income-tax Bill, 1937, and
(3) The Bihar Prohibition Bill, 1938.
Of the Bills introduced and passed the following became law
during the year under report :—
(1) The Bihar Ministers’ Salaries Act, 1937 (Act I of 1937),
(2) The Bihar Legislature (Officers’ Salaries') Act, 1937 (Act
n of 1937),
(3) The Bihar Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications)
Act, 1937 (Act m of 1937),
(4) The Bihar Famine Relief Fund (Expenditure) Act, 1937
(Act IV of 1937),
(5) The Bihar Entertainment Duty Act, 1937 (Act V of
1937),
(6) The Bihar Stamp (Amendment) Act, 1937 (Act VI of
1937),
(7) The Bihar Sugar Factories Control Act, 1937 (Act VII of
1937), and
(8) The Bihar Tenancy (Amendment) Act, 1937 (Act Vm
of 1937).

Congress was the only organised party in the Assembly. At

the beginning of the’ first session of the
Assembly the strength of the different parties
lud ASSBulDiy* A
was as follows :—

Congress (excluding the Speaker) 96

Nationalist Coalition 26

Muslims Independent cum-Ahrar ... 23

Of the five members of the Muslim League four coalesced with the
aforesaid Nationalist Coalition Party, Later in the year the
strength of the party was increased by one out of the members not
belonging to any party.
 2^

Thus the Nationalist Coalition Party constituted the Opposi­

tion under the leadership of Mr'. Cfiandreshwar Prasad Narayan
Sinha.
Two complete sessions were held during the period under
The first session was held in July-
Legislative Council, .
September, 1937, and the second session m
December of the same year. The third session also commenced
during the period under'report, i.e., on the 21st March but came
to a close in the next financial year, i.e., on the 24th August, 1938,
and out of 51 meetings of this session 10 were held during the
period under report.

The first session of the Bihar Legislative Council was

First Session. summoned in the Secretariat Conference
Boom on the 22nd July, 1937, and the first
business of the Council was the swearing-in of the members. As
the office of the President was vacant, His Excellency the
Governor in exercise of the power conferred on him by sub-section
(3) of section 65 read with sub-section (5) of the Act, appointed
Bai Bahadur Satis Chandra Sinha, m.l.c., to perform the duties
of the President until a President had been duly elected. The
election of the President of the Council was held on the 23rd July,
1937. As Mr. Bajivaranjan Prasad Sinha was the only candidate,
he was declared to be duly elected President of the Legislative
Council. After the election of the President, the election of the
Deputy President wa.s held. There were two candidates for the
office of the Deputy President, namely, Mrs. Malcolm Sinha and
Mr. Saiyid Naqui Imam. As a result of the election the latter was
declared to be duly elected Deputy President of the Council.

In all, meetings were held for 28 days, of which five days,

namely, the 31st August and the 1st
fle ngs. September, 1937 and the 22nd to 24th
March, 1938, were devoted to the transaction of non-official business.

Notices of 272 Council questions were received during the

period under report, of which 21 were dis-
Questlons^^nd Resolu- allowed under the Bihar Legislative Council
Bules. Fifty-two questions in all remained
pending at the conclusion of the second session of which 44 were
laid on the table at the commencement of the third session. Only
eight questions remained pending. Two hundred and fifty-one
questions on different subjects were actually put and answered as
against 173 in the previous year.
 36

Notices of 52 resolutions were received of which one wa8

disallowed under the Bihar Legislative Council Rules. Fifty-one
resolutions on matters of general public interest were tabled for
discussion, of which six resolutions received from different members
were identical. Only 23 resolutions were discussed, of which four
were negatived, 15 were withdrawn and four were adopted. One
adjournment motion was received to discuss a matter of urgent
public importance but it was disallowed by the Hon’ble the
President, the matter being sub-jndicc.
The budget estimates for the year 1937-38 were presented to
Budget Discussion. August, 1937, and
those for the year 1938-39 on the 21st March,
1938. These estimates were discussed in the Council and several
days were devoted to the business. The first and the second
supplementary statements of expenditure from the revenues of the
province for the year 1937-38 were laid on the table and the latter
was also discussed by the Council.
The following Bills which had been passed by the Bihar
Course Of Legislation, ^^tive Assembly were passed without
amendment :—
fl) The Bihar Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications)
Bill, 1937;
(2) The Bihar Legislature (Officers’ Salaries) Bill, 1937;
(3) The Bihar Ministers’ Salaries Bill, 1937, and
(4) The Bihar Famine Relief Fund (Expenditure) Bill, 1937,
while the Bihar Entertainments Duty Bill, 1937, the Bihar Stamp
(Amendment) Bill, 1937, the Bihar Sugar Factories Control Bill,
1937, the Bihar Tenancy (Amendment) Bill, 1937, and the Chota
Nagpur Tenancy (Amendment) Bill, 1937, were passed with
amendments by the Bihar Legislative Council during the period
under review.
 CHAPTER lY
Local Self-Government
The year was one of progress so far as the working of the
General local bodies is concerned. There has been
steady improvement in the relations between
Government and the local bodies. The policy of Government has
been marked by increasing liberalisation of the position of local
bodies with the minimum of State interference.
Apart from this, in their general dealings with the local bodies
the Congress Government substituted the past policy of legalism
by friendly .advice, suasion and moral pressure with wholly
satisfactory results.
At present in the case of difficulties arising in the administration
of the local bodies Government do not rush to exercise their legal
powers but are usuallv able to persuade the local bodies to
eventually adopt the right course.
A notable feature was the revision of the election rules for
district boards. These were 'so revised by
8 0 oar 8. popular Government as to make a
near approach to adult suffrage. Under the new rules every
person assessed to chaukidari tax of any, amount whatsoever is
qualified to be a voter and is ehgible for election as a member of a
district board. The lowest educational qualification for registration
as a voter, is the passed upper primary examination or any other
examination of equivalent or higher standard. The wives of all
male persons so qualified are also quahfied to vote. The new
elections to the boards on the basis of this very much enlarged
franchise had to be postponed to allow the election rules to be
further revised and in consequence the old boards continued in
office beyond the statutory period of five years. The Bhagalpur
District Board continued to remain under supersession but at the
request of some of the prominent public men of the district an
advisory committee consisting of 25 non-official members was
constituted by Government to advise Government in, all matters
affecting its administration. Thus, in effect, this board was
administered, during the year under report, by popular representa­
tives of the rate-payers. There was a change in the personnel
of the non-official executives of the Muzaffarpur and Monghyr
district boards. Mr. Sri Krishna Sinha, on his appointment as

31
 82

the Prime Minister of Bihar, had to resign his office as chairman

of the Monghyr District Board in August, 1937, and Mr. Nemdhari
Sinha was elected chairman in his place. In Muzaffarpur,
Mr. Chandreshwar Prasad Narayan Sinha and the Hon’ble
Rai Bahadur Sri Narain Mahtha resigned their respective offices
of chairman and vice-chairman of the board in October, 1937, and
Mr. Mahesh Prasad Sinha and Mr. Kishore Narain were elected
chairman and vice-chairman in their places.
The number of meetings held by district boards was in excess
of the statutory minimum of 12 meetings in the year in all the
districts. The average percentage of attendance of members at
meetings was also high, being above 63 in all districts. The
largest number of meetings was held by the Monghyr District
Board, namely, 29.
A number of non-official chairmen of district boards made
fairly extensive tours of inspection, while in some other districts
tours were not adequate. To ensure efficient administration and
effective control it is of the utmost importance that the executives
of the district boards should have first-hand knowledge of the
state of affairs prevailing in their subordinate institutions and
offices and of the local needs and conditions of the people in
outlying areas. This can be possible only by means of well-
planned and regulated tours by( the executives in the interior of the
districts.
The aggregate opening balance 'of district boards on the 1st
Income And Expendl- April, 1937,-amounted to Rs. 20,89,000
tore. against Rs. 38,41,000 in the preceding year.
The balance of the Saran District Board was below the prescribed
minimum and the Champaran District Board had not only no
balance of its own but actually encroached upon the unspent
balance of Government grants to the extent of over Rs. 13,000’.
The total income of the boards from' all sources, including Govern­
ment grants, amounted to Rs. 1,61,36,000 against Rs. 1,55,51,000
in the preceding year. The total amount available for expenditure,
including the opening balance, thus stood at Rs. 1,82,25,000 out
of which a total sum of Es. 1,49,13,000 was actually spent leaving
a closing balance of Rs. 33,12,000. This balance included deposits
amounting to Es. 4,03,000 which is not the boards’ money and an
unspent balance of Government grants amounting to Rs. 7,18,000.
The ordinary free balance of the boards thus amounted to
Rs. 21,90,000 only as against Rs. 15,60,000 in the preceding year.
The total income of the boards from local rates and cess showed
a net increase of Es. 1,80,000 as compared with the preceding
 33

year's figure but were, etill below the figure of 1935-36 when the
total income from this important source amounted to Rs. 73,01,000.
The increase was shared by all the boards except Patna,
Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Ranchi and Palamau. The highest
increase was in Gaya (+ 64) and the lowest decrease was in Patna
( — 37). The decrease in Patna is ^scribed to low realisation of
cess on account of distm-bed agrarian conditions and general
economic depression.

The income of the district boards derived from Government

grants was Rs. 66,20,000 against Rs. 42,56,000 in the preceding
year. This works out to about 44 per cent of the total income
of - the boards.. There was substantial increase in the grants for
education, medical rehef and public health and civil works which
amounted to Rs. 26,28,000, Rs. 3,06,000 and Rs. 35,fi7,000
respectively.
The aggregate expenditure of the boards during the year
amounted to Rs. 1,49,13,000 against Rs. 1,69,35,000 in the
previous year.
The expenditure on education was Rs. 41,35,000 against
Education 41,06,000 in the previous year showing
an increase of approximately Rs. 29,000.
The increase was shared by the district boards of Patna, Gaya,
Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Purnea, Hazaribagh,
Manbhum and Singhbhurn, while other districts recorded a
decrease. In spite of the decrease in some districts, the expenditure
on education was in excess of the minimum prescribed in almost
all the district boards. The number of Middle English schools
maintained by the boards rose from 263 to 299 but that of Middle
Vernacular schools dwindled from 83 to 71. A number of
vernacular schools were converted into Middle English schools as
the demand for the latter class' of schools is reported to be
increasing. The number of upper primary and lower primary
schools managed by the boards increased by 68 and 46 respectively.
Along with the increase in the number of these schools, the nmnber
of pupils attending them also increased. Among the various
classes of schools aided by the boards the number of upper primary
schools rose by 32 but the number of other classes was below that
of the previous year.
The number of girl students attending upper and lower primary
schools managed and aided by the* boards fell by a few hundred
but the number of girl students attending stipendiary schools
4 85 Rev.
 increased by over 5 thousand. Eorty-five girls’ schools were aided
by the union boards in Shahabad. In some places the want of
trained women teachers operated as a distinct handicap to the
cause of female education. The education of girls appeared to have
received greater attention from the Gaya District Board than from
any other board.
Vocational training continued to be given successfully in
middle schools of the Patna District Board. In one such school
students were trained to prepare handkerchiefs and palla caps of
the Lucknow pattern and design. No other board except Shahabad
and Monghyr interested itself in this sort of technical education.
A number of district boards awarded scholarships for technical and
medical education.

Education among the scheduled castes and backward classes

received special attention of the district boards of Patna, Gaya and
Purnea. Books, slates and writing materials were supplied free
ti) boys of these classes.

The expenditure on medical relief was Es. 14,55,000 showing

a decrease of Rs. 23,000 as compared with
^^PubHc'^Health*”^ year’s figure and that on public
health was Rs. 6,25,000 showing an
increase of Rs. 63,000 over last year’s figure. The number of
dispensaries maintained and aided by the boards was 428 and 122
against 410 and 108 respectively. New dispensaries were opened
by the district boards of Shahabad, Saran, Champaran, Purnea,
Hazaribagh, Manbhum and Singhbhum. The Tibbi dispensary at
Majorganj and the Ayurvedic dispensary at Katra in the district
of Muzaffarpur were replaced by Allopathic dispensaries, as the
area suffers most from malaria and the indigenous dispensaries
could not meet the requirements of the locality. Of lhe 22 aided
dispensaries in Champaran as many as 19 were Ayurvedic and
Tibbi. In Manbhum seven Homeopathic dispensaries received aid
from the board. Some advance was made in measures for
maternity work by the district boards of Patna and Shahabad.
The former board entertained one additional midwife and the
latter appointed three midwives and 13 trained dais against two
midwives and 11 dais engaged last year. A beginning was also
made by the Bhagalpur District Board in maternity and child
welfare work by appointing a trained midwife who toured through- “
out the district to train village chamains and to attend labour
cases. Some of the district boards continued to make grants for
the treatment of leprosy cases. The seven leprosy clinics in
 35

Muzaffarpur continued to work and treated' 573 patients. Most of

the boards awarded scholarships for medical education both in
Allopathic and indigenous systems.

The boards on the whole gave increasing attention to the

principal activities of the boards in this direction consisted of the
problems affecting the health of the people in the villages. The
provision of better facilities for supply of good drinking water by
sinking new wells and the adoption of preventive measures against
outbreaks of epidemic diseases and combating such diseases
wherever they actually broke out. Propaganda work for the dis­
semination of knowledge of elementary principles of sanitation and
hygiene among the rural population by means of demonstration
lectures was another important activity of the public health staff
of the boards and due care was taken to ensure proper sanitation at
melas and fairs. The Patna District Board maintained an elaborate
organization for rural sanitation in the district and the gang of
sweepers and jamadars employed- was also required to give practical
demonstration in digging manure pits and soakage pits for sullage
on Gurgaon lines. Action under the Bihar and Orissa Pood
Adulteration Act was also taken by some of the boards to prevent
sale of adulterated food. Use of bacteriophage and preventive
inoculation was resorted to on a large scale to combat the spread
of cholera in certain areas and vaccination and re-vaccination work
was carried out extensively to keep down the incidence of small­
pox. Compulsory vaccination was introduced in the district of
(Shahabad. Plague inoculation was resorted to on a larger scale in
the Saran district, where the disease took a serious turn, and the
affecte<^ houses were dismantled to prevent the spread of the
disease. To provide facilities for the treatment of malaria patients
in parts of Tirhut Division, a large number of anti-malaria centres
were started at suitable places. The Public Health Department
made a liberal supply of 443 lbs. of quinine. Larger grants were
given by Government to district boards for improvement of drinking
water-supply in rural areas as compared with the preceding year and
a fair portion of these grants was set apart for provision of wells
for Harij'ans.
Expenditure under this head rose from Es. 2,03,000 to
Es. 2,O8,00O. The increase was shared by
Veterinary. the majority of the boards but was appreci­
able in the districts of Patna, Champaran, Muzaffarpur,
Darbhanga and Bhagalpur. The activities of the boards in this
department included the castration of animals, propaganda work
 36

and the treatment of animals at hospitals and dispensaries and

also at the rural veterinary dispensaries and in the mufassal during
the course of tours by the touring Assistant Surgeons. The touring
Assistant Surgeons were also engaged in inoculating cattle to
prevent the spread of any cattle disease of an epidemic nature. A
number of district boards continued to maintain stud bulls with a
view to improve the breed of cows and buffaloes.

The expenditure of the boards under this head fell from

Civil Works. 79,11,000 to Rs. 64,61,000. Of this the
boards spent Rs. 8,35,000 on building works
and Rs. .44,64,000 on communications. No new building or road
project of any magnitude v?as undertaken by any of the boards.
The total mileage of metalled, unmetalled and village roads
maintained by the boards during the year was 2,403, 14,993 and
9,993 respectively. The Patna District Board gave special
attention to the Bihar-Rajgir road because of the historical and
religious importance of Rajgir and Nalanda which draw many
pilgrims and visitors every year.

No real efforts appear to have been made to. stop the growth
Water Hyacinth district of Patna the
weed is reported to have been removed from
a tank in Barh subdivision and in Champaran the public health
staff cleared the weed from a chaur. The boards of the Tirhut
Division have not given much attention to the clearance of the
weed wherever it has been found to exist. This may be due to
the fact that the growth is not extensive but it would be judiciouf?
in this matter to follow the maxim “ prevention is better than
cure ”.

There was no change either in the number or the constitution

Local Boards. of local boards. The local boards of Bhagal­
pur continued to remain under supersession
along with the district board. All the local boards except those
of Nawadah and Aurangabad in Gaya; Arrah, Buxar and Bhabua
in Shahabad; Saran Sadr; Sitamarhi and Hajipur in Muzaffarpur;
Sadr and Samastipur in Darbhanga and Giridih in Hazaribagh
attained the statutory minimum of 12 meetings in a year. Out of
the total number of 407 meetings held by local boards eight or 2
per cent proved abortive for want of a quorum. The average
percentage of attendance of members at meetings was above 50 in
all local boards except in Patna Sadr and Gaya Sadr where it
stood at 34.6 and 42.8. respectively.
 37

The number of union committees remained at 22. Since the

enactment of the Bihar and Orissa Village
Union Committees. Administration Act, 1922, no new union
committees have been formed under the Bihar and Orissa Local
Self-Government Act, 1885, as union boards constituted under the
former Act wield larger powers and are consequently more popular.
The union committees of Begusarai, Jhajha and Jamui in Monghyr
and the Madhipura Union Committee in Bhagalpur were reconsti­
tuted during the year. All the union committees except a few
exceptions held 12 or more meetings in the year. The activities of
these bodies embraced as usual the maintenance, within their
limited areas, of ponds, village roads, primary education, water-
supply, drainage, sanitation and medical relief. A number of these
committees also made street lighting arrangements either out of
their own funds or with special grants made to them by district
boards for the purpose. The total income of the union committees
from all sources amounted to Rs. 88,000, showing a small increase.
The opening balance of the year was roughly Rs. 20,000. Thus
the total amount available for expenditure was Rs. 1,08,000 of which
Rs. 89,000 was spent leaving a closing balance of Rs. 19,000.
The total number of union boards in the province rose from
Unton Boards. 135 to during the year. The increase
was due to the splitting up of nine union
boards of unwieldy composition in the district of Patna into 20
smaller boards and the creation of a new union board at Raniganj
in the Kishanganj subdivision of the Purnea district. Their distri­
bution by divisions was : 80 in Tirhut, 30 in Patna, 27 in
Bhagalpur and 10 in Chota Nagpur. The' relations between the
union 'boards and the Police and the Magistracy were generally
cordial and the Subdivisional Officers continued to accept the
nominations of these boards for the appointment of chaukidars and
dafadars. The board.s are competent to reward and punish the
chaukidars for their services according to individual cases and to
levy chaukidari tax for the maintenance of village police. But
there was little disposition on the part of these boards to recommend
rewards to chaukidars for good work. The assessment of chaukidari
tax was generally fair throughout the province.
There were altogether 125 panchayats in the province which
were empowered to decide criminal as well as civil cases. One
hundred and forty criminal cases and 312 civil suits were transferred
to panchayats by regular courts against 89 and 11 respectively
during the previous year, an encouraging feature. There was a
decrease, as compared with the previous year, in the number of civil
 38
and criminal cases disposed of by panchayats on the first appearance,
emphasising once again the importance of speedy disposal of petty
disputes.
There was a remarkable fall in. the contributions of the district
boards to the union boards, the average figure for the province
being Es. 1,724.8 per union board against Es. 2,188.09 in the
preceding year. On the other hand, there was an increase on the
average union tax imposed by union boards but the average taxation
fell appreciably in the Patna Division. The collection of union tax
was generally fair.
The number of municipalities remained the same as in the
Municipalities preceding year. The number of notified area
committees increased by one owing to the
formation of the Dumra Notified Area Committee at the new head­
quarters of the Sitamarhi subdivision. General elections were held
in Barh, Khagaul, Gaya, Tikari, Daudnagar, Dumraon, Bhabua,
Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Lalganj, Eoserah, Jamalpur, Bhagalpur,
Colgong, Forbesganj, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Chatra, Eancbi,
Lohardaga, Purulia, Jhalda and Chaibassa. A good deal of interest
was taken in the elections which were generally keenly contested.
In certain cases elections which were due had to be put off on
account of redistribution of wards or on account of irregularities
detected in the preparation of electoral rolls by the municipal
executives concerned. The Barh and Gaya municipalities were
released from supersession and for administering the superseded
Monghyr Municipality an Administration Committee was appointed
consisting of a Government Officer and six prominent men of the
town. There was no noticeable improvement in municipal
administration during the year:
An important development was the initiation of measures by
Government to make municipal elections as democratic and
representative as possible. Single-seated constituencies instead of
existing plural constituencies have been introduced in a large
number of municipalities with a view to make the electoral circles
more capable of returning minorities and other interests constituting
the smaller sized single-seated constituencies. The municipal
election rules have been revised and made comprehensive with a
view inter alia to prevent possibilities of corruption.
It is worthy of note that during the year Government issued
instructions to municipalities to effect improvements, as far as
possible, in the living and service conditions of their Harijan
employees, and they made provision in the provincial budget for
grants to municipalities for the construction of suitable dwelling
houses for such* employees.
 ‘39

The year began with an opening balance of Rs. 11,77,000

Income And Expendl- against Rs. 19,53,000 during the preceding
ture. year. The total income of municipalities
excluding the opening balance, however, rose from Rs. 39,49,000 to
Rs. 45,10,000. This rise was due chiefly to substantial increases
in various sources of revenue, including Government grants. About
50 per cent of the income of municipalities is derived from taxation.
The income from this source rose by Rs. 28,000. There was a fall
in the ordinary expenditure incurred by municipahties from
Rs. 46,30,000 to Rs. 45,11,000. The largest decreases in expendi­
ture were under “ drainage and sewerage ” and “ water-supply ”.
A satisfactory feature is that expenditure on education has been
rising steadily during recent years .as the
Education.
following figures will show :—
Year. Total expenditure on
education.
1935- 36 4,14,000
1936- 37 4,29,000
1937- 38 4,59,000
Of the expenditure of Rs. 4,59,000 during the year,
Rs. 3,90,000 was spent on primary education. The provincial
percentage of expenditure on primary schools to total ordinary
income rose from 13 to 14. The highest percentages were recorded
in the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (82), Lohardaga (71),
Doranda Notified Area Committee (49), Motihari (48) and
Daudnagar (40), while the percentage was low in Khagaul (9),
Madhupur (9), Monghyr (7) and Jugsalai Notified Area
Committee (6).
The number of meetings held during the year increased from
lnao» idmlnltmuon. “ ‘J® precedmg year to 1,003. A
number of municipal bodies met often, some
too often. Darbhanga met 39 times, Patna City 36 and Ranchi 34,
while others like Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur and Monghyr met on
fewer occasions in the year than twelve, the minimum statutory
number. The average percentage of attendance of non-official
members at municipal meetings was above 50 in 41 municipalities,
while the average percentage of official members present at meetings
was less than 50 in 17 municipalities.
Expenditure decreased under all heads of outdoor adminis-
Outdoor Administration. Oration except public works The expen­
diture on public works mcreased by
Rs. 46,000, while the expenditure on " pnbhc health ” which
 40

includes drainage and sewerage, water-supply and conservancy fell

by Es. 2,56,000. The big sewerage scheme in the Patna City
Municipality which covers the area between the Bakerganj Nala
and the Bihar Engineering College was nearing completion and it is
expected to prove a great success. Drainage improvements effected
in- various localities were satisfactory, but the problem is vast and
drainage reform is a crying need in most places deserving of greater
attention than it has received so far. Preventive measures against
cholera and other epidemics were taken with advantage in most
municipalities, notably in Bhagalpur, Monghyr, Jamalpur, Deoghar
and Arrah. The year was marked by extension of maternity and
child welfare work in various localities.
Other important measures and activities.
Government are keenly interested in the improvement of towns
and cities and they have under contemplation the creation of an
Improvement Trust at Bettiah with a view to root out plague from
that town.
An Improvement Trust is also being considered for Patna City
and Bankipore.
The local bodies have been advised to effect retrenchments in
the cost of their establishment so as to make more funds available
for works of public utility.
Larger grants have been made to district boards for rural
water-supply. A sum of Rs. IJ lakhs has been provided in the
current year’s budget for the purpose.
It is the policy of Government to have an efficient system of
union boards and panchayats in the rural areas throughout the
province to serve as units of local <e.dmini8tration and progress.
Government have got a draft Bill prepared for the purpose.
Government are also considering the revision of both the Local
Self-Government Act and the Municipal Act so as to further
democratise these bodies.
In pursuance of the liberal policy of Government, orders have
been issued extending the privilege of having non-official chairmen
in the district boards of Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Palamau and
Singhbhum which hitherto had official chairmen. The orders will
take effect after the next elections.
In pursuance of the recommendations made by the Santal
Parganas Enquiry Committee, steps are being taken to replace the
existing District Committee by a district board constituted under
the Bihar and Orissa Local Self-Government Act, 1885, with an
elected majority of members but with an official chairman.
 CHAPTER Y
Education
The number of primary schools of all kinds for boys and girls,
Primary Education. ^oth European and Indian, rose from 20,790
in the previous year to 20,803 and that of
their pupils from 758,231 to 802,264. The direct expenditure
which was Es. 49,04,881 in the previous year fell to Rs. 48,92,750.
The number of primary schools for Indian boys rose from 18,759
to 18,782 in the year under review, and that of their pupils from
701,090 to 742,440, showing an increase of 41,350 pupils over last
year’s figure. The direct expenditure fell from Rs. 44,44.,172 to
Rs. 44,29,204. Government expenditure on primaiy schools
maintained by them, however, rose from Rs. 6,680 in the previous
year to Rs. 10,297 in the year under review. The total sum given
to local bodies in 1937-38 was Rs. 29,37,029 against Rs. 28,34,713
in the previous year. It appears, therefore, that less money is
being spent from non-Government sources on primary education.
The average cost of educating a pupil in a primary school for boys
fell from Rs. 6-5-5 to Rs. 5-15-5 during the year under review.
The number of upper’ primary schools for boys rose from 2,936
"last year to 3,062 while lower primary schools were 103 less than
in the previous year. This, howeVer, did not affect the number
of pupils studying in them, which showed an increase of 19,238
over* last year’s figure. The number of primary schools (Indian)
for girls was 2,008, being 10 less than in the'previous year, but
there has been an increase in the number of girls reading in them.
There-were 57,292 girls as against 54,926 in the previous year
in girls’ schools.
Free education continues in the district of Saran in the Tirhut
Division, but the conditions under which it is given do not appear to
be satisfactory. Compulsory education continues to be in operation
in the Jamhore union in the district of Gaya started in 1927-28.
It is now practically confined to the Jamhore village which has
two lower primary schools managed by the Union Doard. The
number on the roll was 169 as against 133 in the previous year.
In Ranchi Municipality, primary education for boys continued to
be compulsory and is v/orking' satisfactorily. The percentage of
attendance decreased slightly from 92.64 in the previous year to
92.24 in the year under review. The number of boys of
compulsory age was 3,265 and out of these, 3,009 attended schools.

41
 42

The only cantonment in the province administering education in

its area, viz., that at Dinapore, continues to run a large central
upper primary school for Hindus and Muslims. The roll fell from
207 to 177 and the direct expenditure from Rs. 1,833 to Rs. 1,652.

There are 15,985, 2,823 and 1,769 schools on a purely Hindi,

Urdu and Bengali basis, respectively. Amongst the mixed schools,
there are 435 upper primary and 209 lower primary Urdu sections
attached to Hindi schools; the corresponding figures in respect of
Urdu schools for Hindi sections are 44 and 67 respectively. There
are as many as 3,657 “ centres ” of primary teaching in Urdu
in all schools out of a total number of 21,588 centres for all,
languages including Urdu in the province giving a percentage of
17.03 against a population percentage of 12.79 for Muslims.
After the introduction of the new syllabus in 1936, the Depart­
ment has been chiefly busy in consolidating and improving the
existing schools. The scheme of guru gatherings, which was given
effect to, was an important step towards consolidation and has met
with success.

The following table dealing with statistics of primary schools

for Indian boys will illustrate the position :—

Number of Indian boys in Percentage in each

each class in— class in -
Class.

1936-37. 1937-38. 1936-37. 1937-38.

223,057 249,230 31-2 32-8

Infant class
147,324 150,153 20-6 19-8
Class I
127,774 130,553 17-9 17-2
Class II
105,307 109,240 14-7 14-4
Class III
62,100 66,712 8-7 8-8
Class IV
49,797 52,911 6-9 7-0
Class V
715,359 758,718 100 100
Total
 43

Tlie total number of secondary schools of all classes in Bihar

for Indian as well as Anglo-Indian and
Secondary Education. European boys and girls rose from 984 with
161,449 pupils to 1,050 with 177,472 pupils and the direct expendi­
ture from Rs. 45,39,862 to Rs. 46,96,258. The growth in the
number of high schools is the outcome of a popular demand for
high school education as a means of escape from the depressing
conditions prevailing in the traditional occupations like agriculture :
such a natural, social and economic process cannot be regretted
as is the fashion in some quarters, but it should be guided along
lines which do not lead to lower efficiency or aggravate educated
unemployment. Attempts are being made to change the purely
literary character of education now imparted by requiring new
schools to provide for teaching in non-hterary subjects, such as
science, agriculture and handicrafts. Encouragement is given to
them by means of special grants-in-aid. The changes recom­
mended by the Matriculation Committee in the course of studies as
accepted by Patna University have been approved by Government.
Patna University has added general science and elementary
physiology and hygiene to the list of subjects which may be taken
for the matriculation examiruation. Provision has been made in
the regulations of Patna University that for the matriculation
examination the medium of instruction and examination in all
subjects except English shall be Hindustani, Oriya or Bengali with
effect from the year 1942. Full effect, however, to this provision
cannot be given until the necessary text-books are available.
Government have appointed an expert committee under the
presidency of Ur. Rajendra Prasad to prepare suitable books in
Hindustani. The number of high schools aided by the Board of
Secondary Education was 128 against 103. A sum of Es. 2,81,299
was distributed among them as ordinary grants including Rs. 414
for the teaching of agriculture in the high school at Bikram and
Rs. 720 for the teaching of science in the high school at Surajpura.
The number of Government middle schools remained four. The
number of Middle English schools managed by local bodies or
aided either by Government or by local bodies rose from 552 to
603. The number of Middle Vernacular schools fell from 103 to
86. This class of schools is becoming unpopular for two reasons,
firstly, because there is a growing desire among the people for
high school education and the kind of education given in them
does not automatically lead the pupils to high schools and; secondly,
because a Middle English school costs less to a local body than
a Middle Vernacular school. The progress made in vocational
training in middle schools appears to be slow but steady, ClasseB
 44

were opened in weaving, soap-making, book-binding, paper­

making and newar-making in some middle schools. Arrangements
were also made for the teaching of music in two schools.
With the coming into force of the Government of India Act,
1935, Patna University became a federal
legislation.
Under the adaptation made to the Patna
University Act under the Adaptation order in Council, the Director
of Public Instruction, Orissa, was provided with an ex-officio
seat on the Syndicate. At the instance of Dr. Bajenda Prasad,
the Senate decided to recommend to Government the appointment
of a committee to report on the progress of education in Bihar—
primary, secondary and university, and technical, industrial and
professional, and to prepare a scheme for its expansion and intensi-
- fication, always keeping in view the needs of the. people, their
economic condition and the financial resources of the Provincial
Government. As a result of that recommendation. Government
have appointed a committee under the chairmanship of
Professor K. T. Shah. The number of arts and science colleges
remained nine, six first grade and three second grade, but the roll
number rose from 3,620 to 4,120 and the direct expenditure from
Es. 10,51,347 to Es. 10,77,404. The roll number includes
35 women students against 30 in the last year. Government have
since decided to encourage the higher education of girls by the
grant of free-studentships up to a maximum of 10 in each college.
The free-studentships in aided and Government colleges have been
increased from 5 per cent to 7| per cent. The professional
colleges, namely, Patna Law College, Patna Training College,
the Prince of Wales Medical College, the Bihar College of
Engineering and the Bihar Veterinary College continued to make
good progress during the year.
The number of recognized Sanskrit tols rose from 292 with
Oriental Education.
that of unrecognized tols from 10 to 15, but
the number of their pupils remained stationary at 337. The number
of recognized primary Sanskrit schools rose from 734 with 21,360
pupils to 761 with 23,251 pupils; unrecognized schools of the same
class fell from 64 with 1,405 pupils to 43 with 1,039 pupils. The
only unrecognized girls’ school was recognized, bringing the
number of recognize.d primary Sanskrit schools for girls to three
during the year. The expenditure from public funds on Sanskrit
education, other than that given in arts colleges and secondary
schools, rose from Rs. 84,730 to Es. 87,698. These figures exclude
 45
the expenditure on primary Sanskrit schools, which rose from
Rs. 1,05,359 to Rs. 1,09,458. With the sum of Rs. 27,333 at its
disposal for grants-in-aid, the Sanskrit Association aided 174 tols
against 172 last year. There are still 131 unaided' tols.
The number of recognized madrasas fell from 39 to 37 and
that of their pupils from 3,151 to 3,109. The number of
unrecognized madrasas fell from 59 with 2,993 pupils to 58 with
2,975 pupils. The introduction of the new syllabus for junior
madraeas in 1936 necessitated the employment of a competent
staff to teach additional subjects including English but owing to
financial difficulties two junior madrasas, which failed to improve
their staff, could not continue as recognized institutions.
The number of technical schools (including Ayurvedic and
mull Tibbi) rose from 56 to 62, that of their
Technical Education. . onpr i t
pupils from 3,470 to 3,965 and the expendi­
ture from Rs. 6,43,100 to Rs. 6,81,354.
The number of Government secondary training schools
continued to be four in the province,
Training Of Masters, namely, one at each of the divisional head-
quarters. The total number of pupils in the schools during the
year was 216 against 235 of • the previous year. The fall in
numbers is perhaps due to diminishing chances of employment in
competition with untrained candidates who are paid lower salaries.
The number of elementary training schools managed by Govern­
ment was 55 as last year. The total number of pupils in these
schools was 1,098 against 1,077 in the previous year. The total
direct cost of all the schools, secondary as well as elementary,
whetljpr maintained or aided by Government, was Rs. 2,15,268,
of which Rs. 2,10,213 came from Government funds against
Rs. 2,12,785 and Rs. 2,06,090 respectively in the previous year.
The number of trained teachers in primary schools for boys and
girls together continues to increase. The number of such teachers
was 926 as against 1,193 in the previous year, and the number of
trained masters both for boys and girls was 18,663 as against
18,369 in the previous year.
The progress of female education in the province during the
Female Education. been slow but steady. The
percentage of females at school to those of
school-going age is 5.2 against 4.8 in the previous year. The
percentage of females reading in schools to female population is
.78 as against .74 in the previous year. The total number of
educational institutions for girls rose from 2,271 to 2,291 and the
number of pupils attending them from 69,989 to 74,230. The
 46
total number of girls reading in boys’ institutions rose from 50,85?
to 54,674. Co-education at the lower stage is gaining popularity
very rapidly, so much so that it is not unusual to find girls reading
in boys’ upper primary, middle Vernacular and middle English
schools, even in orthodox rural areas. The total number of girls
reading in colleges for men is. 38, including three in Patna Medical
College, against 37 of the previous year, 127 in high schools for
boys, 1,593 against 1,364 in boys’ middle schools, 49,207 against
46,356 in boys' primary schools, one in a medical school, 24 in
schools for defectives, 11 in madrasas, five in Sanskrit tols, as
against two in the previous year, 145 in other schools and 3,523
against 2,928 in private institutions.
The number of Muslim pupils under instruction rose from
150,425 to 156,448. The percentage of
Eduostlon Of Muslims. Muslim pupils to the total number of pupils
is 14.54; the percentage of Muslims to the
total population of the province is 12.79. The direct expenditure
on Muslim education from public funds recorded a rise, namely,
Rs. 3,76,348 to Es. 3,79,877 during the year. The number of
recognized madrasas fell from 39 with 3,151 pupils to 37 with
3,109 pupils. The number of recognized Urdu primary schools
fell from 2,874 to 2,864, but the number of their pupils rose from
82,940 to 84,766. This illustrates the drift from classical or
sectional schools to modern and common schools. The number of
elementary training schools for Muslims remained 11. The num­
ber of middle schools teaching Urdu rose from 349 to 386 and
that of upper primary schools teaching Urdu rose from 478 to 529.
The number of Muslim pupils in the secondary stage of education
again shows a rise; in the middle school stage it rose from 6,680 to
7,546 and in the high school stage from 4,688 to 5,135. The
expenditure from public funds incurred specially for the benefit of
Muslim pupils rose from Rs. 2,06,372 to Rs. 2,09,144. The
special inspecting staff for Muslim education remained the same
as last year, namely, a Superintendent of Islamic Studies, four
special inspecting officers for Muslim education, 23 inspecting
Maulavis and one Lady Superintendent of Muslim Atu’i.
The number of Christian aborigines under instruction rose
from 36,560 to 37,321 and that of other abori-
Educatton^Of Abort- gjne.s (including those who are Hindus)
from 46,173 to 51,112. The number of
schools specially intended for aborigines was one in Patna against
none in the previous year and in Tirhut remained 18. In the
other divisions there is not the same need for special schools,
 47

because in large areas the aborigines form the bulk of the popula­
tion. In the previous year an annual grant of Es. 5,000 was
placed at the disposal of the Commissioner of the Bhagalpur
Division for the improvement of Santal education in the districts
of Bhagalpur, Monghyr and Purnea.
One post-graduate, two senior and seven junior scholarships
and ten special free studentships in colleges are reserved for
aboriginal students. In 1937-38, aboriginal scholars won five
college scholarships and seven middle, ten upper primary and
50 lower primary scholarships against two college, seven middle,
seven upper primary and 52 lower primary scholarships in the
previous year. In addition, a sum of Rs. 3,315 has been provided
in the budget for 1938-39 for special scholarships for aboriginals
reading in secondary schools and colleges. The total • sum spent
from Government funds specially for the benefit of the aborigines
was Es. 51,310 against Es. 45,418 last year.
The number of European and Anglo-Indian schools remained
17, four being secondary (two for boys and
Edaoation Of Europeans £qj. gjj.ig) 13 elementary (two for
boys and eleven for girls). The total
number of pupils rose from 1,291 to 1,328, while the direct
expenditure fell from Es. 2,14,680 to Es. 2,14,641 and the indirect
expenditure rose from Es. 1,10,067 to Es. 1,43,348. The Joint
Board for European and Anglo-Indian Education was reconstituted
during the year, the Hon’ble Minister of Education in Bihar having
been appointed President.
There was a remarkable increase in the number of Harijan
XT pupils under instruction. The figure
rose from 43,583 to 56,667, showmg an
increase of 30 per cent. The increase is shared by all the divisions
of the province and indicates a general awakening among the
Harijans. The number of pupils in the collegiate stage
rose from 10 to 12, in the secondary stage, from 1,622 to 1,782,
in the primary stage from 38,474 to 50,115, in special schools from
131 to 289 and in unrecognised schools from 3,346 to 4,469. The
number of schools specially meant for these classes rose from 177
with 5,222 pupils to 187 with 6,026 pupils. Sooner or later the
necessity for these schools rhay disappear as pupils of the
scheduled castes are freely admitted to ordinary schools according
to the change in the spirit of the times. Two junior scholarships,
one of Rs. 15 a month and one of Rs. 10 a month, are still
earmarked for pupils of the scheduled castes. A sum of Es. 2,700
 48

Was distributed during the year for scholarships and book-grants

to Harijans in all grades of institutions but mostly in high and
middle schools. A further provision of Rs. 18,310 has been made
in the budget for 1938-39 for the same purpose. Government
have since decided that with effect from the year 1938-39 all
students of the scheduled castes reading in colleges should be
granted free-studentships irrespective of the fact that they are
getting any merit scholarships or not. Pupils of the scheduled
castes won two junior, five middle, one upper primary and 29 lower
primary scholarships during the year. The total sum spent from
public funds for the special benefit of the scheduled castes was
Rs. 29,540 against Rs. 23,800.
Of a criminal tribe population of 5,039 the number of children
Education Of Criminal at school was 278. There are still six special
Tribes. schools for these pupils, four in Bhagalpur
and two in Chota Nagpur.

The number of factory schools fell from 70 to 50. Twenty-one

_ . _ . , colliery schools ceased to exist and one night
school was opened. On the rolls of these
factory schools were 2,354 boys and 143 girls, who were either
employees or children of employees, besides 223 other boys and
28 other girls. The direct expenditure on these schools fell from
Rs. 28,888 to Rs. 25,795.

The education of these communities is being encouraged by a

Education Of Backward liberal provision of special scholarships
Communities. and free-studentships to remove the
educational disabilities from vyhich they suffer. It has
since been decided that all Momins reading in colleges should be
granted free-studentships irrespective of the fact that they are
getting any merit scholarships or not. In the budget for 1938-39
a sum of Es. 7,000 for Momins and Es. 5,000 for other educationally
backward classes among Muslims has been provided for the purpose.

The school for the blind at Ranchi had 59 pupils against

Education Of Defeotkes. at Patna 33
against 32. The former received from
Government a recurring grant of Es. 3,120 and a capital grant of
Es. 3,025 and the latter a recurring grant of Es. 1,920. The school
for the deaf mutes at Patna had 17 pupils against seven last year.
It received from Government a grant of Es. 1,100 for its upkeep.
A new school was started for these defectives last year at Eanchi.
It had 12 pupils on the rolls. The number of pupils in the school
attached to the leper asylum at Purulia rose from 258 to 305.
 49
’Dbe number of boys in the Reformatory School rose from 225
to 236. The number from Bihar fell from
Hazarlbagh^^eformatory ^32 to 126, that from Bengal rose from 73
to 85, that from Assam from 10 to 13, that
from Orissa 9 to 11, while that from Baramba State remained one.
The gross cost of the school fell from Rs. 81,533 to Rs, 77,636 and
the net cost from Rs. 78,267 to Rs. 72,809. The number of
ex-pupils under surveillance rose from 73 to 77. Of these 67 were
reported to be leading honest lives, four were reconvicted and six
remained untraced.
The number of unrecognized institutions rose from 2,086 to
Unrecognized Institu­ 2.328 and the number of pupils in them from
tions. 63,945 to 70,726. The number of national
schools rose from 20 with 1,251 pupils to 24 with 1,461 pupils.
During the year, 1,220 students received instruction in first-aid
Mlsoellaneons. and 572 qualified for certificates.
The Boy Scout and Girl Guide movements continued to make
progress though there was a slight set-back owing to the public
controversy about the affiliation of the Indian section to the Baden
Powel Headquarters in London. An attempt is being made to
give these movements an Indian setting by introducing Bratachari
and Sevasamiti methods.
Co-operative stores were started in some schools and colleges
to cater to the needs of the students but they were not generally
successful.
Important measures and activities in 1938-39.
Owing to the widespread criticism of the existing system of
education, the year during which the present
omm ees. Ministry have been in office has been taken
up, so far as the educational field is concerned, more with intros­
pection and self-examination than with carrying out new schemes.
As a result of this policy, as many as three committees, namely,
the Education Be-organisation Committee, the Education Code
Revision Committee and the Hindustani Committee, have been
set up to advise Government on questions of educational reforms
and prepare schemes for future improvement and expansion.
In spite, however, of the pre-occupation of the Education Depart­
ment with these deliberations concerning every branch of educa­
tional method and organisation, a number of useful schemes
costing large sums of money and entailing a great deal of
preliminary work, have been brought into actual operation.
86 Rev.
 The most notable achievements have been the starting of the
Wardha Scheme. Wardha Training School at Patna for
training the future Wardha system teachers,
the mass literacy campaign and the expansion of training facilities
for women-teachers. .. The Wardha training centre is already
functioning with the first batch of 60 teachers under training,
A compact area has been selected for experiment in the Bettiah
thana of the Champaran district, where 50 ’Basic Schools are
proposed to be started from March, 1939.
The Mass Literacy movement which was inaugurated by the
„ Hon’ble Dr. Syed Mahmud, Minister of
Education, at the end of April last for
eradicating adult illiteracy and spreading enlightenment .among
the masses has made good progress during the past few months.
With the help of about 14,000 volunteers drawn from the student
community, teachers, the inspecting staff of Education Department
and other public-spirited workers more than 12,000 literacy centres
were started with an average attendance of about IJ lakhs per term
of six weeks. The figures received till August show that over
3 lakhs have been made litertate during the first four months of the
campaign. A feature of the movement has been that it has also
spread to the jails and almost every prisoner who has been in jail
during this period has been made literate. Literacy classes in jails
are being conducted by jail authorities, literate prisoners, and
outside voluntary teachers. The movement is also spreading to
industrial areas and a network of centres has been started at
Jamshedpur. The sugar mills have also taken up this work in
their reserved areas. The expansion of literacy among women is
making slow but steady progress. The Bihar Council of Women
has given a great impetus to the movement and has appealed to
other women’s organizations for -help and co-operation. The
campaign, which was started on a purely voluntary basis, has now
been placed on a permanent basis with the Government grant of
Es. 80,000. Under this scheme the existing machinery of the
Education Department will be utilized for the organization and
supervision of this work. The main agency for instruction will be
as before the voluntary labour of teachers, students, unemployed
young men and social workers, but in some cases with a view to
enable the workers to devote more time to this work, provision has
been made for the payment of a small honorarium. Small grants*
in-aid will also be made for meeting the cost of contingent expendi­
ture. To ensure lasting literacy a graduated series of charts,
primers and readers on a carefully drawn up plan is being prepared
t
 61’
and a fortnightly news-sheet in Hindustani in both Devanagri and
Urdu scripts, called Roshni has been brought out for providing
reading matter to the literacy centres. The movement has now
entered on its second phase whereby intensive work in two sub­
divisions and one police-station in each district has been started.
The idea is to make all illiterate males between the ages of 15 and
40 living in these areas literate within the next six months.
Arrangements have also been made to make the army of chaukidars
literate. Along with the teaching of 3 It’s efforts are being made
to provide visual instruction on subjects useful to the adults in
their everyday life.
A programme of development of girls’ education has been
drawn up, according to which there
Girls’ Education.
will be at least one primary school
for girls in every thana headquarters, a middle school in
every subdivisional headquarters and a high school in every district
headquarters. All local bodies have been circularized with a view
to induce them to spend a greater proportion of their income on
girls’ education. Additional training facilities for graduate and
niatriculate women teachers have been prov’ded by sanctioning
10 special stipends for them tenable at Patna Training School and
Patna Training College. In Government colleges girls have been
exempted from the payment of fees. Scholarships are granted
liberally to all deserving girls who are willing to go in for higher
education. Schemes for increasing the facilities for training ■
.women primary teachers at Gaya and Muzaffarpur and starting
new training centres for this purpose at Bhagalpur and Arrah are
under active consideration. Large sums of money have been
provided 'for middle English schools for girls, zenana education
by atus schools and peripatetic teachers and primary education
of girls in municipalities. Additional high school classes have
been started in the Badshah Nawab Rizvi Training College for
women, while the number of girls studying in colleges has
materially increased.
In the field of primary education a scheme for introducing
Primary Education. compulsory primary education in munici­
palities has been perpared.
The claims of culture and extra-curricular education have not
been neglected. Large grants have been
sanctioned for the Radhika Sinha Institute
and Library, the Maheshwar Hindi Library and the Urdu
Libraries at Patna, while a scheme costing Rs. 15,000 for
repairing the manuscripts of the Oriental Public Library and
 52

another costing ®s. 30,000 for liferasies iai jrural areas are under
examiaatioB.
Ib the sphere of educatioBai policy, a greater interest en the
Miseellatteous students in civic "affiairs has been
encouraged by I’emoving the ba® on political
meetings, singing national songs and Sying the national dsg on
aon-Govemnaental school buildings. PreMcainary steps towards
HS'il'itaiy education have been taken by appointing Mr. G. M. Jadav
to draw up a scheme for opening a nivihtary. school i^ iBihar and
imijarting military training in high schools and eolleges. Two
scholarships for Sihari cadets at the Indian Militai-y Academy,
Debra Dun, have been created. The percentage of free-student-
ships in aided and (government colleges has been increased froth
5 to per cent.
Government are trying to reorganize the whole method and
purpose of education by ordering that henceforth the mothet-^ioiigUo
Should be the medium of instruction up to the matriculation
examination and the system of primary and lower secondary
education should be reorganized on the Wardha model so 'as to
make it more practical, fruitful and self-supporting. S^or this
purpose the Hindi and Urdu media of instruction, which have been
responsible for. so much rivalry and misunderstanding in the .past,,
are being replaced by a common national Hindustani medium.
A vocabulary and text-books are being prepared under the control
and supervision of the Hindustani Committee mentioned above
with a view to evolve a national language aS a medium of conamon
intercourse and instruction.
 CHAPTER YI

Public Health and Medical Relief.

The total number of births decreased from 1,144,008 in the
vii.i previous vear to 1,100,657 in the vear under
-• reviev?. The total number of deaths rose
from 701,814 to 729,454, the increase being due to larger number
of deaths from fever and cholera. The excess of birth over the
death-rate was 11.5 as compared with 13.6 in the previous year.
Registration of vital occurrences is compulsory only in the
municipal areas. A certain percentage of vital occurrences was
investigated and verified by the officers of the Public Health
Department. An attempt has been made in recent years to
transfer the responsibility for collection, tabulation and verification
of vital occurrences to the bigger municipalities and experience
shows that the municipal statistics are more reliable than those
collected by the police. With the increasing number of health
officers employed by municipalities more of them will be in a
position to undertake this work. The provincial birth-rate for 1937
was 34.0 as compared with 35.3 in 1936.
The total number of deaths from cholera rose from 6,070 in
Cholera i'he previous year to 13,949 during the year
under review. The death-rate from cholera
increased from 0.2 per mille in 1936 to 0.4 per mille in 1937. The
districts of Bhagalpur and Monghyr recorded the highest death­
rate, namely, 1.2 and 1.0 respectively, whilst each of the districts
of Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur and the Santal Parganas registered
a death-rate of 0.6 from this disease. Amongst the towns, Hajipur,
Colgong and Revelganj reported highest death-rates. Of the other
districts, Monghyr, Gaya, the Santal Parganas and Patna reported
comparatively larger number of deaths from th© disease during
the year under review. Government deputed epidemic doctors
when the staff of the local bodies was found to be inadequate to
cope with the situation. The number of doses of cholera vaccine
issued during the year was 640,000 as against 288,930 doses during
previous year.

The total number of deaths from small-pox decreased from

_ ,, 22,863 in the previous year to 7,485 during
the year under review and the corresponding
death-rate from 0.7 to 0.2. The lower death-rate is attributed to

03
 54

the immunity conferred by the extensive vaccination and revaccina­

tion. As usual the rural areas suffered more than the urban and
the highest death-rate was registered in the districts of Palamau,
Manbhum and Gaya. The districts of Ranchi, Muzaffarpur and
Hazaribagh recorded the lowest death-rate. Among the towns
Bettiah, Patna City and Chatra reported the highest death-rate.
Primary vaccination is compulsory in all the municipal towns and
also in rural areas of nine districts. The control of vaccination
has been transferred to those local bodies which have initiated
approved health organization schemes and the health officers of
these districts have been appointed to be superintendents of vaccina­
tion. In these districts the inspection of vaccination is now carried
out by the district health staff and the Government vaccination
inspecting staff have been withdrawn. It is hoped that in the
near future all the district boards of the province will take over
the direct control of, this very important public health measure.
Unless the primary vaccination and periodical .revaccination of the
entire population are not made compulsory it will not be possible
- to eradicate the disease completely. The vaccine lymph manu­
factured at the Vaccine Depot, Namkum, is supplied throughout
the province free of cost. 1,369,749 vaccination operations were
performed in the province during the year under review, of which
990,780 were cases of primary and 378,969 were those of
re-vaccination.

The total number of deaths from plague slightly increased

Plague from 1,245 in the previous year to 1.470
during the year under review. The death­
rate was the same as in the previous year, namely, 0.08. The
district of Saran recorded the highest death-rate followed by
Muzaffarpur and Champaran. The town of Bettiah also remained
infected with plague almost throughout the year except in the
months of August and October. Necessary preventive measures
were taken by the Public Health Department : epidemic doctors
were detailed on plague duty and extensive anti-plague inoculations
were given to the people in the affected districts.
There were 4,006 deaths from this group of disease as against
3,118 deaths in the preceding year and the
Dysentery And mortality rate was 0.1 as against the same
Diarrhoea.
in the previous year. The towns which
recorded high death-rates were Purnea (2.2), Patna City (1.9)
and Forbesganj (1.7). The highest number of deaths occur from
these diseases usually during the monsoon months, whilst the lowest
is recorded during the driest part of the year.
 85
It was a matter of satisfaction that Beri-beri or epidemic
dropsy did not occur in epidemic form in
Dropsy. districts in the province during
the year under review. Sporadic cases were, however, reported
from all .the districts and 828 cases in all were treated in th©
hospitals and dispensaries in the province. The highest number
of cases was reported from the districts of Manbhum, Patna,
Bhagalpur and Monghyr.
The high incidence of malaria during the.year is reflected in
the increased number of deaths from fevers
Malaria And Other which were-549,009 in the previous year.
Fevers.
As in the previous year, North Bihar
suffered most. The districts of Purnea, Palamau, Bhagalpur,
Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur and ITazaribagh recorded the highest
death-rate; All possible measures were taken by the Government
for combating the disease. Twenty-one epidemic doctors of the
Public Health Department were detailed for malaria duty, whilst
1,981 lbs. of quinine and 50 lbs. of cinchona febrifuge were
provided by the department for free distribution in affected areas.
• A large number of anti-malaria centres and .sub-centres were also
set up throughout the affected areas.
Kala-azar is intimately connected with the same areas north
Kala-azar Ganges as malaria. The number of
cases treated in hosnitals and dispensaries
was 57,400 in 1935, 68,252 in 1936 and 91,942 in 1937. The
rapid rise in incidence from year to year is most noteworthy. The
areas most affected by the malady were malaria-stricken districts
of Saran, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Monghyr and Purnea. The
Government grant for purchase of drugs for Kala-azar treatment
has been increased to Es. 20,000, Es. 4,000 for Government
institutions and Es. 16,000 for local fund hospitals and dispensaries.
Further special measures for treatment and prevention are receiving
the consideration of Government.
Tuberculosis is becoming a menacing scourge in. India and
the adoption of practical measures to combat
Tuberculosis.
this disease are required to be worked out
and put into practice. The number of cases of tuberculosis of
lungs treated in all classes of hospitals and dispensaries was 21,492
as against 20,631 in the previous year. The incidence was more
marked in the districts of Patna, Saran and Monghyr. The
problem is engaging the attention of the Government and the
Medical Department and measures for prevention and treatment
 56

of the disease are being taken. With a view to make a general

pronaganda against the disease and to aid the adoption of
satisfactory measures for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment,
a branch of the King George Thanksgiving Fund, Delhi, was
opened in this province in the year, 1931, and these activities
received greater impetus by the formation of an Anti-tuberculosis
Association in the province' in 1936, under the auspices of the Kmg
George V Memorial Fund Association. The Association has
devised a detailed and practical scheme, the main object of which
is the provision of tuberculosis clinics at each district headquarters
for the treatment of early cases of tuberculosis before the curable
stage is passed. The appointment of a Provincial anti-tuberculosis
expert by Government will, it is hoped, lead to the early organization
of district clinics and development of the other measures- of relief
chalked out by the Association.

The disease occurs almost throughout the province, but the

Leprosy districts? of Champaran, Muzaffarpur, the
Santal Parganas and Manbhum treat the
largest number of cases. The total number of asylums has increased
from five to .six during the year. The total number of permanent
accommodation in the asylums was 2,100 as against 1,851 in the
previous year. The number of lepers resident in the asylums was
2,246 in 1937 against 2,104 in the previous year. Rs. 1,60,486
was spent on the maintenance of these asylums and out of this
sum Government contributed Rs. 66,597 while the remainder
came from the local bodies. The total number of outdoor clinics
working at various places rose from 36 to 41 during the year under
review.

The number of patients treated for venereal diseases increased

from 64,235 to 66,268. ..Both Government
Venereal D seases. and Cross Society give special grants
for the treatment.of these diseases.

Increased attention was paid to these diseases at hospitals.

Diseases Of Tha number of patients suffering from
y ‘ various kinds of eye diseases treated in
hospitals and dispensaries was 493,794 during the year. An annexe
for the treatment of these diseases was as usual maintained at the
Patna Medical College Hospital, where patients coming from out­
side for cataract operations or other eye treatment were
accommodated.
 57
The Public Health Bureau continued as usual to arouse public
health conscience in the masses. Lectures
^^SpeolarMessuws*"^ illustrated with magic latem slides and
demonstrations on public health subjects were
given to the cadets of the Police Training College at Hazaribagh
as in the previous year.
Out of 11,430 boys and 947 girls examined as many as 4,958
, boys and 655 girls were found to be defective
0 00 yglene. diseased. Besides minor troubles
namely, enlarged tonsils, bad teeth, errors of refraction, etc.,
38.4 per cent of the students were found to suffer from malnutrition.
Pulmonary tuberculosis and leprosy were also noticed in some of
them. Any appreciable improvement in the health of the students
requires sincere co-operation of parents and guardians who are
kept informed of the particular defects in their wards and Govern­
ment trust that by special propaganda work by school Medical
Officers and by arranging lectures and demonstrations in selected
centres, co-operation of parents and guardians will be forthcoming
in a greater measure in future. The .scheme for providing mid­
day school lunch on a monthly fee of annas eight per student
introduced in the Purulia Zila School in 1934 has now been taken
up by quite a number of high schools in the province, and the
system is reported to be working satisfactorily.

Burr g" the year 2,905 samples were chemically and bacterio-
logically examined as compared with 3,035
Public Enlth Labora- samples in the previous year and of these
t3?y.
» 18 were received from private individuals or
firras*?or analysis on payment of fees. The total number of
samples examined was 1,645 as against 1,825 of the previous year.
696 samples of ghee were examined of which 368 or 52.87 were found
to be below the standard or adulterated as against 45.14 of the
previous year, while 167 were found to be of doubtful purity.
Four hundred and ninety-three samples of mustard oil were
examined, of which 64 or 12.98 per cent were found to be below
the standard or adulterated as against 40.30 of the previous year.
One hundred and twenty-seven samples of sweetmeats were
examined of which 88 samples or 69.29 per cent were found to
have been made of ghee or oil which was below the standard or
adulterated as against 49.61 per cent of the previous year. Thirty-
five samples of milk were examined out of which 23 or 65.15 per
cent were found to be adulterated. One hundred and twenty-four
. samples of wheat flour were examined and of these only one or
0.08 per cent was found to be adulterated.
The new drainage scheme in Jharia which was completed in
1935 was maintained in full working order
<3uring the year and steps were taken to
construct roadside drains in Poddar KuUii
areas. The number of projects either prepared or submitted to
Government are the following : provision of an additional tube-well
with pumping plant at Sonepur, reorganization of the water-supply
scheme at the Central Jail at Bhagalpur, water-supply at the new
headquarters at Luathaha (Motihari), Muzaffarpur water-supply
reorganization scheme, Monghyr water-supply reorganization
scheme, and the extension of water-supply, drainage and sewerage
at the Itki Sanatorium.
The Jharia Mines Board of Health controls the sanitation of
Jharia and the neighbouring areas which
Jharia Mines Board Of extend over an area of 787 square miles and
covers the whole of the Dhanbad subdivision
with the exception of Dhanbad municipality. The total popula­
tion of the area served by the Board was 536,480 as against
531,401 in the previous year. The average daily labour force
increased from 61,000 to 62,000. The total number ,of births
during the year was 14,791 giving a birth-rate of 27.57 as against
25.93 of the previous year, while the total number of deaths was
8,320 recording a death-rate of 15.50 as against 16.10 of the
previous year. This is due to the fact that there was uo epidemic
in the mining area during the year. Infant mortality was
92 as compared with 102 in the previous year. The five-years’
housing programme introduced last year continued to make
satisfactory progress during the year under review. Licenses for
29,016 dwelling houses were issued dui-ing the year and of these
24,996 licences were issued for permanent structures. The work
in connection with child welfare scheme was continued as in the
previous year. The whole area, is divided into three circles,
namely, Sijua, Kenduadih and Jharia.
The number of hospitals and dispensaries rose to 603 during
the year. The increase was due to the fact
e cal Institutions. dispensaries were opened during
the year and six dispensaries, though previously opened, were
recognized and brought on the list during the year. The total
number of patient,s treated in all classes of hospitals and dispensaries
in the province was 7,502,226 during the year as against 6,624,488
in the previous year.
 59
The number of separate hospitals for women remained the
Medical Aid To Women. previous year. There
were lady doctors attached to almost all
the sadr and subdivisional hospitals. In order to guarantee
the facility of providing uninterrupted female medical aid
at the sadr and subdivisional headquarter stations, a special
lady Medical Officer has been entertained at the Patna Medical
College Hospital whose duty is to act for the lady doctors of the
hospitals at these places when they proceed on leave. With a view
to provide better medical aid to purdah women two qualified lady
doctors are attached to the Darbhanga Medical School Hospital
and the Patna Medical College Hospital.
The Provincial Committee of the Lady Dufferin Pund did its
best for the relief of suffering womankind within its limited
income, Tn 1937 it gave gTants totalling Rs. 18,447 for the
maintenance of lady doctors and nurses at various hospitals.
The Provincial Maternity and Child Welfare Society was
another bodv which has done much for the relief of women in the
province. The total number of child welfare centres maintained
by the Society was eight and the money expended by the society
on the maintenance of these centres was Ps. 15,780 during the
year. Besides, the midwifery centres maintained by Government
and local bodies did good work during the year. This branch of
social activity still needs more attention from the general public
and those in charge of rural administration.
The Patna Medical College, which has now completed
“ 12 years of its existence, ranks among the
Medical Educat on. medical colleges in India. The M.B.,
B.S. degree of the Patna University has been recognised by the
General Medical Council of Great Britain. A committee of the
Medical Faculty of the University drew up during the period under
review a new curriculum for the Patna Medical College in
accordance with the recommendations of the Medical Council of
India. The college admits 40 students to the first year class
every year. The total number of students in the college was 260
during the year. Seventy students appeared for the final M.B.,
B.S. examination during the year of which 37 passed. The
Darbhanga Medical School continued to show progress. In all,
600 students were admitted in the school during the last three
years, namely, 193-5, 1936 and 1937, and 118 left the school after
passing the final L.M.P. examination of the Biliar and Orissa
Medical Examination Board.
 60

The Ranchi European Mental Hospital continued to function

satisfactorily under Major M. Taylor, i.M.s.,
Mental Hospitals. ivTedical Superintendent. The hospital is
iptendpil for sufferers from nervous and mental diseases who are
bv birth Europeans, Anglo-Indians or Americans and resident in
Ponrrai the United Provinces, Assam, the Punjab, the North-
West Frontier Province, the Central Provinces and Berar,
Beluchistan and Bihar and Orissa. It also admits such patients
as are transferred from other provinces or Native States provided
the Governments of those provinces and States agree to bear the
proportionate cost’ of maintenance of such patients and the
Government of Bihar agree to their admission. The bed capacity
of the hospital was increased to 296. Ten of 'these beds are
available for Indian paying patients who live ini European style.
The hospital is recognised as a teaching school for diploma in
psvchological medicine of the London University and other schools
and also by the Royal Medico-Psychological Association for the
Certificate of Proficiency in Mental Nursing. The examinations
for the certificate of Proficiency in Mental Nursing granted by the
Royal Medico-Psychological Association of Great Britain and
Ireland were conducted in India for the first time at this hospital
in 1936. Eight nursing sisters appeared at the final examination
and three members of the staff at the preliminary examination.
The statement below shows the number of patients treated during
1937 and the results of treatment ;—
1937.
1. Average population 230.13
2. New admissions (including readmissions) 53
3. Discharged cured—
Total ••* ♦♦< 26
Percentage 11.15
4. Deaths—’
Total . 9
Percentage 4.05
5. Cost per head exclusive of Public Works
Department charges ... ... Rs. 1,218
The Ranchi Indian Mental Hospital also worked satisfactorily
under Lt,-Col. I. E. Dhunjibhoy, I.M.S. The high standard of
 ei
efficiency for which the hospital has been famous since its incept
tion has been maintained. The hospital provided accommodation
for 1,108 male and 272 female patients during the year. The
hospital has been recognized for Post-Graduate study for the
Diploma in Psychological Medicine of the Universities of London
and Edinburgh. The table below shows the number of patients
treated during 1937 with results :—
1937.
1. Average population 1322.93
2. New admissions (including readmissions) 154
3. Discharged cured—
Total 84
Percentage 6.35
4. Deaths—
Total 39
Percentage 3.13
5. Cost per head exclusive of Public Works
Department charges ... Ps. 331-0-4
The Itki Sanatorium, 16 miles to the west of Ranchi town,
Txu. c—tA.inn, has been in existence for 9 years. It affords
treatment for persons sufifermg from tuber­
culosis. To meet the increasing demand for admission the total
bed capacity has been increased to 128. Many cases come in in an
advanced stage too late to receive the full benefits of Sanatorium
treatment. The following table shows the number of patients
treated during the year and the result of treatment:—

Namber Total Number Nuirbet ol

Year. ot admie- number of Arrested. Unob Imp loved. discharge
eiODB. treated. discharge. improved. otherwise.

1 S 8 4 6 6 7 8

1937 139 229 114 11 37 26 41

The number of patients treated at the Kadium Institute,

Patna, rose from 812 in 1935 to 945 in 1937.
The Red um Institute, nearly half of the total number of cases of
cancer treated at the Institute the disease was inside the month
 e2
‘ and the widely prevalent practice of constant chewing of pan and
khaini was reported to be responsible for the large majority of cases
of cancer of the cheek and mouth.
Three thousand four hundred and ninety-nine patients were
treated during 1937 at the Pasteur Institute
e as eur ns ute. Patna. Of these 2,824 completed treat­
ment and were cured. As a result of the introduction of
a scheme of decentralisation of anti-rabic treatment, facilities for
pasteur treatment of dog-bite cases were extended to various sadr
and subdivisional hospitals in the province where anti-rabic centres
were opened. The vaccine is manufactured and supplied by the
- Institute free’ of cost to all the recognized centres. Nine medical
officers were given training in anti-rabic treatment for carrying on
the work at the seven anti-rabic centres opened during 1937.
Efforts were made during the year to reorganize and revitalise
St. John Ambulance the St. John Ambulance Association in the
Association. province, so that it might be able to carry
on its good work more effectively. A scheme was under considera­
tion to reorganize the local centres in the sixteen districts with a
view to give lectures and practical demonstrations for the St. John
Ambulance Certificate in first aid at the Patna Medical College
and the Darbhanga Medical School and at other educational insti­
tutions as well as in mines, factories and to the general public
and arrange for similar lectures and demonstrations for nurses and
other women who wish to join and to form Ambulance and
Nursing Divisions of those holding the first Aid and Nursing
Certificates.
Important measures and activities in 1938-39.
A scheme for subsidising medical practitioners in rural areas
has been formulated. It is proposed to
Rural Medical Relief, beginning with four medical practi­
tioners in each district with a subsidy of Es. 40 per month to a
medical graduate and Rs. 30 per month to licentiates and to
Ayurvedic, Tibbi and Homoeopathic practitioners. Under the
scheme a further subsidy in the shape of medicines up to a
maximum of Rs. 240 is proposed to be allowed. Government will
be prepared to meet two-thirds of the cost of the scheme for three
years provided the balance is met by the district boards concerned.
It is proposed to make a provision of Rs. 50,000 for the purpose in
the next year’s budget.
Government have decided to improve the nursing facilities'
available at the Patna Medical College
urging Facilities. Hospital and with that object to reorganize
the whole nursing establishment of that institution. Their
particular concern, however, has been to get a larger number of
Indian nurses and with a view to attain that object, substantial
increments in emoluments to Indian probationer nurses and Indian
staff nurses have been given.
Government have endeavoured to encourage the spread of
higher medical education amongst women
Medloal^^oatlon For ^s they recognize that without it proper
medical aid will not be available to the
mothers of the province. For that purpose they have sanctioned
six scholarships of Rs. 30 each for lady students taking up the
study of medicine, three at the Patna Medical College and three
at the Darbhanga Medical School.
Government have sanctioned a grant of Es. 10,000 to the
Anti-Tuberculosis Association towards the
Tuberculosis Clinics. establishment of tuberculosis clinics in each
district in each of the two years 1937-38 and 1938-39 and a similar
provision is being repeated in the next year’s budget.
An anti-malarial scheme for the district of Muzaffarpur at an
X 1 . 1 estimated cost of Rs. 38,000 (of which the
Work. .. contribute Es. 7,600) has
been sanctioned by 'Government. Two Ayurvedic and one Tibbi
centres have also been opened for combating malaria in that
district. Besides this, Government have sanctioned a drainage
scheme for Majorganj area in the district of Muzaffarpur at an
estimated cost of Rs. 29,613. Government have also sanctioned
grants aggregating Rs. 24,000 this year to other district boards,
namely,' Bhagalpur, Purnea, Champaran, Ranchi, Singhbhum,
Manbhum and Darbhanga for anti-malarial measures, and a further
grant of Rs. 14,000 for purchase of quinine for free supply.
Government also propose to provide Rs. 60,000 in the next year’s
budget for anti-malarial work in the districts.
A Public Health Nutrition Scheme has been sanctioned with
„ , „ a view to suggest adequate diet at a
minimum cost and to advise on the best
possible diet for the money spent and generally for improving the
dietary value of the food consumed by the people.
Government are alive to the necessity of combating plague at
Bettiah for which a temporary plague
other Fnblio Health
Measures. hospital was opened there from January
1938. One travelling dispensary is also
 Bi
Contemplated to be set up in the next year for use during plague
and other epidemics.
Government have trained 23 youths of the province in village
home sanitation and Septic tank construction in Ushagram,
Asansole, with a view to enable people to have their services in
places where trench latrines are not possible and mehtars are not
available for trenching night-soil of ordinary bucket latrines.
Government have also been considering the reorganization of
the Public Health Service by the addition of six posts of Govern­
ment Health Officers for .lending their services to six disb ict boards
which have no health officers at present, exclusion of public women
from melas and fans by undertaking necessary legislation,
mitigating nuisance arising from effluents from factories, the
extension of the Pood Adulteration Act to railway stations lying
outside municipal areas and amendment of the Food Adulteration
Act.
The following new schemes are under the consideration of
Schemes Under Consi- Government:—
deration.
(1) Reservation of a certain number of seats at the
Darbhanga Medical School for students of Chota
Nagpur and the Santal Parganas and creation of
special scholarships- for aboriginal students.
(2) Establishment of travelling eye hospitals in rural areas.
(3) Expansion of the Patna Medical College Hospital with
particular reference to the opening of wards for
middle class paying patients and the construction of a
children’s hospital, provision for extra accommoda­
tion for in-patients at the hospital and of an isolation
hospital.
(4) Making adequate provision for intensive leprosy work
in Manbhum and in other districts and also for Eala-
Azar measures in North Bihar.
(5) Construction of a cheap tuberculosis sanatorium at
Patna.
(6) Creation of two posts of (Assistant Surgeon) teachers in
Opthalmology and Forensic Medicine for the
Darbhanga Medical School.
(7) Construction of a guest house and recreation hall for the
Itki Sanatorium.
 CHAPTER VII

Maintenance Of Peace, Administration Of Justice And Jails

A notable feature of the year was the efforts made to

■establish better relations between the police
he Police. public. The Hon’ble the Prime
Minister laid particular emphasis on the importance of fostering
better relations between the police and the public in various
speeches he made to the police force, and the officers of the Depart­
ment used their best endeavours towards this end. His advice
to the police force may be summed up in the following striking
passage in one of his speeches:—“ Their attitude towards the
public must be of helpfulness and service. They must protect the
oppressed from the oppressor however poor or low placed the
former may be and however rich or high placed the latter may be.
They must protect everyone in the due enjoyment of his rights
and must by their action make every citizen feel that his honour,
life and property are sa.fe in their hands, Once the entire service
is imbued with- this ideal of service, I am sure it will rise high
in the estimation of the people and it will then certainly be a-
proud day for me.”
The Kisan agitation and the communal situation necessitated
greater vigilance on the part of the police force and put a heavy-
strain on them. The Kisan Sabha continued vigorous propaganda
against the zamindars and expressed dissatisfaction with the
agrarian- legislation sponsored by the Congress Ministry. The
agitation centred mainly around the question of the pdsse-ssion of
Bakasht lands and the storm centres were the district of Gaya,
the Tai area of Monghyr and the adjoining tracts of the Patna
district.
The communal situation became worse during the year. The-
Bakrid festival, except for minor incidents in Gaya and Shahabad,
was peaceful. But the Muharram festival was marked by a riot
at Jharia (Dhanbad) where cracker bombs were thrown at two*-
processions. During the Holi festival the Muslims of Jamnikola,
police-station Godda, resisted the passage of a Hindu procession
and both the Hindus and the police were attacked. In April 1937,
a- serious riot occurred at Bhui, police-station Silao in the district

65
e
85 Rev,
 66
of Patna in which several persons were injured, some of them
fatally. In the same month a chance quarrel at a large mela in
Deo in the di.?trict of Gaya led to widespread looting of Muham­
madan stalls in the mela and some sixty Muhammadans were
injured. In the same area another riot occurred at a cattle fair
at Madanpur in July 1937. In November 1937, another riot,
accompanied by incendiarism, took place at Khairati, police­
station Dharauli in the district of Saran. There were increasing
indications of communal ill-feeling in many parts of the province.
During the last quarter of the year, there was widespread Muslim
League activity in this province and numerous branches of the
League were formed.
In 1937 a sum of Rs. 20,052 was spent in rewards to 4,054
policemen for meritorious services, while 1,434 members of the
public were rewarded to the aggregate of Rs. 6,874 for the
assistance rendered to the police force. 102 criminal charges were
made against members of the police force, of which, however,
4 were declared to be true, 22 false, 33 were dismissed, 5 withdrawn,
12 ended in conviction, 11 in acquittal and 15 were pending at the
close of the year. The total number of police officers and men on
whom judicial and departmental punishments were imposed was
93 and 471 respectively against 74 and 414 respectively in the
previous year. Of these, 4 officers and 48 men were dismissed, and
42 officers and 79 men preferred appeals against major punish­
ments, of which in 83 cases the orders passed were upheld, in 28
they were modified or reversed, in 3 they were enhanced and 7 were
pending at the close of the year.
The estimated expenditure on the police force for the year
1937-38 was Rs. 78,71,710, including Rs. 7,23,392 on account of
village police now accounted for in the police budget according to
the changed system of accounting introduced from the 1st April,
1937. The total grant for the construction and the maintenance
of police buildings was Rs. 4,01,672 or Rs. 62,358 less than in the
previous year. Administrative approval was accorded to four
earthquake reconstruction projects involving the erection of
15 buildings at a total cost of Rs. 73,851. In order to deal with
increasing motor traffic Government approved special traffic
police for Patna, Dhanbad and Jamshedpur.
The services of the Military Police were frequently in demand
during the year. Detachments of the Gurkha Military Police
were deputed to Tatanagar and Adra for the Bengal Nagpur
Railway strike, to Ghatsila for the industrial strike and Gaya for
 67
the Kisan agitation, of the Bhagalpur Military Police to
Jehanabad (Gaya) as a precautionary measure against agrarian
riots and of the Mounted Military Police to Bikramganj (Shahabad)
for the Bakr-Id, to iSasaram for the Muharram and to Sheikhpura
and Burhee (Monghyr) owing to agrarian disputes. All units
maintained a high standard of efficiency and discipline.
Illiteracy among police men is now rare and only those who
are literate can aspire,for appointment as police constables. Out
of the 461 men appointed during the year, 86.1 per cent were
able to read and write well and 10.7 per cent fairly well. The
majority of the constables can read and write their own language
and many are able to read and write English numerals and
characters. Training in “ first-aid ” was given to 141 policemen,
of whom 108 passed, 3 failed, 1 could not appear at the examina­
tion owing to illness and the rest were still under training at the
close of the year.
The work by the village police was on the whole satisfactory.
There were a number of cases in which chaukidars rendered valu­
able services in the detection of crime. In Sasaram a daffadar,
on patrol with 4 chaukidars, assisted the villagers in resisting a
gang of dacoits. In Bhagalpur, a chaukidar arrested a notorious
criminal although he was severely injured in the struggle. In
Ranchi, a chaukidar arrested an absconder for murded, the latter
still having in his possession the blood stained knife. In
Singhbhum, a chaukidar collected Santal villagers armed with bows
and arrows and a man who owned a gun and drove off a gang of
dacoits. Rewards amounting to Rs. 55,328 were distributed
among 16,171 men (28.8 per cent of the rural police) while 32.4
per cent of the rural police were punished. The number of
chaukidars dismissed during the year was 615.
The year was free from terrorist crime and the situation
continued to be satisfactory. In May, how-
Revolutionary Crime, gygj., bomb exploded on the banks of the
Ganges in Patna City injuring two of the youths engaged in
preparing it. One of the injured persons was an ex-convict of the
Alamganj Bomb case of 1933. In August an ex-internee under,
the Bihar and Orissa Public Safety Act, who had been released
from internment, and two others were arrested at Madhubani
railway station in possession of an unlicensed revolver and
cartridges. The ex-internee was sentenced to six months’ rigorous
imprisonment but this sentence was later reduced to two months
on appeal..
 The total number of true cases, of cognisable crime rose from
-35,294 cases in 1936 to 35,596 in 1937.
Crime. Better reporting of crime, the economic
depression and pre-occupation of the police with more pressing
duties accounted for the increase. Robbery increased by 9.7 per.
cent, murder by 4.7 per cent and riots by 4.2 per cent.
There was a slight increase in ordinary thefts and a very
slight decrease in burglary. Cattle theft decreased by 39.5 per, cent
apd dacoity by 4.5 per cent.

The number, of recorded pon-congnisable crime decreased from

67,008 to 63,917. The greater part of the decrease is represented
by cases under special and local laws.

The value of property stolen during the year 1937 wap

Rs. 21,53,628 against Rs. 14,58,649 last year and the value of
property recovered was Rs. 1,39,970 against Rs. 1,71,537. The
percentage of cases in which recovery was made decreased from
28.2 to 26.6.
There w.ere 273 true cases of murder against 260 last year.
Of these 130 cases against 347 persons were
Murder.
tried of which 69 (53 per cent of the
cases tried) involving 109 persons (31 per cent of those charged!
ended in conviction. Ranchi district continued to be the most
murderous. Belief in witchcraft, chiefly among the aboriginal
classes, was responsible for 19 murders and the aberrations of love
and the spirit of revenge accounted for 17 per cent of the total
murders. Some of the remarkable cases of murder, may be
mentioned individually. In Manbhum, an extortionate money­
lender was brutally murdered and in another case a father being
stricken with poverty killed his five-year old son. In Ranchi,
a woman was killed by her co-villagers as she was suspected to
have caused an epidemic of cholera by her ‘ witchcraft ’ and an old
man was murdered by two of his co-villagers who suspected him
to have brought illness into their families. There was also a case
of human sacrifice and another of patricide in the same district.
There were 148 true cases of culpable bomiside not amounting to
murder. This was three more than in the previous year.

Riots and unlawful assemblies rose from 668 to 698. Patn.a

and Monghyr recorded the most noticeable
Riots. increase, which is attributed to the agrarian,
unrest due to the Kisan agitation. Monghyr continued to head
 69
the list in this form of crime with 120 cases. 43 riots and unlaAvfuI
assemblies were due to communal clashes. Among the cases
which may be noticed one was in Bhagalpur in which a man was
decapitated by a sword, the mob in this case being led by 3 persons
mounted on an elephant. In another case in Hazaribagh a Sub­
Inspector of Police fired his revolver in the air to scare away a
gang of criminals who were about to attack him.
It is satisfactory that there was a further considerable decrease
in this form of crime during the year, the
Daoolty. number of true cases being 259 against
364 last year. This result was, to a large extent, due to the
operation of special armed dacoity forces and the services of a
special investigating staff. The most noticeable decreases occurred
in Manbhum (20 against -53), the Santal Parganas (29 against
52), Saran (24 against 45), Bhagalpur (23 against 36), Gaya
(15 against 24), Hazaribagh (7 against 17) and Darbhtnga
(5 against 13). The percentage of cases placed on trial rose from
27 to 31 and that of successful prosecutions from 65 to 68. The
percentage, however, of persons charged with the offence who were
fonvicted remained unchanged at 46.4.
Instances of the stout resistance of the people to dacoits and
of smart and courageous action by the police in tackling dacoits
are not wanting. In a case of Bhagalpur the villagers bravely
resisted a gang of dacoits killing one and injuring two of them and
in a case of Champaran the inmates resisted the dacoits and
captured one of them. Tn another case the jingling noise produced
by some ornaments which a dacoit was carrying, roused the
suspicion of some cartraen who arrested him and produced him
before the police. In Saran, the local police surprised a gang
uhile it was raiding a house'' and succeeded in arresting two
persons on the spot and 7 later on. In Singhbhum, a gang of
Punjabis while returning from a dacoity was intercepted by a
constable who, with the aid of the Assistant Station Master,
arrested 4 of the gang with stolen property.
The number of true cases of robbery rose from 212 to 236.
These cases included 42 cases of highway
Robbery And Burglary, robbery, 4 of train robbery, 3 of mail
robbery and 1 of robbery by admihistering poison. Marked
increases occurred in Patna, Monghyr and Palamau and satisfac-
tory decreases in Hazaribagh and Manbhum. 40 per cent of the
cases reported were sent Up for trial of which 77 per cent ended
io conviction against 78 pet cent in the previous year.
 True cases of burglary decreased slightly from 16,647 to 16,588.
The decrease was most marked in Shahabad, Santal Parganas,
Manbhum and Singhbhum, while there was an appreciable
increase in Patna, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Monghyr. 8.5 per
-cent of the cases were attempts; in 28.5 per cent no propertv was
stolen and in 15.8 per cent the value of property stolen was below
Es. 5. The incidence of this form of crime per 10,000 of the
population was 4.4. Of the cases reported 8.1 per cent were sent
up for trial and 6.8 per cent of the cases reported ended in convic­
tion against 7 per cent last year.
True cases of ordinary theft rose from 9,271 to 9,501.
Marked increases occurred in Gaya, Sha-
habad, Saran and Monghyr, while
appreciable decreases occurred in Purnea, Ranchi and the Santal
Parganas. In all 2,576 cases with 8,990 persons were tried, of
which only 90.6 per cent ended in conviction and of the persons
tried 42.8 per cent were convicted. Cases of cattle theft decreased
by 40 per cent, there being only 546 cases during the year against
762 in the previous year, 296 cases were tried of which 91 per
cent ended in conviction.
There were 19 cases of note-forgery against 15 in the previous '
year. There were no convictions in these
Offences Against cases. Of 29 true cases of coining, however,
Canenoy.
19 resulted in the conviciton of 30 persons.
The number of true cases of culpable homicide slightly
increased from 145 to 148, while that of
Fatalities. infanticide rose from 12 to 22 during the
year. Cases of suicide, however, decreased from 657 to 618, of
which 242 were men and 376 women and children. Of the total
number of cases (12,707) reported of deaths by accidents, 25 proved
to be cases of murder and 5,051 of drowning. Snake-bite was
responsible for 3,985 fatalities and wild beasts for 299. While in
the western countries road accidents take a heaw toll, such was
not the case in Bihar, where during the year only 89 deaths were
due to motor accidents.
On the railways true cognisable cases rose from 998 to 1,057,
while the number of deaths due to railway
Railway Crime, accidents rose from 353 to 510. This large
increase under the latter head is due to the
Bihta smash on the East Indian Railway. 25 cases of obstruction
were reported, pf which 12 were on the Bengal and North-Western
 t
W’*!’*"^"'1'*’WW I 4W ■ ('\y
I 1-., .*"'"

s
**
•s*

, X •* . J
''!' ■ 1
 71

Railway and 13 on the East Indian Railway. There were 5 cases

of collision with no loss of life. 74 cases of suicide were also
reported on the railways.
There were 220 true cases of arson, of which 45 were brought
to trial and 20 ended in conviction. True
t er rmes. cases of mischief to animals numbered 145
of which 64 were sent up for trial and 52 ended in the conviction
of 88 persons. Out of 580 true cases of cheating reported during
the year, no less than 135 were of professional cheating. 201
cases with 801 persons were tried and the percentages of persons
and cases resulting in conviction were 33 and 90 respectively.
Out of 178 professional swindlers tried, 117 were convicted.

As compared with the previous year, a slightly larger per­

centage of the persons who brought
False Cases. maliciously false cases were prosecuted but a
• slightly smaller percentage of those prosecutions resulted in con­
victions. The number of cases that were declared to be maliciously
false slightly decreased from 1,274 to 1,203. Prosecutions were
ordered in 344 such cases, of which 118 cases involving 118 persons
ended in conviction. Compensation under section 250 of the
Criminal Procedure Code was also awarded in 23 cases. The
percentage of prosecutions to maliciously false cases rose from
24.01 to 28.5 and varied from 70.3 in Dhanbad to 14.2 in Singh­
bhum, while the percentage of conviction to the number prosecuted
was 34.37, Dhanbad showing the highest percentage of
convictions.

The year closed with 24,486 persons on the police surveillance

list, of which 3,494 were in jail, 2,07.5 were
Sarveillanoe. untraced and 18,917 were under actual sur­
veillance. The system of teaching constables to recognise bad
characters produced fair results. Arrests by picketing parties rose
from 323 to 519, of which 369 were convicted and 62 were under
trial at the close of the year. 2,626 officers and men were
employed on town patrol duty. Burglaries in towns rose from 2,479
to 2,767. 332 persons were rounded up by town patrols, of whom
154 were convicted. Inadequate street-lighting is still reported
to hinder the task of these patrol parties though the total number
of street lamps increased from 1’6,240 to 17,984. In addition to
the regular patrols on the Nepal frontier, certain important roads
in the province were systematically patrolled. Temporary road
patrols were also deputed to certaip crim^-affected areas,
 72
The number of history sheets of criminals maintained by the
Intelligence Bureau slightly increased
from 3,870.to 3,942. At the close of the
year there were 5,038 i^egistered members
of the criminal tribes against 5,495 in the previous year. The
decrease was due to the removal from the register of the names of
a number of members belonging to various tribes and gangs.
The number of registered members convicted was 333 under the
Criminal Tribes Act and 90 under the Indian Penal Code. The
working of the Criminal Tribes Act was investigated by Inspectors
of the Department -in various districts. The rules-framed under
section- 20 of the Act -were revised and approved by Government.
The number of questioned documents received for examination
increased from 90 to 106. The photographic section recorded the
photographs of 196 prisoners, 3,058 manuscripts and 313 finger
prints in addition to miscellaneous work. The Finger Print
Bureau examined 5,233 slips and identified 928. old criminals,
. while 8,282 new slips were placed on record and 815 were
eliminated, thus raising the total on record to 179,239. Finger
Print Experts gave evidence in 380 cases, of which 340 were
private cases, and furnished opinions in 1,079 cases. The Bureau
continued to be self-supporting, the fees received being Rs. 26,198
and the cost of maintenance being approximately Rs. 23,000
during the year. The system of indexing finger print slips is
being modernised.
The number of registered vehicles rose from 7,528, including
391 lorries and 1,160 buses, to 8,176, includ-
Motor Vehicles. g20 lorries and 1,168 buses. The tax
collected amounted to Es. 2,56,333-10-1 during the half-year ending
30th September, 1937 against Rs. 2,13,977-10-6 for the correspond­
ing period of 1936. 1,029 new licenses were issued and 9,476
old licenses w’ere renewed during the year. 488 persons were
injured in motor accidents of whom 89 died. There were 2,451
prosecutions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 205 under the Motor
Taxation Act and 256 under the Indian Penal Code.
93,386 criminal cases were reported during 1937, of which
52,561 were offences under the Indian Penal
Criminal Justice. Code and 40,819 under special and local
laws, an increase of 1,512 or 3 per cent, and a decrease of 5,416
or 11.7 per cent respectively as conipared with the figures for last
year. The largest increases were in Purnea (1,222 or 21.6 per
cent) and Singhbhum (262 or 6.9 per cent). The increase In
purnea is stated to be due to the better economic condition of th©
people, while in Singhbhum it is ascribed to an increase in the
number of cases under the Motor Vehicles Act, Excise Act and
Municipal bye-laws. Complaints were dismissed in 14,913 cases
and the number of cases declared to be false after trial'or enquiry
was 1,137 or 137 more than last year.
At the opening of the year 3,015 cases were pending before
Magistrates. During the year 67,641 cases
Magisterial Courts. \vere brought to trial, of 'which 67,299 were
disposed of, and 3,357 remained ■pending at its close. Of the
total number of cases disposed of 656 -tvere committed or referred
to courts of Sessions, while 66,642 were finally disposed of by
Magistrates. In the latter cases, 115,676 persons were accused
as against 120,519 in the previous year; 55,247 or 47.8 per-cent
were convicted; and 60,429 or 52.2 per cent were acquitted or
discharged..
The number of cases committed for trial or referred to the
Sessions Courts during the year was 656.
Courts Of Sessions. Of the 622 cases tried by these' courts, 467
were tried by Sessions Judges and Additional Judges and 155 by
Assistant Sessions Judges. There Were increases in the number
of such cases in the districts of Shahabad (57 to 76) and Cham­
paran (49 to 67) in comparison •with the preceding year. There
were altogether 2,716 persons under trial before the courts of
Sessions, of whom the cases of 2,001 were decided and 711
remained pending. Of the persons tried, 928 were convicted,
1,005 were acquitted or discharged, while the cases of 68 were
referred to the High Court under sections 307 and 374 of the
Criminal Procedure Code.
The average duration of sessions trial from the date of com­
mencement to the date of decision was 80.9
Duration^^Of^ Sessions against 71.6 days in the previous year.
The duration was especially long in the
districts of the Santal Parganas (161 days), Bhagalpur (129 days),
Hazaribagh (128 days) and Ranchi (114 days), attributed mainly
to the congestion in the sessions files. The most notable decrease
was in the districts of Saran (from 73 to 55 days) and Shahabad
from 64 to 49 days).
I'he system of trial by jury remained unchanged and was
continued in all the districts in which it
Trials By Jurrors And prevailed. The number of persons tried by
Assessors.
jury during the year was 493 and the verdict
of the jury was accepted in respect of 479 persons, while in
 respect of 14 persons references were made to the High Court by
the Judges under section 307 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Opinion on the working of the jury system continues to be divided.
The whole question is engaging the attention of the High Court
who are to make their recommendations for improving the system
to the Provincial Government.
The number of persons tried with the aid of assessors was
1,401. In the cases of 781 persons, the Sessions Judges agreed
with the opinion of the assessors and in the cases of 227 persons
differed from the opinion of all. In the cases of 393 persons they,
however, differed with only a few of the assessors.
In the Sessions Courts there were 231 appeals pending at the
beginning of the year and during the year
Appeals. 2,825 appeals were preferred. The number
decided during the year was 2,730 and 326 were pending at its
close. There was an increase in seven Sessions divisions and a
decrease in four, the largest increase being in the Sessions division
of Patna (62) and the largest decrease in Chota Nagpur (99).
The number of persons concerned in the appeals decided by the
Sessions? Judges was 5,260 of whom 2,982 or 56.7 per cent failed
completely. The appeals of 1,418 or 27 per cent were summarily
dismissed. Of those whose appeals were admitted, 1,564 or 40.7
per cent were altogether unsuccessful, 928 or 24.2 per ’ cent
obtained a reduction or alteration of sentence, 1,315 or 34.2 per
cent were acquitted, in the cases of 34 or .9 per cent new trial
or further enquiry was ordered and the case of one person was
referred to the High Court.
In the courts of Magistrates there were 168 appeals pending
at the beginning of the year. During the year 2,688 appeals were
preferred of which 2,634 were decided and 222 remained pending
• at the close of the year.
During the year 298 appeals were preferred in the High
•Court. 272 such appeals were decided and 32 remained pending
at the close of the year. Of the appeals preferred, 256 were
against sentences passed by courts of sessions, 32 were against
sentences passed by Magistrates acting under section 34 of the
Criminal Procedure Code and 6 were under section 476-B of the
Criminal Procedure Code. In addition, there were four appeals
by Government against orders of acquittal. The orders of the
lower courts were upheld in 196 out of 272 appeals decided,
reversed in 29 and modified in 45. In two cases the sentence wag
enhanced.
 75

Forty-two references under section 374 of the Criminal

Procedure Code, for confirmation of sen-
Deatb Sentences. fences of death, were made to the High
Court during the year besides the one that was pending from the
previous year. 33 references in which 44 persons were concerned
were disposed of. The sentence of death passed on 21 persons
was confirmed and that passed on 12 was commuted to transpor­
tation for life. 4 others had the sentence set aside and were
acquitted, while the conviction of 7 persons was altered and they
were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment varying from 5 to 10
years. 10 references involving 11 persons remained pending at
the end of the year.
There were altogether 120 panchayat Courts in the province
during the vear, of which 94 were ih the
Panchayat Courts. - Muzaffarpur alone. In this
district these courts disposed of 1,709 cases. On the whole the
courts worked satisfactorily and afforded some relief to the
Magistracy by disposing of a number of petty disputes.
During the year 777 cases were instituted on the complaints
of courts and 118 were pending at the
Complaints By Courts, opening of the year. 484 of these cases
ended in conviction and 267 in acquittal, 31 cases were withdrawn,
one was dismissed, in 2 the accused persons escaped, proceedings
in 6 cases were dropped, in 2 cases the accused persons were
committed to the Courts of Sessions and 103 cases remained
pending at the close of the year.
The fees and fines realised in criminal courts amounted to
Rs. 8,33,346, Rs. 3,34,465 being fines.
Receipts. Pg 77,020 process fees, Rs. 1,49,758 copying
and comparing fees, Rs, 2,43,450 court-fee stamp receipts other
than the above and Rs. 28,053 miscellaneous receipts.
The magisterial staff of the province at the close of the year
consisted of 274 stipendiary and 108 honorary
Magisterial Staff. magistrates. Of the 274 stipendiary
magistrates, 159 exercised first class, 90 second and 25 third class
powers. Of the honorary magistrates, one was a Special Magistrate
under section 14 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The volume and nature of the litigation coming before the
courts during the year seem to indicate that
Civil Justice. fclie economic depression from which the
small agriculturists have so long suffered has begun to lift. The
 vs
mimber of original Suits instituted in the province was 109,012,
'aCti increase of 11 on the previous year’s figures. There was an
increase in litigation in five districts and decrease in six. The
increase was most marked in Manbhum-Singhbhum ( + 3,258) and
Saran ( + 1,284) and the decrease in Bhagalpur ( — 2,346) and
Gaya ( — 1,826). Of the suits instituted, 38,872 were for money
or movable property, 147,101 Were ren% suits and 13,039 were
title and other miscellaneous suits, showing an increase of 3.1 per
cent, a decrease of 0.9 per cent and an increase of 1.9 per cent,
respectively, as compared with the figures for the previous year.
The value of the suits instituted amounted to Es. 4,39,83,431, an
increase of Rs. 13,82,377 as compared with the previous year.
Out of a total of 316,346 suits for disposal, 195,478 were disposed
of during the year. The number of suits for disposal decreased'
by 27,796 and the number disposed of by'29,481 as compared with
the previous year. The average disposal of suits in the courts of
Subordinate judges decreased from' 282.8 in 1936 to 1'91.2 in 1937
and that of suits in the courts of Munsifs decreased from 3,050.6
to 2,660.5. The total amount realised in courts, other than small
cause courts, was • Es. 1,80,87,785. The coercive measures
employed included in 288 cases the arrest of the judgment-debtor;
in 445 and 43,999 cases, respectively, the sale of movable and
immovable property and in 36,491. cases the attachment of property
followed by its release. Possession of immovable property was
given in 981 eases.

The number of civil appeals and miscellaneous cases preferred

before the High Court during the year was
Civil Appears. 2,372 in all. In addition there were 2,724
Such cases pending from the previous year. Of the total number
preferred, 1,734 appeals and 924 miscellaneous cases were decided
during the year. 2,438 appeals and miscellaneous cases were
pending at the close of the year.

In the appellate courts subordinate to the High Court the

appeals instituted numbered 4,981, a decrease of 462 over last
years’s figures. Appeals disposed of numbered 5,184, 154 more
than in the previous year, of which 2,521 or 48.6 per cent were
decided by District and Additional District Judges and 2,663 or
61.4 per cent by Subordinate Judges. At the close of the year
3,917 appeals remained pending, this being 84 less than at the end
of 1936. In 2,758 cases or 53.2 per cent of the whole, the judgment
of the lower court was affirmed, in 860 eases or 16.4 per cent it was
 77-

modified, and in 754, or 14.5 per cent it was reversed, 122 appeals
or. 2.4 per .cent were remanded and 700 or 13.-5 per cent were either
dismissed for default or otherwise not prosecuted.
Besides the permanent personnel of the High Court, two
temporary posts of Additional Judges
Judicial Staff. were created during the year, one
from the 20th September, 1937, to the 27th September, 1938,
and the. other, from the 2O.th November 1937 to the long vacation
o.f 1939. The permanent civil judicial staff subordinate to the
High Court-consisted of 17 District Judges., including & peripatetic
Additional District Judges, 24 Subordinate Judges and 79 Munsifs.
Pour Munsifs on probation were confirmed and three new proba­
tioners were appointed.
The new rules regarding the issue of commissions, requiring a.
knowledge of surveying are reported to be.
Miscellaneous. working satisfactorily. During the year the.
total number of commissions issued was 1,207 of which 888 or,
73.6 were executed by pleaders, holding certificates of proficiency
in surveying, 261 or 21.6 per cent by othev pleaders and 58 or
4.8 per cent by Bachelors of Civil Engineering or persons having
other prescribed qualifications. The total amount of fees paid in
respect of these commissions was Rs. 43,584. The number of
commissions of other kinds issued was 838 and the. total amount of
fees in respect of them was Rs. 16,844.
The accounts of estates under the fiduciary control of- the
civil courts, the annu-aJ income of which exceeds Rs. 4,000, con­
tinued to be audited by the Local Audit Department. The system
continues to work satisfactorily and the regular audit of these
estates lias thereby gained in effectiveness and utility.
The provisions of the Usurious Loans Act, 1918, were applied
by the subordiante courts in all cases where it was necessary to
use them and rates of interest were reduced where they were found
excessive.
The system of permitting service of summons on witnesses by
parties or their agents continued. to work, satisfactorily. 31,698
such processes were made over to the parties, during the year as
against 31,516 in the previous year. The innovation did not,
however, make it possible to reduce the process-serving establish­
ment in any judgeship, the reason in most cases being that the
number of peons is,.still less than the maximum permitted by the
rules.
 t)uring the year the Provincial Government declared Naslaliq
Urdu to be an optional court script for all the civil and criminal
courts in the Patna, Tirhut and Bhagalpur Divisions except the
districts of the Santal Parganas. The Boman script has also been
declared to be an optional court script for courts in the Patna
Division.
Several improvements were effected in the judicial administra­
tion of the province during the year. The
other More Recent following are some of the important measures
Measures. taken in that direction by the new Govern­
ment :—
The Registrar system was extended to the civil' courts at
Monghyr as an experimental measure for three years with a view .
to reduce corruption. A circular was issued to all District Judges
suggesting methods for dealing with corruption in the civil courts,
while another circular was issued to all Commissioners of Divisions
asking them to draw the attention of the District Magistrates to
the necessity of complying with the instructions issued by Govern­
ment from time to time to prevent delays in the disposal of
criminal cases and undue detention of witnesses in such cases..
Government approved the High Court’s amendment to rule 1,
order XXI, of the first schedule to the Code of Civil Procedure and
to the Court’s General Rules and Circular Orders, by which amend­
ments judgment-debtors would be able to remit money by money­
order and would no longer have to bring the money to court and
deposit it there by chalan. A circular was also issued to all
Commissioners of Divisions asking them to issue instructions to all
magistrates deprecating the delivery of judgments during closing
hours of courts, while by another circular the necessity for method
and punctuality in disposing of work requiring the presence of the
public was impressed upon Magistrates. Government decided that
the word ”Ap ” and not " Turn ” should be used in all forms of
processes except those addressed to accused persons or to persons
called upon to show cause under sections 108—110 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure. The High Court was requested to draw the
attention of the subordinate civil courts that the provisions for the
transfer of cases by Munsifs to Panchayat courts may be followed.
The question whether the system of Honorary Magistrates should
be retained or abolished is still under the consideration of Govern­
ment. Fresh appointments were made for six months. Fhe rules
regarding the appointment of Government Pleaders and Public
Prosecutors were revised providing for all vacancies in these posts
 79
tt» be advertised to enable all suitable and deserving candidates Io
apply for them, and to effect economy certain rules in the Bihar
and Orissa Practice and Procedure Manual were amended in order
to reduce the fees payable to Government Pleaders and Public
Prosecutors and other lawyers occasionally engaged in criminal
cases on behalf of Government. Government decided that the
Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, should be enforced more
strictly than had been done hitherto.

The number of permanent jails of all classes remained the

same as in the previous year, namely,
4 central, 9 district, 1 juvenile and
40 subsidiary jails. The reduced jails at Arrah, Chaibassa
and Daltonganj continued to function as district jails in order to
relieve the congestion in the permanent jails. The total number
of prisoners at the commencement of the year was 11,565 against
11,417 in the previous year. The number of admissions including
transfers, decreased from 60,116 to 55,369 and the number of
prisoners discharged from 59,968 to 56,142. The year closed with
a total of 10,792 prisoners or 773 less than in the previous year.
The daily average number of prisoners of all classes and of convicts
in the province fell from 11,958 and 10,087, respectively, in 1936
to 11,029 and 9,184 during the year under review. Nine convicts
who volunteered for service in the Andamans were transported
during the year with the sanction of the local Government.
The total number of youthful offenders and juveniles, that is
of all prisoners below 20 years of age, admitted during the year,
fell from 1,707 to 1,408. Of these prisoners 73 per cent were
given sentences of one year or less.

The daily average number of undertrial prisoners was

1,814.54 against 1,822.61 in the previous year.

There were 37 civil prisoners in the jails at the beginning of

the year, 267 were received during the year and 284 discharged,
leaving 20 at the close of the year.

There was no state prisoner confined in the jails during the

year, AU terrorist prisoners belonging to the province and
detained in the Andamans were brought back to the province.
There were altogether 45 such prisoners in the jails. Of these
21 were discharged during the year.
 60
• hldupation haying; been found to be a useful reformative-
method) compulsory education up to the
Education of- Prisoners, primary standard of all Hindi-speaking
• ordinary prisoners of 25 years or
below was continued a.t the Gaya Central Jail, while
the Bhagalpur' Central Jail imparted compulsory education to
Urdu-speaking * A ’ class male prisoners of 25 years of age and
under. At the beginning of the year there-were 104 and 48 priso­
ners receiving education in classes of the former and the latter
jails and 79 and 64 new- admissions were made, respectively, in
these- classes- of both the jails during the year. At the close of
the year, however, only 129 and 39 prisoners remained on the
educational rolls of the Gaya and Bhagalpur Central Jails,
respectively, the rest having been transferred, released or found
to have completed the age limit. Physical and vocational training
was also given.
In the Juvenile Jail at Monghyr there are both Jay and night
schools and OU the opening day of the year there were 132 juvenile
prisoners on the .rolls for -education. 186 more hoys were admitted,
during the year making a total of 318 students. Of these 180 boys
were either released or trapsferred and • 124 boys were examined;
of whom 75 were promoted to the higher classes. The technical
classes of thu school were continued and soap-making was added
to the list of;vocations .taught at the school.
There were altogether 51 “ star class” or casual and non-
habitual prisoners in the Hazaribagh Central Jail, who were kept-
aloof from other prisoners ro avoid any possible contamination and
were taught various forms of' weaving besides physical and
elementary training.
There were only three escapes from jail custody during the
year against four in the previous year. Of
Discipline. these two occurred among convicts apd, one
among undertrial, prisoners. But all of them were later
recaptured.
There was a decrease in the total number of jail offences
committed by convicts and punishments- inflicted on them, the
figure being 3,216 against 4,038 in the previous year, AJl were-
dealt with by the jail authorities except-5. which were referred to
the-criminal-courts. The number of prisoners who were -punished'
with whipping was 9 against 7.in the previous year. .Fetters for.
 V.
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■'. • ’ ■ 111
'It'- > '«V
i 1; J ’>»•,
 81

safe custody were imposed in 63 cases of prisoners who had pre­

viously escaped or shown a tendency to escape against 83 in the
previous year.
The total strength of the permanent warder estahlishment
during the year was the same as in the previous year, namely,
1,076. The total number of punishments inflicted on warders and
head-warders decreased from 801 in 1936 to 604 during the year
under review.
The system of granting remission of sentences to convicts as
a reward for good beha'sdour continued to exercise a salutary effect
on the conduct and work of the prisoners and during the year
altogether 5,140 convicts were released under this system against
5,203 in the previous year.
The total net profit and net profit per head amounted to
Es. 1,22,121 and Es. 13-8-0 against
Jan Manufacture. .p,
Es. 1,04,433 and Es. 10, respec­
tively in the previous year. The principal industries of the
Central Jails were tent-making, tailoring and cotton weaving on
power looms at Buxar, blanket weaving on power looms, tailoring,
black-smithy and carpentry at Bhagalpur, oil-pressing, cotton and
silk weaving, tailoring and manufacture of aloe fibre goods at
Hazaribagh. At Gaya' the labouring prisoners were employed
chiefly in the Porms Press Department. The various sections of
the manufactory department were fully occupied and among the
articles produced and supplied were tents, uniforms and liveries
fcr different Government departments, rugs, blankets, durees, etc.
The total length of cloth of all kinds, woven during the year in the
weaving .^department of the Buxar Central Jail increased from
3,22,347 yards to 3,40,831 yards.
The general health of the prisoners was satisfactory. On the
Health whole there was a decline in the incidence
of sickness and mortality as compared
with the preceding year. The total number of prisoners
admitted into hospitals during the year was 4,219 against
4,812 and the daily average of sick prisoners 254.58
against 266.88. In other words, the ratio per mille of
admissions to hospital was 382.6 against 402.4 and the daily sick-
rate per mille of average strength was almost the same as in the
previous year, being 23.1 against 22.3. The total number of
deaths from all causes and the death-rate per mille of the total
strength also fell from 176 and 14.7 in the previous year to 143
and 12.9, respectively during the year under review.
7 85 Rev.
 82

The total expenditure on jails, excluding the cost of buildings

Mlsofilkneons repairs, was Es. ^13,21,901 against
Miscellaneous. 13,56,158 in the previous year, the
decrease being due to the fall in the jail population. The average
cost per head, hovv^ever, rose from Rs. 113-7-0 to Es. 111-13-9.
A new amenity was the supply of toilet articles to political
prisoners in the Hazaribagh Central Jail.
The total expenditure on jail buildings was Es. 1,02,358
during the year.
The question of prison reform was taken up by the new
Government in right earnest and a' number
Prison Reform. of reforms were introduced during the year
in the jail administration of the province, the objective being to
convert jails from places of punishment into reformatories and
w'orkshops. Some of the important measures taken to implement
the new policy are as follows ;—
Hand-spinning industry on charkhas has been introduped in
all the Central Jails and in the sub-jail at AiTah, while spinning
of tasar has been introduced in the Central Jail at Bhagalpur,
weaving on handlooms has been ordered to be introduced in the
jails at Muzaffarpur, Monghyr, Purnea, Hazaribagh, Purulia and,
the sub-jail at Arrah and eri-rearing and spinning have been intro­
duced in the jails at Bhagalpur, Ranchi and Motihari. Besides
cane industry has been introduced in the jails at Monghyr, Bhagal­
pur and Buxar, carpentry in the jails at Buxar, Bhagalpur and
Monghyr, blacksmithy is being introduced in the jails at
Darbhanga and. Gaya. Sikki basket-making industry has been
sanctioned for the jails at Chapra and Purulia and arrangements
for wool spinning and blanket-weaving on hand-looms in the Gaya
Central Jail are in progress. One acre of land in the Hazaribagh
Central Jail has been allotted to the Agricultural Department for
growing cotton as an experimental measure. Jail industries are
being reorganised on a large scale and supplementary grants of
Es. 47,230 under jail manufactures and Es. 11,500 under buildings
have been made.
Degrading forms of labour, such as ghani (oil-pressing) by
prison labour has been abolished. The introduction of the Wardha
Ghani driven by bullocks has been sanctioned by Government at
the Bankipore Jail as an experimental measure. The diet of
prisoners has also been improved and arrangements have been
made for the education of all illiterate prisoners by the literate ones
 S3

among them or by the jail staff 'Wh@ may voliwteev for this pi3rf>ose.
InstruetioQs have been issued to jail authorities to consider oases
of release of long-tenn prisoners on ihe reeofiamendation of the
Soard of Visiterd as sdso the release of old, in&'m and decrepit
prisonerSi hy liberal applieatioB nf the rules. A nnmher of such
prisoners have already been released. In oonneotion with the
release of sich prisoners it has been ordered that cases falling under
rule of the Jail Manual should consideiod eveiy <|uarter or
at some other convenient time by the Boaa'd of Visitors who
should forwiard them to Ooverpment with their ©pinion. The
attention of att District Magistrates has been di*awn to the rule
which empowers, them to recommend for piomatnre release cases
not provided for by the rules in the Jail Manual. Owing to the
congestion ih the Indian Mental' Hospital at 3R,anchi, eri^nal
lunatics for some years past used to be detained in district jails.
For their better treatment Government have issued oi’ders that all
criminal' lunatics detained in different jails of the province should
be transferred to the Hazaribagh ^Central Jail,, where the Sr^er*
intendent of the Indian Mental Hospital will visit them at intervals
and advise about their treatment and care. The words “ Sarkaf
Salam ' which' weio humiliating and had a bad historical cvlour
have been substituted by **■ Hoshiar ” aS a sign of caution.
 CHAPTER YIII

Excise
The year marked a notable change from the old excise policy
General Government which aimed at the minimum
of consumption together with the maximum
of revenue to a policy of total prohibition of the use of liquor by
others than Europeans and Anglo-Indians and of total prohibition
of intoxicating drugs to be realised by gradual steps. No definite
action was taken during the year under review to implement the
new policy. Nevertheless anti-drink movements and peaceful
picketing started by the Congress and other organizations were
countenanced by Government

Developments. The principal administrative changes

during the year were :—
(a) Conversion of some distillery liquor shops into outstills
or opening of new oUtstills in the districts of
Shahabad, the Santal Parganas and Ranchi;
(b) enhancement of the rates of duty on country spirit of
72.5 U. P. strength in the districts of Monghyr am!
Bhagalpur;
(a) reduction in the maximum retail prices of country spirit
of 30.60 and 72.5 U. P. strengths in the districts of the
Patna Division and in the fixed retail prices of 70
and 80 U. P. strengths in the Jamshedpur area of
the district of Singhbhum and of 80 U. P. strength
in the Mango tract of Manbhum;
(d) reduction in the rate of tree-tax on palmyra trees in the
outstill area of the district of Shahabad during the
Basanti season;
(e) reduction in the rates of duty on ganja and maximum
retail price of ganja and bhang in the districts of
Gaya, Shahabad, the Santal Parganas and in the
portions of the districts of Monghyr and Bhagalpur
lying south of the Ganges and in the districts of the
Chota Nagpur Division;
if} enhancement in the rates of duty and maximum retail
price of bhang iu the district of Patna; and

84
 8§

(g) fixation of maximum retail price of undiluted pachwai

in the Jamshedpur area of the district of Singhbhum
where home-brewing of pachwai is prohibited.

The following table w’ill show at a glance the position of the

Bevenue. excise revenue which forms one of the three
main sources of the provincial revenues:—■

Peroentagd
Period. Bercnae. Charges. Belands. Net Borenne. of
Bevenue.

1 2 3 4 6 6

-
Bs. Rs. Rs. Rs.
1933-34 ... 99,91,498 11,19,692 11,188 88,57,618 11-20

1934-35 1,14,97,167 12.29,375 16,080 1,02,52,712 10-69

1935-36 • •• 1,21,90,687 12,86,680 1,08,75,202 10-56
28,805
1936-37 ... 1,16,37,119 10-94
12,73,593 27,044 1,03,36,432
1937-38 ••• 1,22,17,468 10-34
12,64,103 18,1-1,4 1,09,35,211

Difference bet­ •+ 6,80,339 —9,490 —0-60

ween the year —3,900 4-5,98,729
under report
and the preced­
ing year.
s

The total expenditure of tlie Excise Department amounted to

Excise Charges 12,64,103 against Es. 12,73,593 during
® ® the preceding year, a decrease of Es. 9,490.

The toddy tree-tax. area remained the saihQ as in the previous

_ _ year. The rate of tree-tax was the same as
Tree-tax System For • xi . • t , • , n
Toddy. previous year except m the district of
Shahabad where the tax was reduced for
winter tapping (October to March) from Es. 2 to Ee. 1-8-0 per
palrnyra tree in the outstill area from the 1st October, 1937. The
total number of palmyra trees tapped .during the year was 484,216
and of date 514,762 as against 535,216 and 423,976, respectively,
during the preceding year. The total tree-tax realised during the
year was Rs. 19,28,464 against Rs. 19,63,544 during the preceding
year.
 §6
The contract distillery system and outstill system were both
Country Spirit operation during the year in the districts
of Gaya, Shahabad, Champaran, Monghyr,
Bhagalpur, the Santal Parganas, Ranchi, Manbhum and
Singhbhum. The outstill system was extended to a portion of
Aurangabad and Pakribarwan police-stations in the district of Gaya,
to the-whole of the Bhabua subdivision and to a portion of the
Sasararh subdivision in the district of Shahabad; to a portion of
Sadr, Deoghar and Rajmahal subdivisions in the district of the
Santal Parganas; and to the whole of the rural areas in the district
of Ranchi leaving only one shop adjacent to the town area to work
under the distillery system. The districts of Hazaribagh and
Palamau were wholly under the outstill system; while in the
remaining districts the contract distillery system of supply
prevailed.
The total quantity of country spirit issued from the bonded
warehouses on payment of duty was 719867.8 L.P. gallons against
573758.1 L.P. gallons during the previous year. The number of
licences for the retail vend of country spirit was 994 against 1,034
in the preceding year. Eight new shops were opened to meet the
local demand, while 48 shops were abolished. The total revenue
from the distillery spirit and country spirit amounted to
Rs. 98,99,460 showing a total increase of Rs. 7,97,922. The
incidence per head of population was Re. 0-3-2 against Re. 0-2-11
in the previous year.
The total number of licences issued during the year for the
Pachwai retail sale of pachwai was 449 against 446
in the previous year. The increase in the
number of licences by three was due to the opening of one new
shop in each of the districts of the Santal Parganas, Hazaribagh,
Manbhum and Singhbhum and the abolition of one licence in
Palamau.
The total- quantities of alcoholic liquids from overseas
_
Foreign Tconsumed
Liquor. in this province were 13,235
gallons of spirit, 4,467 gallons of wine and
77,789 gallons of beer against 14,254 gallons, 4,386 gallons and
69,274 gallons, respectively^ during the previous year, while India-
made foreign liquor was consumed to the extent of 4,802 gallons
of spirit and 11,583 gallons of beer against 4,210 gallons and
13,318 gallons, respectively, in the previous year. These figures do
not represent the actual consumption of foreign liquor in this
province as many private consumers and bonofide clubs, who are
not required to take out licenses for eale of liquor to members for
 87

consumption on the premises and who are treated as private

persons, obtain their supplies direct from other provinces. No
India-made potable foreign liquor was manufactured in this
province. The total number of licences of different kinds for the
sale of potable foreign liquor other than commercial spirits was 221
against 205 in the previous year. The revenue from these sources
amounted to Rs. 1,09,283 against Rs. 1,35,000 in the previous year.
Six licences were issued for the cultivation of ganja on an area
of 137 acres and the total quantity of ganja
manufactured during the year was 602
maunds and 32 seers flat and 239 maunds and 26 seers of the round
variety which together with a balance of 198 maunds and 23 seers
flat of the previous year’s stock is expected to be sufficient to meet
the demands of this province and of Orissa during the year 1938-39.
The cost price of ganja during the year under review was fixed at
Rs. 160 per maund both for the flat and the round variety, the
same as the price at Naugaon in Bengal for supply to provinces
other than Bengal. The number of licences for the retail sale of
ganja in the year under review increased from 1,114 to 1,136. The
rates of duty and retail price of ganja were reduced from Rs. 40
to Rs. 35 and Rs. 80 to Rs. 70 a seer, respectively, as an experi­
mental measure in the district of Patna with effect from the 1st
April, 1936. The experiment having proved successful in stopping
the smuggling of ganja across the Ganges, the lower rates of duty
and prices were extended to the remaining districts of the province
south of the Ganges with effect from the 1st April 1937. Thus
a uniform rate of duty of Rs. 35 per seer prevailed in the province
during the year under review with a uniform retail price of Rs. 70,
per seer except in shops on the Nepal border where the price was
still lower, namely, Rs. 60 per seer. The total quantity of ganja
issued on payment of duty was 32,506 seers against. 28,863 seers in
the previous year. Consumption increased in all the districts of
the province. 1,103 seers of ganja were exported to Nepal on
payment of duty (Rs. 22,060) against 1,084 seers in the previous
year. The total revenue from ganja amounted to Rs. 19,07,128
against Rs. 18,85,227 in the previous year. The incidence of
taxation during the year was Rs. 58.0 per seer against Rs. 64.5 per
seer in the previous year.
A single individual continued to hold the monopoly for this
product uridef contract. During the year
Bhang. he collected 601 maunds of bhang in the
district of Purnea and the whole quantity was stored in the Central
gola at Bhagalpur which had a previous balance of 85 maunds and
16 seers. The drug was supplied from the Central gola to the
 88

warehouses of the province as well as to the provinces of Bengal,

Assam and Orissa. The quantity of bhang issued under bond to
wholesale dealers of this province was 242 maunds and 20 seers
against 183 maunds and 20 seers of the preceding year, while
220 maunds of the drug was exported under bond to Bengal against
225 maunds in the previous year. One maund and 22 seers of the
drug was exported to the province of Assam on payment of duty
in that province against 37 seers of the preceding year, and
105 maunds of bhang was exported to the province of Orissa against
67 maunds in the previous year. ' ■
The total quantity of bhang issued on payment of duty to
retail vendors of the province during the year amounted to 9,761
seers against 7,235 seers in the previous year. The total revenue
from bhang during the year amounted to Rs. 61,196 against
Es. 51,467 in the previous year.
The total number of licenses issued during the year for the
retail sale of excise opium was 408 as
Opium. compared with 402 in the previous year.
Seven new shops were opened, while one was abolished. The
number of druggists’ permits isssued under the Opium and the
Dangerous Drugs Rules was 197 and 271, respectively. The total
quantity of opium issued during the year to shops within the
province was 8,410 seers against 7,897 seers in the preceding year.
The increase in consumption was due to influx of people from Nepal
and to a slight improvement in the economic condition of the
people. Consequently the total revenue from opium increased to
Rs. 8,34,865 against Rs. 7,89,163 in the preceding year. The
cost price of opium was raised from Es. 18-15-0 to Rs. 19-7-0 a
seer with effect from 1st April, 1937.
The practice of administering opium to children is rare in this
province. It existed to som.e extent amongst the labouring classes
of the districts of Hazaribagh and Palamau only. The practice is,
however, dying out with the advancement of knowledge in sanita­
tion and health. The excise staff as well as the staff of the Public
Health Department explained to tlie people the physiological
effects of this evil practice upon children.

New Developments In Excise Policy In 1938-39.

An important development during this period was the
implementing of the declared policy of prohibition by the Congress
Government. The new policy was undertaken not only because
 8d

the Congress Govei’nment were committed to it by their election

pledges or because it was a moral necessity, but also because it
was essential for the economic welfare of the masses.

In order to implement this policy a Prohibition Act has been

Prohibition Act. passed. It enables Government to introduce
prohibition in selected areas and go on
gradually extending it to other parts of the province, so that in the
course of a few years tire whole province may go dry. Prohibition
has already been enforced in the district of Saran and the reports
which have so far reached Government of its working are very
encouraging and show that the scheme has had a very successful
start.
The scheme was inaugurated in the Saran district on - the
1st April, 1938. Pending the passing of the
Inauguration ^f^rohlbi- Prohibition Act by the Legislature and the
framing of necessary rules thereunder, it was
decided by Government to introduce and run the scheme by means
of prohibitory notifications under the Bihar and Orissa Excise Act.
Such notifications were issued in respect of country spirit and toddy
and ganja, bhang and charas amongst the drugs. In the pre­
prohibition days there were 1,957 shops for toddy, 95 shops for
country spirit and 74 shops for ganja and bhang. Licences for
none of these shops were renewed on the introduction of
prohibition.

It is estimated that some 5,000 persons were engaged in the

work of tapping of palmyra trees before the introduction of prohibi­
tion. Pot about a 'month in the beginning there was some illicit
tapping ,of trees but this was soon brought under control. The
tappers have now taken kindly io the campaign and are adjusting
themselves to the new conditions. The problem of providing
alternative occupation for tapping communities has been one of
difficulty, as majority of these knew no other profession. But
during the past few months a large number of them have taken
to various other forms of occupation and employment. An attempt
is also being made to settle Khas Mahal diara lands with as many
of them as possible to enable them to live by cultivation, and to
help them with agricultural loans. They are also being given
preference in the employment of .manual labour by local bodies.

There have been very few cases against the excise laws and
little of smuggling considering that the district covers an area of
2,683 square miles and has a population of 2,486,468.
 90

The introduction of prohibition has been received with

undiluted delight by the people. It has been
Public Reaction To found that when questioned openly those who
Prohibition.
were in the habit of consuming drinks have
invariably expressed pleasure that they have' been rescued from
the evil effects of drink. Women in villages are everywhere
delighted with'the new conditions. In such a short period it may
be difficult to assess accurately any definite improvement of any
village family budget but money is now generally more available
for food and clothes for children. In village Barauli a reformed
drunkard had saved up sufficient money to enable him to start
building a proper house which he lacked before. -
In pursuance of this policy of Government, attempts are also
being made to reduce the. consumption of
Other ^np^ementary spirits in other districts. Government have
decided not to settle 451 liquor shops in the
current year which were located in objectionable sites unless un­
objectionable sites were available for them. In the district of
Purnea six country spirit shops were abolished and the hours of sale
in Dhanbad have been curtailed. The question of eradicating the
evil practice of parchunia (hawking of liquor) prevalent in the
districts of Chota Nagpur has been receiving the serious attention
of Government. The question of registration of opium-eaters and
of eradicating the wild growth of bhang is also being examined.
Prohibition was extended from April 1939 to the whole of the
Extension Of ProhibI- Hajipur subdivision of the district of
tion. Muzaffarpur, to five police-stations, namely,
Ranchi, Burmu, Mandar, Ormanjhi and Angara in the district of
Ranchi, to five police-stations in the district of Hazaribagh, namely,
Hazaribagh, Ichak, Barkagaon, Mandu and Ramgarh, and to the
whole of the Dhanbad subdivision in the district of Manbhum,
except in the area covered by the Chirkunda police-station. Besides
a shopless zone of five miles has been generally kept around all
these dry areas.
Reports received for the first three months show that good
Progress In New Dry progress has been made with the prohibition
Areas. scheme in the new dry areas. Prohibition
has generally been cordially received. Except for a few richer class
of addicts who could afford to buy foreign liquor and some others
who could venture out into the wet areas on the border line and
obtain small quantities of prohibited articles, the drink habit has
almost ceased. The aboriginals who are allowed free home-brewing
of pachwai appear to be content with the position. It is yet too
early ta assess t?he eGOHoniic ef lihe sdaetoe isuli there are
ia^eatiens t&ai the faEciaiies of ex-arldiGts happier on aecouht af
more money feeing spared for ^OHaestic necessities and 'Aere are now
fewer ■doraestic ferawls.
government prohifeilHon pi^paganda vans eovereii long distances
Prohibition IPropagandS. *®«i s in tfce dry ai’eas and the
propaganda officers erapleyed fey tSiovernBaent
addressed several audiences on temperance. That pufefec conscience
has feeen roused agai'nst'the dldnh evil is evident frona the fact that
a movement has feeen set on foot to estafefesh local committees and
panchayats to push on prohifeition worfc.
 CHAPTER iX
The Land and the People
There was no appreciable change in the material condition of
the people. Though rainfall was scanty, and
General. irregular in the beginning of the monsoon,
the hathia rams were good. Sugarcane having been grown on a
smaller scale than in the preceding year, the entire outturn was
consumed productively, yielding a higher minimum price to the
growers. The low price of lac continued to affect the material
condition of the people.
There was no marked change in the demand' and wages of
labourers except in Hazaribagh, where an abnormal rise in the
demand in mica area caused an increase in their wages. The
supply of labour was adequate except in private collieries due to
the prohibition of employment of women inside the mines.
Compared with the figures of the preceding year the number of
emigrants during the year fell in the district of Hazaribagh from
71 to 1 and rose from 7,838 adults and 3,633 dependants to 1,170
adults with 490 dependants and from 420 to 444 persons in the
Santal Parganas.
The province extends over an area of 69,950 square miles with
69 towns and 67,879 villages and has a population of 32,558,056
as recorded by the last census. But statistics show that it has
gone up appreciably since then and the exact increase in popula­
tion will be known after the next census is taken in March 1941.
In a province where about 90 per cent of the population
depends on agriculture, the peasant and his problems assume the
highest degree of importance. It was, therefore, natural that the
first popular Government placed them in the forefront of their ■
programme. The Government’s noteworthy achievement in this
direction was the reforming and remodelling of the tenancy laws
of the province which would go down in history as the Magna
Charta of the peasants’ rights and the greatest possible effort at'
ameliorating their condition.
The tenancy measures enacted by Government include: The
Bihar Tenancy (Amendment) Act, 1937, the
Tenancy Reforms. Chota Nagpur Tenancy (Amendment) Act,
1938, the Bihar Tenancy (Amendment) Act, 1938, the Champaran

92
 93

Agrarian (Amendment) Act, 1938, and the Bihar Restoration of

Bakasht Lands and’Reduction of Arrears of Rent Act, 1938. The
changes effected by these measures are summed up below :—
It may be stated at the outset that the tenancy law of Bihar
is in some ■'respects in advance of the tenancy law as it obtains in
the neighbouring United Provinces and some of the reforms con­
templated by" -the Faizpur resolution of the Indian National
Congress are already part of the existing law. For example, in
Bihar a raiyat who cultivates land in a village for 12 years becomes
a settled raiyat of that village. Every settled raiyat acquires right
of occupancy not only in respect of the land he has so cultivated
for 12 years but also in respect of all other lands of which he may
come into possession as a tenant. An occupancy holding is
heritable without having to pay any premium to the landlord and
also transferable subject to payment of salami (landlord’s fee)
amounting to 8 per cent of the consideration money. An occupancy
raiyat cannot,be ejected from his holding for non-payment of rent
or for .any other reason except that he has rendered the land unfit
for cultivation or that he has broken a condition consistent with
the provisions of the Tenancy Act. He is entitled to dig wells or
tanks in'his holding, to erect a house on it, to make bricks for such
house or well or tank and to plant and cut trees on it. The only
right the landlord has is to get his rent, for the .arrears of which
he is entitled to sue the tenant in a civil court and bring the
holding to. sale in execution of his decree or get his moveables
attached or the debtor imprisoned just as any other creditor can.
This was the position before the amendment of the law by the
present Government.
Another point that has to be made clear is that permanent
settlement is in force in Bihar and, therefore, no question of
revenue being paid by the cultivator to Government arises. All
cultivators pay rent to their landlords. Rent is paid in cash or in
kind. Cash rent is prevalent in most of the districts of the
province, while rent-in kind is paid largely in the districts of Patna,
Gaya and parts of the district of Monghyr.
Three methods of realising rent in kind are prevalent in
Rent Reduotlofl. BAar
(a) By appraisement of the standing crop before the actual
harvesting known as ddnabandi. This method was
• open to objection as arbitrary appraisement „ was
 94

alleged, with the result that the.- tenant almost

invariably failed to get his due share of the produce.
This system has, therefore, been abolished under the
new Act.
(b) Batai, that is by dividing the actual crop. It has been
customary to divide the crop half and half or 22 seers
in a maund (i.e.ll/20th) to the landlord and 18 seers
in a maund (i.e. 9/20th) to the tenant. This ratio
has now been reversed and the share of the landlord
in the produce shall in no ’case exceed 18 seers and
that of the tenant shall not be less than 22 seers in
a maund.
(c) In some cases according to a fixed rate, per acre or rent
fixed in perpetuity. This is not extensively prevalent.
By the new law any tenant who is dissatisfied with
his rent in kind is given the right to get it commuted
into cash rent. A court is now bound to commute
the rent on the application of a tenant but not so on
the application of a landlord.
The new Act provides for—r
(0 the cancellation of all enhancements between January,
1911, and December, 1936;
(ii) the reduction of all rents commuted between January,
1911, and December, 1936, in the same proportion in
which the prices have gone down;
(Hi) total or partial remission of rent in cases where the
soil has deteriorated by deposit of sand or submersion
under water or by another specific cause or where the
landlord has neglected the irrigation arrangements
which he is bound to maintain;
(iv) reduction of rent where there has been a fall in the
average local prices of staple food crops (not due to
a temporary cause) during the currency of the present
rent; and
(v) settlement of fair rent in other suitable cases.
There were many cases during the period, when high prices
ruled, in which rent was commuted into cash rent. On account
of high prices the rents then fixed were high, provision has,
 95

therefore, been made for reducing such rent to such an extent that
the reduced, .rent shall bear to the previous rent the same propor­
tion as the current prices bear to average prices during the
decennial period immediately preceding the commutation.
When land has been lost by diluvion, the rent will be abated
in whole or in proportion of area so lost to the area of the whole
holding. But the tenant’s right in it will subsist and he will be
entitled to immediate possession after reformation on the same
rent as was payable before diluvion.
It will thus be seen that there will be reduction in rent in
cash and in kind. Commuted rents will also be reduced, It is
calculated that on an average the reduction in cash rent will come
to abaut 25 per cent, reduction being greater in cases where
enhancement was higher and less where it was lower. Beduction
in commuted rent may come to six annas in the rupee. In these
cases also the reduction w’ill vary according to the high or low
rent fixed.
There will be settlement of fair rent in other cases where rent
is high,
Kent so settled or reduced in any of the above ways will not
be liable to enhancement for 15 years.
The law was very strict in respect of the transfer of occupancy
holdings or part thereof and any transfer of
TransfOT Ofj^ccupanoy occupancy holding, which had not the
consent of the landlord, was not binding on
him. The law has now been completely changed in this respect
and, by tlie amendments made, unrestricted right of transfer of
occupancy holdings has been conceded. No salami (landlord’s fee)
need now be paid by a transferee to get his transfer recognised.
The landlord is bound to mutate the transferee’s name in his
papers'll only the transferee pays a nominal registration fee which,
in the case of a transfer, has been fixed at two per cent of the
annpal rent of the holding, and in the case of an exchange, at a
sum of Rs. 2 only payable by each of the parties to the exchange.
This rule of law applies also to transfers made before the com­
mencement of the new Act but not yet recognised by the landlord
concerned. The transferee has in such cases only to give a notice
to. the landlord through the Collecter and pay the fee mentioned
above. But in the case of transfers made before 1923, even notice
is not necessary, nor it is necessary to pay any registration fee al
 96

all. It has further been provided that all proceedings for realisa­
tion of salami pending under the old law on the date on which the
new Act conies into force shall lapse. If and so long as the
transferee chooses to remain' joint with his transferor, the landlord .
cannot compel him to pay any fee whatsoever. The question of
fee comes in only w'hen the transferee wants to pay rent separately
for his share of the holding. In such a ’case the transferee is.
required to pay a rent distribution fee of four per cent of the value
of the portion transferred to him. As soon as this fee is paid the
landlord is bound to recognise any distribution of rent made'
between the transferee and his transferor. If the landlord or his
authorised agent refuses to accept the fee, the transferee has the
right to deposit the amount with the Collector who will give notice
of the distribution fee to the landlord. In calculating the rent
distribution fee, any amount paid by the transferee as registration
fee must also be taken into account.
Under the old law a landlord was not bound to recognise any
division of a holding or a distribution of its rent between the co­
sharers. Even when he did recognise such a division or distribution,
he did it only after he was paid a heavy salami. In this respect too
the law has been changed. Co-sharers’ m'ay now freely partition
their holdings and distribute between themselves the rents of such
holdings. The landlord is now bound to recognise all such
divisions of holdings and distribution of rents.
Under the old law whenever a raiyat defaulted in paying rent
he was liable to pay damages which would go up to a sum equal
to 25 per cent of the total amount of rent in default, or interest
calculated at the rate of 12J per cent per annum. These damages'
have now been abolished and the rate of interest has been subs­
tantially reduced from 12J to per cent per annum.
Improvements have also been made in the provisions relating
to suits for rent and execution of decrees passed in such suits.
Complaints were common that under the old system it was easy
for a process-server to submit a false return of service without going
to the place where the person to bq served resided or where the
holding in suit w'as situated. But under the new law it will be
extremely difficult for a landlord to get a false return of service
filed. The serving peon must now go to a defendant’s village and
serve the process in the presence of at least two persons of the
village and obtain* their certificate. It is no longer possible for a
landlord to put his decree in execution without giving the defendant
an opportunity of paying up the decretal due?;
 .97
Pormerly a raiyat’s entire holding used to be sold in most
cases for grossly inadequate prices. The court was not bound
either to sell only a portion of the holding or to sell it for not less
than its proper value. Now only that part of the holding will be
. sold which is, in the opinion of the court, sufficient to satisfy the
decree. Even this part will not be sold for a price less than
the one fixed by the court unless the landlord is prepared to give
up the balance of his claim. In case, however, a man is proved
to be a habitual defaulter, that is to say a person who without any
excuse has failed to pay his rent for four consecutive years and the
landlord obtains a declaration from a court in'a subsequent suit for
subsequent arrears that he is a habitual defaulter, then such portion
of his holding as may be still in his possession or his whole holding
may be sold in execution of the decree. The court can declare a
tenant to be a habitual defaulter only if it is satisfied after giving
the tenant reasonable opportunity and considering all facts and
circumstances of the case that the tenant had no reason beyond his
control for default.
A raiyat has now been given complete immunity against
arrest and detention in civil prison in execution of a decree for rent.
Even his house and rnoveables cannot be attached and sold in
execution of such decrees. The result of these changes in the
law relating to execution of decrees for rent is that a raiyat, who
is not a habitual defaulter, is assured of freedom of person and will
have some
* fields to cultivate and a house to hve in. His moveables
will not be taken except with his consent in writing.
The law as it existed enabled the Provincial Government to
authorise the landlord to distraint the crop of a tenant in certain
cases without the intervention of a court. This drastic power has
been repealed and the Provincial Government have now taken
power in their own hands to lay down regulations for the realisa­
tion of rents in special cases—cases in which, in. the opinion of
the Provincial Government, rents cannot be realised by the
ordinary procedure. The procedure of transferring execution of
rent decrees to revenue courts has been adopted with a view to
reducing the cost of litigation and expediting procedure and
securing to the tenants a fairer price for their crops than it has
been possible under the old arrangement.
Illegal exactions by landlords or their agents have now been
made a penal offence punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to six months or with fine which may extend to Bs. 500,
or with both.
8 85 Rev,
 08
The power which used to be conferred on landlords to realise
arrears of rent by means of a certificate, which virtually amounted
to passing a decree for arrears of rent, has been abolished.

It was not uncommon for a mortgagee bound under the terms

of his mortgage to pay the rent in respect of the holding com­
prised in his mortgage, to get the holding sold in execution of a
rent decree and purchase it himself. To provide some kind of
safeguard against such frauds on the part of a mortgagee it has
been enacted that if on account of a mortgagee’s default a holding
is put up to sale and if the mortgagor pays into court the amount
requisite to prevent the sale, he shall be entitled to be put in
possession of the holding by the court executing the decree and
shall also be entitled to hold the same against the mortgagee until
the mortgagee pays to him the amount paid to prevent the sale
and a further sum of Rs. 50 per cent on such, amount.
Another class of tenants known as under-raiyats have had no
right to acquire occupancy right in their
holdings. The new Act enables
them to acquire occupancy rights if they
have cultivated the land for 12 years as an under-raiyat, and an
under-raiyat having such occupancy rights has rights sinfiJar to
those of an occupancy raiyat in respect of trees, bamboos and use
of and succession to and eviction from his land.

On account of the economic depression which began in 1929

Restoration Of Lands many raiyats were unable to pay the rents
Sold For Arrears Of of their holdings. The result was that in­
Rent. numerable holdings were sold in execution
of decrees for arrears of rent and were purchased by the landlords,
in most cases, for grossly inadequate prices. Any amendment
made in the tenancy law with a view to reducing rents could be
of no avail to those whose holdings have already been sold up or
whose arrears had accumulated on account of their inability to pay
rents.
For the relief of such persons a special legislation was
necessary and the Bihar Restoration of Bakasht Lands and
Reduction of Arrears of Rent Act was, therefore, enacted for the
purpose. This Act deals with two matters, namely,- (1) restoration
of lands which had been sold in execution of decrees for arrears
of rent during the period of depression and (2) reduction of
arrears which had accumulated during the said period. In so far
 99

ks the portion dealing with restoration is concerned it provides

inter alia that—i
(a) all lands sold between January, 1929, and December,
1937, are to be restored to their respective raiyats on
the latter paying for such restoration an amount
equal to 50 per cent of the sum for which the lands
were sold and of the cost necessarily incurred by the
landlord in obtaining delivery of possession;

(b) such lands shall not be restored if they were settled in

good faith with a third person before the 22nd March,
1938 or, in certain cases, before the 19th April, 1938,
nor shall they be restored if they are either in the
khas cultivating possession of the landlord (provided
that such landlord is a petty landlord, that is to say,
a landlord who is exempted from payment of agri­
cultural income-tax), or have been converted by the
landlord into a garden, tank or building site;

(c) if the rent of a land sought to be restored was settled,

commuted or enhanced after the 1st January, 1911,
the whole of such land is liable to be restored, but
if its rent was neither settled, commuted nor
enhanced after the said date, only a certain portion
of it is liable to be restored;

(d) if the area of the land in possession of the landlord

and liable to be restored is less than the area which
the raiyat is entitled to claim, the whole of the area
in possession of the landlord and liable to be restored
shall be restored;

(e) the amount payable for restoration may, if the Collector

so directs, be paid in easy instalments which may
extend over a period of five years; and

(/) if the raiyat fails to pay the instalments for two years
he may be ejected by the Collector, but if the instal­
ments in default relate to the last two years of the
period of instalments, the raiyat is to be given a
further opportunity of paying up the instalments in
arrears before he is ejected.
 ioo
Tn so far as the part dealing with reduction of arrears of
Reduction Of Arrears Of rent is concerned, it provides that :—
Rent.
(a) the case of holdings, the rents of which have been
either settled or reduced under any provision relating
to the settlement or reduction of rents, nc landlord
shall, in any suit or proceeding, be entitled to recover
arrears of rent at a rate higher than the settled or
reduced rent;
(b) in the case of holdings, the rents of which have not
been settled or reduced as aforesaid, no landlord
shall, in any suit or proceeding, be entitled to recover
from the. raiyat any arrears of rent at a rate in excess
of the rent which would have been so settled or
reduced if the raiyat had made an application under
the relevant provisions of the law; and

(c) in cases not covered by any of the above paragraphs

the Collector may, on the raiyat’5 application, reduce
the arrears to such an extent as he considers proper
in the circumstances of the case; but before the
Collector reduces the arrears he has to satisfy him­
self as to the bona fides of the applicant. Certain
standards for testing such bona fides are given in the
Act itself.

The existing rights of the occupancy-raiyat in trees have

been extended. As regards trees, etc., standing on land paying
rent in kind the landlord and the raiyat had equal shares in the
timber, flowers, frtiits and other products but under the new law
the share of the raiyat has been increased to ll/20th. The raiyat.
will now also be entitled to fruits and flowers and bamboos regard­
less of entry in the record-of-rights. But rights concerning
standing timber will be governed by the entry in the record-of-
rights, or judgment of court. In respect of trees on land paying
rent in kind the raiyat can get his rent commuted to money-rent
and the timber will be proportionately divided as now.
The Champaran Agi-arian (Amendment) Act and the Chota
Nagpur Tenancy (Amendment) Act have
Special Leglsla- been passed with a view to meet special
needs in the matter of tenancy legis­
lation in local areas.
 101

So far as Champaran is concerned, the history of the

iniquitous enhancements commonly known as the “ indigo
enhancements ” is too well known. As a result of a country-wide
agitation headed by no less a personage than Mahatma Gandhi
himself, the then Government set up a Committee'*of Enquiry,
of which Mahatmaji was also a member. This committee made
certain recommendations on the basis of “which the Champaran
.A.gi-arian Act was passed in 1918. This Act made substantial
reductions in the enhancements, but even these reduced enhance­
ments were sufficiently heavy and extremely unpopular. The
present Government have, therefore, enacted a new legislation to
cancel all the indigo enhancements howsoever made.

So far as Chota Nagpur is concerned, besides the problems it

has in common with the other parts of the province, there were
problems peculiar to this area such as those relating to the assess­
ment of rent on kttrkar lands (lands which have been converted
from uplands, jungle, or waste into lowland by terracing or
embanking) and transfer of hhiiinhari lands (certain tenures which
have existed in Chota Nagpur held by persons claiming to be
descendants of the original founders of the villages) and the rights
of aboriginal raiyats in their holdings and all these have now been
tackled. When a person converted land into korkar he was
liable to pay for it such rent as the landlord assessed. There was
no restriction on this right of the landlord and the result was that
he invariably used to fix a rent which took no notice of the cost
and labour bestowed^by the raiyat in reclaiming the land. It has
now been provided that where a raiyat converts land into korkar,
he shall not be liable to pay any rent for such land until after the
expiration of a period of four years from the end of the agricul­
tural year in which the first crop is harvested. Afterwards the
landlord may assess rent on the land at a rate not exceeding the
rate for third class rice land in the village or if, according to any
local custom, only half of the said rate is payable, at a rate not
exceeding half of the said rate.’ When a landlord assesses rent
on korkar he has to give notice of the assessment to the Deputy
Commissioner and, unless he gives such notice, he is not entitled
to recover any rent for such land. The Deputy Commissioner
may, on getting such notice and either of his own motion or on
the raiyat’s application, settle the rent at a rate not exceeding the
limits mentioned above.
In so far as the other problem relating to the transfer of
bhuinhari land and tho rights of aboriginal raiyats in their
 102

holdings is concerned, the law has been considerably liberalised

consistently with the interests of the original inhabitants of the
place.
The old tenancy law of Chota Nagpur contained no provision
whereby a raiyat could alienate his holding except by terminable
mortgage for five years or bhugut bandha, which meant that after
seven years the holding was to be returned to the raiyat. But
with the progress of time it was realised that some sort of right
of transfer must be allowed to the raiyat of Chota Nagpur also.
It was found in the recent settlement operations in Ranchi that
though the law was against this principle of transfer, transfers -
had been going on both legally and illegally. The restrictions on
transfer of holdings drove needy raiyats into indirect sales by way
of surrender to the landlord and settlement by him with the
intending purchaser, with the result that a good portion of the
sale-proceeds went to the landlord. Government, therefore, could
not ignore this new agrarian tendency and development and they
came to the conclusion that some relaxation in the prohibition
against transfer of holdings was necessary. But the degree of
relaxation has been very much restricted, and the new law, there­
fore, provides inter alia that an aboriginal raiyat or a raiyat who
is a member of a scheduled caste may transfer his right in his
holding or in any portion of his holding by sale or exchange only
to another aboriginal raiyat or to another person who is a member
of a scheduled caste, as the case may be, and who resides within
the police-station in which the holding lies. If he wants to
transfer his right in the holding or in any portion of the holding
by gift or will in favour of a near relative, he can, with the
Deputy Commissioner’s permission, do so without any limitation
of residence. In so far as occupancy raiyats ' i who are not
aboriginals, nor members of a scheduled caste, are concerned, they
may transfer their rights in their holdings by sale, exchange, gift,
will, mortgage or lease to any person residing within the police­
station in which the holding lies.

The rights of bhuinhari tenure-holders in this respect are

much more restricted. They can transfer their lands only by
bhugut bandha mortgage or by lease for a limited number of
years, under which the enjoyment of the land for a period extin­
guishes the principal and interest on the original debt. A
bhuinhari tenure cannot be attached and sold in execution of any
decree, including a decree for its own rent. Decrees for arrears
of rent can be executed only by the attachment and sale of the
 103

produce of the land comprised in the tenure or by sale of other

movable property of the judgment-debtor and not otherwise.
In respect of a division of a holding between its co-sharers
and the distribution of its rent on such a division and also in
respect of reduction of rent, cancellation of enhancements, com­
mutation of rents, dandbandi, illegal exactions, landlord’s share
in the produce in the case of bhaoli (produce rent) holdings,
immunity against arrest and detention in civil prison, sale of a
portion of a holding and the fixation of price for which such
portion is to be sold, provisions similar to those made in the Bihar
Tenancy (Amendment) Act have been incorporated in the Chota
Nagpur Tenancy (Amendment) Act.

It will thus be seen that Government have made provisions

for substantial reduction in rent, that tenants enjoy fixity of
tenure with heritable rights along with rights to build houses and
plant trees, that feudal dues and levies and forced labour have been
declared illegal in Bihar for a long time (realisation of anything
in excess of legal dues having been made a penal offence by ths
new Act), that the question of arrears of rents of previous years
has been tackled by providing for the restoration of bdkasM lands
to the original tenants on payment of half the amount for which
the land was put to sale in one lump sum or in instalments payable
in five years and that anears of rent are recoverable in the same
manner as civil debts and not by ejectment and that even the
rights of landlords to recover rents as other debts have ialso been
curtailed.
Another measure of economic benefit initiated by Government
is the Bihar Money-lenders’ Act. This is
Relief To Debtors. designed to give relief to debtors generally
by regulating money-lending transactions within the province.
Provision has been made for the registration of money-lenders
on payment of a small fee. No one who is not a registered money­
lender can institute any suit for the recovery of his dues from the
debtor. All money-lenders are bound to maintain proper accounts
and give receipts to their debtors for all payments made. The
rates of interest have been fixed at not more than 9 per cent per
annum in the case of secured loans and 12 per cent per annum
in the case of unsecured loans. But in no case can a decree on
account of interest (accrued or realised) be passed for an amount
which exceeds the amount of the principal loan. In certain cases
courts have been given the power of reopening transactions and
relieving debtors in respect of interest in excess of the rates
 104

mentioned. • Courts have also been given the power of permitting

judgment-debtors to pay up the decretal amount by instalments.
This power can be exercised even in mortgage suits by executing
courts. The principle of part-sale, sufficient to satisfy the dues
under a decree, has been introduced and no property is to be
sold for a price less than that fixed for it by the executing court.
The Act exempts a portion of the holding of an agricultural debtor
from sale in execution of a decree for the amount due, the area
so exempted being one acre if the holding does not exceed three
acres, and more up to the one-third of the entire holding, if the
holding is of more than three acres. Debtors will now be able
to deposit into court money due on a loan if the money-lender
or his agent refuses to accept payment. To guard against fraud
it has been provided that where a loan is advanced on a registered
document, the entire amount of the loan or as much of it as
payable in cash, must be paid in the presence of the sub-registrar.
A recent decision of the High Court gave rise to doubts regarding
the application of certain provisions of the Act to pending suits.
To set all such doubts at rest and to make it clear that the
provisions of the Act were intended to govern even pending suits
and proceedings, the Money-lenders’ (Amendment and Application
to Fending Suits) Act, 1938, has been passed.
During the year under report there were in all 116,379 revenue-
Land Revenue And Cess. estates against 115,921 in the
preceding year. Of these 115,272 were
permanently-settled estates, 789 temporarily-settled estates and
318 estates under direct management of Government. The
total current revenue derived increased from Es. 1,25,52,495 to
Es. 1,25,63,403 mainly as a net result of revision of assessment
on settlement and resettlement of temporarily-settled estates and
estates under direct management, abatement of revenue on account
of diluvion and deterioration of soil and transfer of estates owing
to change in the course of the Ganges in Shahabad and the Santal
Parganas. The percentage of total collection on total demand
fell from 89.20 to 88.69, while the total outstanding balances at
the close of year rose from Es. 14,14,428 to Es. 15,21,074. The
percentage ot total collection on total demand was 98.78 in
the permanently-settled estates, 73.88 in the temporarily-
settled estates and 52.49 in the directly-managed estates, while
remissions granted in the latter two classes of estates respectively
amounted to Es. 9,638 and Es. 53,627, respectively.
The cess demand increased from Es. 73,32,944 to Es. 75,03,416.
The increase is mainly due to the assessment of collieries in
 105

Hazaribagh district and of Ray Lime Works in Ranchi, and partly

due to slight rise in coal prices in Manbhum and an increase in
the despatch of iron-ore in Singhbhum. The provincial percentage
of total collections on currnet demands slightly increased from
9.7.60 to 97.63.

The sale law was administered very leniently. The number

Coercive Measures. defaults in payment of land revenue and
the number of sales in all districts of the
province excepting Ranchi and Singhbhum, increased from 9,491
and 288 to 12,533 and 295, respectively. The percentage of sales
to defaults decreased from 2.51 to 2.35. Eight estates with .a
Government revenue of Rs. 1,229 were purchased on behalf of
Government.

The total cost of management of Government estates amounted

_ J. TT to Its. 1,80,672 against Rs. 1,63,048 and that
on works of improvement to Rs. 87,239
against Rs. 86,195, respectively, during the year. The percentage
of management charges increased from 10.22 to 11.23. The entire
grant of Rs. 42,585 for works of improvement in the Santal
Parganas was placed at the disposal of the District Committee for
the benefit of.the Damin-i-koh Government estate.'
So far as Khas Mahal villages are concerned, Government
stand in the position of landlord. Instructions have, therefore,
been issued to the district officers that the ordinary procedure of
application for rent reduction under the new Tenancy Amendment
Acts be dispensed with and immediate steps be taken to grant
reduction of rent wherever necessary to all such occupancy raiyats.
A large area of arable lands ih the Chota Nagpur and Bhagalpur
divisions was found to be lying unsettled. The local officers have
been instructed to take steps to settle such lands with the people
of the villages concerned, preferably with the landless and depressed
classes or aboriginals and the backward classes among the Muslims,
but if such men are not forthcoming then to settle the lands with
educated young men of the province. The Board of Revenue has
been asked to issue similar instructions in regard to certain lauds in
the district of Gaya.
In order to provide grazing facility instructions have been issued
to the local officers that the practice of leasing out established
camping grounds, belonging to the Provincial Government, should
be discontinued as soon as the existing leases expire. As regards
unauthorised camping grounds in the province which are no longer
 106

required for military purpose, the local officers have been ins^cfed
to restore them to their original owners.
In case of submerged lands, the long-standing custom was not
to record such lands in the khatian of the tenants and not to
charge any rent from them.' On account of the local discontent
against this policy, the local Government have ordered that such
lands should be recorded in the tenants’ khatian and a nominal
rent be charged. On further consideration, as regards rent, it has
been found that it is an unnecessary imposition which the tenants
as a rule do not pay but which are nevertheless to be accormted for
in the Khas Mahal accounts and it has, therefore, been ordered in
the case of Binda Diara that instead of charging the nominal
unrealisable rent for such lands a note should be kept in the
khatian concerned that the rent will remain under suspension and
it will be levied when the land will re-emerge. It is under con­
sideration whether this order is applicable to all other such lands.
The total number of estates under the management of the
court of wards at the beginning of the year
Wards A^d^^En^cnmbered gg Eight new estates were brought
under management and three were released.
The total number of the estates at the close of the year thus stood
at 61. A sum of Es. 11,23,074 was realised out of a demand of
Es. 12,55,879 on account of revenue and cess, including arrears
during the year. Taking advance payments into account, the
, balance due amounted to Es. 1,32,722. Es. 1,31,162 was paid
on account of rent and cess due to superior landlords leaving a
balance of Es. 83,583. The payment amounted to 61.2 per cent
of the total demand against 79.2 per cent in the previous year. The
demand for rent and cess due to estates under management,
including arrear demand, was Es. 94,82,414. Of this Es. 44,19,819
was collected. The percentage of total collection on current demand
was 86.6 against 99.5 in the previous year. The standard of
100 per cent collection was attained in 17 estates. The total
indebtedness of the estates amounted to Es. 61,99,286 during the
year. The cost of management for the whole province was 11.8
per cent of the aggregate of the current rent and cess demand and
of the recurring income from minerals, fisheries, etc., of the estates
against 13 per cent in the preceding year. With the exception
of Bettiah the standard of 15 per cent was not exceeded in any
of the estates. The Bettiah Estate spent Es. 45,305 on education,
Es. 38,479 on dispensaries and Es. 84,166 on charities or total
of Es. 1,67,950 against Es. 2,34,748 in the preceding year, while
in the Bhagalpur Division the total expenditure on such objects
 107

was Es. 9,762 against Rs. 20,717 in the previous year and in
Hazaribagh in the Chota Nagpur Division Rs. 38,011 of which
the Ramgarh Estate alone spent Rs. 36,045. The Bettiah Estate
again led the way by spending Rs. 7,36,675 on works of improve­
ment, including Es. 2,85,906 on agricultural and sanitary
improvements.
Government have taken great interest in the administration
of wards and encumbered estates in the province and they have
impressed on the Board of Revenue and local officers that the
administration of wards and encumbered estates should serve as
a model to private zamindars and should conduce to the well-being
of the tenants. An impression having grown in the public mind
that all was not well in the Bettiah Estate, Government have taken
upon themselves the task of giving a new orientation to the
administration of this estate. As a first step towards this they
had the Maharani Sahiba medically examined and are taking steps
to afford her any relief that is possible in her present distressed con­
dition. The post of Manager of the Estate is also being non­
officialised and larger sums are going to be spent on the welfare
of the tenantry. Similarly, the posts of Managers in other estates
are also being non-officialised by appointing suitable persons. The
policy of taking estates under the management of Court of Wards
has been liberalised.
Bad feeling prevailed between landlords and tenants in several
Bihar districts of the province, resulting in

01 the Kisan Sabha were responsible for rents

being withheld in many places though the tenants were in a better
position to pay them than in the previous years. In Gaya there
was serious friction in many villages; mainly over possession of
bakasht lands and serious riots and violent outbreaks over a large
area were prevented with the help of armed police. The situation
was brought under control effectively and steps were taken to give
relief through rent reductions and special tenancy legislations.
Relations were, on the whole, good in Chota Nagpur.
There was no new programme of work in connection with any
• major survey and settlement operations nor
Survey And Settlement. municipal survey during the year. The
revision settlement of the Dhalbhum subdivision in the district of
Singhbhum and the proceedings under section 112 of the Bihar
Tenancy Act for reduction of rent in the districts of Patna, Gaya,
Shahabad and Monghyr were continued. The total number of
 108

holdings whose rent was reduced under this provision was 81,497
with the total jama of. Rs. 21,53,028 which after reduction came
to Es. 16,55,234. The average reduction in the gross rental has
ranged from 30 per cent in Patna to 1.5 per cent in Sasaram in the
Shahabad district. In fair rent settlement cases in the Chota
Nagpur Division, the 'Board of' Revenue in revision retained only
the levelling up of rents allowed by the settlement officers, rejecting
the general enhancement by 6} per cent on the existing rent
allowed by the Divisional Commissioner in addition to the levelling
up.
The survey and settlement records in several districts have
become out of date and in view of their utility they need revision.
The total number of suits of all classes instituted during the
year in Chota Nagpur decreased from 36,298
Kevenue Cases. 34,526. The number of applications for
commutation of produce rents into, cash rents fell from 1,239 to
835 in the Patna Division and from 111 to 60 in the Tirhut
Division but rose from 41 to 117 in the Bhagalpur Division. The
number of cases filed against landlords for failure to grant rent­
receipts in the prescribed form rose from 169 to 337.
Es. 1,51,719 was advanced by Government during the year
Loans. under the Agriculturists’ Loans Act and
Rs. 13,450 was distributed under the Land
Improvement Loans Act.
There were five cases of treasure-trove during the year, one
Treasure-trove.
each in Gaya, Saran and Muzaffarpur and
two in Patna. In Patna 730 silver coins,
mostly of the second century B.C. were discovered in a trench
excavated for the sewerage scheme in Patna City, while two copper
vessels, four stone rollers and a few other articles were found when
the foundations of the new building of the Imperial Bank of
India were being excavated. These coins and articles were sent to
the Patna Museum. In Gaya a few images were found in a
village, while 56 Alam Shahi silver coins were found in a village
in the Saran district.
The total area of all classes of forests in Bihar was 2,749
Forests. square miles during the year, com­
prising 1,310 square miles of Government
reserved forests, 277 square miles of other reserved forests,
640 square miles of Government protected fotests, 414 square
miles of other protected forests and 108 square miles of
nnclassed forests, including 3 square miles of unclassed state forests
and other areas under the Forest- Department. Efforts at trying
to save the remnants of forest areas available in the province by
reservation and protection continued. Applications under sec­
tion 38 of the Indian Forest Act were received for an area of
56,365 acres from owners of private forests in the Ranchi and
Monghyr districts and of this area 6,834 acres were examined by
the Forest Department. In all 43,709 acres have been reserved
during the year. Slow progress was made with the schemes for
reserving forests along the Damodar valley on the borders of the
Hazaribagh and Ranchi districts and in the north of Hazaribagh
district in Domchanch and Masudih and Dhargora estate in thana
Kodarma. The preservation of all these forests is of great
importance and it is hoped that this object will be fulfilled in the
coming ye^.
In this province where agriculture is the staple industry and
the production of crops is dependent very largely on the rainfall,
whether as direct rain or from stored resources, the conservation
of every drop of rainfall is of vital importance to the agricultural
population. Forests conserve water and tend to improve local
precipitation by acting as self-filling tanks and storage areas which
favourably influence agriculture. This' benefit is attainable only by
keeping sufficiently large portions of the catchment areas of the
numerous streams and rivers rising in the hills of Chota Nagpur
covered permanently with forests so as to release the stored water
gradually in the form of stream flow which can be utilised for
irrigation purposes and improved local humidity which has its
influence on rainfall. The sooner the evil effects of the exploitation
of forests in the catchment areas for immediate personal gain is
realised by private owners the better for all concerned. These
result in the rapid desiccation and erosion of soil and the flooding
of rivers by rapid run-off. Propaganda undertaken by the Forest
Department by means of publishing articles on the advantages of
forest preservation and distributing suitable posters has achieved
some useful results.
Experiments in afforestation were carried out in the Racha-
buru area of the Chaibassa division and the Dhamniaphar area of
the Santal Parganas. The success recorded last year in these
areas has been maintained and the contour trenching which has
been undertaken in both areas has had a very favourable effect on
growth.
The total area of reserved forests under fire protection was
721,678 acres as in the previous year. The percentage of success
 no
ih protection was 89.2 against 86.8 in the previous year, thd
usual fire protection measures of cleaning and burning of bovmdary
and fire lines and road traces and appointment of fire patrols
during the fire season were adopted. The measures for special fire
protection for regeneration areas by clearing and burning trees and
cutting a contour inspection path round them were continued.
The total expenditure on fire protection in the reserved forests was
Es. 6-4-0 per square mile against Rs. 5-2-0 in the previous year,
while in the protected forests the expenditure was Rs. 56 only
during the year against Rs. 54 in the previous year. There were
179 outbreaks of fire during the year which burnt 92,430 acres
against 225 cases affecting 135,669 acres in the previous year.
The total revenue from forests was Rs. 7,00,926 against
Rs. 5,64,747 in the previous year, while the total expenditure was
Rs. 5,69,143 against Rs. 4,23,198 in the previous year.
The policy of Government is to make forests function as a
national asset and also to extend such benefits to the raiyats as are
possible. With a view to increase fodder supply, to arrest erosion
and soil wash-off, to improve agriculture and forest areas by an
adequate and more sustained supply of water and to check fioods
in the plains. Government have sanctioned as an experimental
measure contour trenching schemes in Hazaribagh and the Santal
Parganas. Adequate measures have been faken to encourage the
owners of private forests to place their forests for reservation and
management under Government. Due care has been taken to
protect the interests of raiyats in the forests before they are
declared reserved. The rates of royalties on most of the forest
produce sold at the forest in the Damin-i-koh Government Estate
in the district of the Santal Parganas have been reduced and some
of the forest produce has altogether been exempted from any kind
of royalty. Grievances of raiyats in other forest areas have also
been removed. The question of the industrialisation of the forest
produce is engaging the attention of Govemment-and a scheme is
being formulated in this connection. With a view to encourage
Bihari students to take up training in forestry, two Bihari stipendi­
ary students (one Hindu and one Muslim) have been d^uted for
training at the Dehra Dun Forest College for two years.
Canals are the main source of irrigation in the province. The
important canal systems of the province are
IrrigaUonJLnd Flood canals in South Bihar and Tribeni
and Dhaka canals in North Bihar irrigating
an area of 666,114 acres. The total length of the Son canals is
bVer 1,58? miles and these irrigate 553,846 acres, while the Triheni
canal irrigates 98,625 acres, the Dhaka canal 10,869 acres and the
Teur (Madhuban) canal, which is a minor work, 2,774 acres. The
net revenue from the Son canals amounted to Ds. 15,86,925 during
the year after an expenditure of Ds. 9,51,214 for extensions,
improvements, maintenance and repairs, etc., while the total
amount of water-rates realised from the other canals was
Bs. 2,89,149, including Ds. 2,59,464 from the Tribeni canal.
Ds. 22,632 from the Dhaka .?anal and Ds. 7,053 from the Teur
canal against the total expenditure of Ds. 70,651 on maintenance
and repairs. The cultivators were given relief to the extent- of
Ds. 1,97,332 in the shape of rediiction of -water-rates in the Son
canal area from 1st April 1938

The problem of flood prevention and control has been an

important item in the new Government’s programme and a con­
ference of officials and non-officials was held in November, 1937 to
consider remedial measures. Dor helping in the investigation of
the problem and irrigation schemes a temporary post of Special
Officer was created in the Irrigation Department.
The Irrigation Department is also responsible for protective
measures against floods by the maintenance of embankments and
drainage systems. No damage occurred to the embankments
during the year except that a dying sota in the river Gandak at the
82nd mile of the Champaran embankment suddenly became active
and scoured its left bank to a width varying from 600 to 900 feet
and ultimately touched the toe of the embankment in a length of
about 700 feet. In order to save the embankment a retired line
in the’82nd and 83rd miles of the embankment was constructed.

The Tirhut Waterways Division, which was formed in 1934,

continued its work of general survey and flood investigation in the
districts of Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and in the
adjacent areas of North Bhagalpur and North Monghyr. Among
the surveys and investigations carried out by the Division mention
may be made of the preliminary survey of the river Kosi and its
old and new channels crossing the Nepal border. This survey was
undertaken with a view to ascertaining whether a suitable training
scheme -of the river was feasible. Another important activity of
the Division was the completion of the Bharthua Chaur drainage
scheme during the year. This work has saved an area of about
30 square miles from inundation and has brought about 10 square
miles of water-logged area under cultivation. Another important
 11^;
seheiiie- uaderfeken<V#a8, iin -G^iiectioia- wiW. tlie wafcer-
areas of Majorgl®)' tJi^tBa iii tkfe Sistriet ©f Muzaffarpur.
A few other Saaior aiifl'.ISiiifeor draitiage’^eheHies .were .prepared by
the DiiVisiea:
ifi pursuanee ©f thei^. pohey of ayoifeg expefiditdre od,
I , , ■ ■ hriek'.and'. naertar,. the Governrneiit praoti-^ '
Buildings. . cally stopped, ' att '’expenditvrre loP new
bwading. projeists ahd .,'aTstf ’ -redueed the 'provisioii for- Bftinor
works, projeets to. ahodt a of the horBaal priasrasion. Activity'
■of the'Wb'Ke W©rks\i£)epartaieht, ''®pad'sBuildiogs ©ranch) .
was'ther,ef®i?e, c6nhhed''f®'ptihiiG wtiiity o,©heraes,i®-the e^ttire ©t
iEoproyeBaeutS'to .'hospital’s, water-supply a®.d draiaiage. Amopg
the projects uudertakeu.'aad eoiupleted dwring the'year were the'
coBstructiow 'of additioBaiV ward's .for ."the pati'^)^? 'db the Itki
SaBatorium‘at - a oost of’’©is..'’1;39,423!’, the recSBstructioB c^f We
Biospital burldiiBgs at GopalpUrt.CMotih’ari)' at ata,'estihaated .ciSst Of
®s. 2,36,05S, the exteii-siOBi of,-water-supply'ahd'draitoage at this
Itki SaBatori'UiB, the proyisi'oB of ad^tlofial thbe'-we® and purnjpi^
plant at the famous Sonepur -fair; the- eXtensioB of 'Mohi^yr
water-supply to, tOwu-planjiing ’areas, and the provision of wat^-
sirpply for the-Bhagalpur-'Central’Jnii'.
 tHAPTEE X

Agriculture, Livestock arid Co-operation

The pre-monsoon showers were .below normal everywhere,
’ and though the monsoon itself commenced
Weather And Crop.^ in June as usual the rainfall during this
month was deficient everywhere except in the district of Singh­
bhum. In July rainfall was general throughout the province but
the fall was everywhere below the average .except in_ Gaya,
Shahabad, Hazaribagh,' Eanchi, Palamau and Manbhum where
it'was above the- normal. In August rainfall was again general
and was above the' normal everywhere except in the ‘ districts of
Chota Nagpur where it was below normal. The rainfall in Septem­
ber was below normal except in Monghyr, the Santal Parganas
and Chota Nagpur where it was above the average.." The October
rainfall was above normal everywhere • while in November very
light rain fell in parts .of Patna, Gaya, Saran, Hazaribagh and
Eanchi. In December light rains were recorded in parts of Tirhut
only but in January and Februaiy light rain was recorded in all
districts in the province; the fall in January was above normal
, everywhere except in Gaya, Monghyr, Bhagalpur and Purnea
where it was below normal; in February the fall was below normal
except in Champaran, Darbhanga, Purnea, Santal Parganas,
Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Palamau and Manbhum where it was above
normal. In starch scanty showers were recorded in some districts
but there yas no rain in most of the province. Floods were
experienced in the months of June, July, August and September
and these affected the standing crops, including sugarcane, in parts
of Patna, Shahabad, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur
and Purnea.
The general condition of bhadai crops was fair to good
throughout except in Shahabad, Muzaffar-
Autamn Crops. pur,, and parts of Patna, Bhagalpur and
Purnea where the crops suffered on account of unfavourable
weather conditions at the beginning of the season and on account
of floods later on. The outturn of the bhadai crops was estimated
at 89 per cent of average of the past ten years,* the condition
figure for maize and autumn rice being estimated at 78 and 93 per
cent respectively of the average of the previous ten years. The
total yields of maize and autum rice were estimated at 444,900 tons

113
85 Rqv-
 114

and 632,300 tons, respectively as compared With 482,500 tons and

663,400 tons in the-previous year.

The condition of the crop throughout the province was good

but some damage from floods occurred in
Vinter Rice. parts of Saran, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and
Purnea and from insect pests in parts of Ranchi district. The
final outturn of the crop was estimated at 95 per cent of the normal
on an area 15 per cent less than the average resulting in a yield
of 50,166,500 cwts as compared with 53,833,200 cwts in the
preceding year.

Bihar is the chief rabi-growing tract. The outturns of wheat,

spring oil-seeds, castor and other robi crops,
Rabi crops. (including gram, barley and summer rice)
were estimated at, 90, 91, 89 and 85 per cent of the normal and on
these bases the outturns were estimated at 432,7(X) tons, 250,200
tons, 4,700 tons and 2,734,700 tons, respectively as compare^
with 434,8(X) tons, 255,000 tons, 4,700 tons and 2,800,400 tons
(revised) in the previous year.
The important jute district of the province is Purnea which
produces 97.5 per cent of the crop-
" •• grown in Bihar. The weather condi­
tions on the whole were unfavourable in Purnea district
though quite fair in the other areas where jute is grown. The
area sown was estimated at 445,000 acres as compared with
463,600 acres (revised) in the previous year while the total outturn
was expected to be 896,400 bales against 1,084,500 bales (revised)
in 1936-37.
The weather on the whole was favourable to the crop over the
main sugar tract, and the condition was fair
Sugarcane. everywhere except in parts of
Bhagalpur and Purnea. The total area planted during the year
was estimated at 342,4(X) acres in the final forecast (subsequently
revised to 360,500 acres) against 460,500 acres (subsequently revised
to 493,600 acres) last year. Taking the provincial yield at 10 tons
per acre north of the Ganges and 14 tons per acre elsewhere the
gross outturn of cane decreased from 5,554,400 tons or 151,203,100
maunds to 3,555,200 tons or 96,780,400 maunds (subsequently
revised to 3,79,900 tons or 103,196,700 maunds).
Diagram showing the price in rupees of one standard

maund of common rice month by month in

1936 and 1937.

Or^wn (£ Zincogr^bwl in the 8>h*r Sur*oy Qffic^t

 Graph showing price per standard
maund in rupees of important agricultural
commodities from 1933 to 1938.

Drawn A Zinengrapheil in the Bihar Surrey or

 115

The important cotton-growing districts with'an acreage of

more than 1,000 acres are Saran, Muzaffar-
Cotton. Santal Parganas and the districts of
'the Chota Nagpur Division except Singhbhum. The condition of
the crop in these districts was fair to good everywhere. The
estimated outturn was 8,265 bales as compared with 6,436 bales
in the previous year, the increase in yield being due to an increase
of 38 per cent in the area devoted to the crop.
The total area cropped during the year was 23,810,000 acres
against 24,487,300 acres in the .previous
Cropped Area. year. The area under winter rice showed a
decrease of 6 per cent while the area under autumn rice showed a
slight increase of .43 per cent and that of under jute showed a
decrease of 4 per cent.
The prices of food grains were lower on the whole than in the
previous year' except in Shahabad, Saran,
Prices And Marketing. Darbhanga, Bhagalpur; Purnea, Hazaribagh
and Palamau,
The local marketing branch submitted reports to the Agricul­
tural Marketing Adviser to the Government of India on barley,
cocoanuts, markets, hats and fairs, co-operative marketing and
sheep and goats. In addition to these reports a large volume of
Supplementary information was supplied to the Central staff and
. notes on the dairy industry and on the grading of tobacco were
also prepared. Reports on potatoes, gram, maize, ghee, butter,
rape and mustard are under preparation and are nearing comple­
tion. Attempts are being made, however, to take up work on the
grading of tobacco, linseed, and ghee according to the scheme
drawn up by the Agricultural Marketing Adviser. In order to
carry out practical schemes of development a proposal has been
submitted to Government for the post of an Assistant Marketing
Officer to be paid from provincial revenues. The marketing section
took part in the departmental show at Sonepur and at the Patna
College on the occasion of the Patna College centenary celebrations.
Demonstrations of the enormous range of weights and. measures
usually found in the province were exhibited and caused tremendous
interest.
The research work of the Agriculture Department falls under
two categories, one which is financed by the
jl^riealtnnd Besearoh. imperial Council of Agricultural Research
god the other from the provincial revenues; :The sugarcane
 116

research, the rice research, the fruit research and the fodder
research are financed by the Imperial Council of .Agricultural
Research.
The agricultural research work made good progress during'the
year. The Sugar Research station was
Sugarcane Research, engaged in the task of evolving an ideal cane.
The work during the year shows that Coimbatore 299 is still the
best cane at the beginning of the crushing season as it has a very
high sucrose content even in early December, It is also tolerably
resistant to,insect pests and diseases. In the mid season group
Coimbatore 313 is the present standard. It is very little later than
Coimbatore 299. In this class of canes Coimbatore 385 , 386 and
393 are all very promising. Coimbatore 356 which also belongs
to this group gave excellent results in mill trials carried out during
the year. In the mid season group, of which Coimbatore 213 has
been the accepted standard for nearly 20 years, Coimbatore 413,
421 and B. 0. 3 and B. 0. 4 have given encouraging results. The
manurial trials showed that the standard dosing of cane with
10 maunds castor cake and one maund super per acre was better
than when the.same quantities were supplied entirely by fertilisers
and that higher doses of fertilisers were uneconomic even though
they increased the yield. It also became evident that there was
no advantage to be obtained from the usual practice of applying
fertilisers in two doses, one at planting time and another at the
time of ridging the cane. A single application at planting time
gives quite as good yields and the time of maturity of the cane and
its sucrose content show no difference from the different treatments .-
Manuring with Potash was found, as usual, to depress the yield
without inducing any compensating increase in the sucrose content
of the cane. The beneficial effects of sulphitation-process molasses
and press mud were confirmed at the Research Station.
For the fifth year in succession the beneficial effects of hot
weather irrigation in North Bihar were confirmed. The value of
such'irrigation was proportional to the dryness in the hot weather
for in years when pre-monsoon showers are received in May and
early June there is very little difference in yield between irrigated
and unirrigated canes. Accordingly it is inferred that expensive
irrigation projects are uneconomical for cane cultivation under
average conditions in North Bihar but where water can be cheaply
supplied from a lake two or three irrigations in the hot weather
are a very desirable safeguard. It was observed both at Pusa and
 117

at Patna that the irrigated crop showed a lower incidence of borer

infestation than the unirrigated crops. In addition to these very
practical studies on the cultivation of the cane crop a large amount
of scientific work was carried out in connection with root studies,
moisture requirements, factors concerning tillering, varietal
behaviour in relation to insect pests, and further progress was also
made with the hand refractometer for standardising juice sampling
technique in the field.

The very first piece of work that had to be done was to study
the enormous varieties of rice under cultiva^
Rloo Research. 5,000 samples were
originally collected from both Bihar and Orissa. After these were
thoroughly studied, it was found that many so-called varieties were
merely the same varieties under different names and that many
were really mixtures of different varieties. These varieties were
reduced to 1,200 varieties. This provides the material from which
selection of better and higher yielding strains have to be made and
therefore every vSjiety had to be grown and studied separately.
Their agricultural values are now being examined with a 'view to
concentration of effort being' brought to bear ‘ on the most
promising kinds, Manurial, genetical and physiological studies
were also made.
Work is also being carried on in connection with the fruit
research scheme in order to study the main
Fruit Research.
fruits grown in the Gangetic plains of both
BUiar and the United Provinces. At present the research work is
confined'to the mango, litchi and papaya. One of the most im­
portant problems for study is to try and find out why mango trees
do not bear a full crop each year, and this matter is now being
studied from different angles.
Experiment is also being carried out with a view to evolving
a suitable quality of cigarette tobacco at
Research On Quality Of Sabour where two flue curing' barns Tiave
Cigarette Tobacco. ^een constructed. '
As a result of the satisfactory results obtained at Kanke Farm
from feeding mineral salts to the cattle a
Fodder Research. scheme for carrying out an analysis of the
indigenous fodders in the province was worked out. -In connection
with these studies analyses are carried out on maize, juar, meth,
khesari, berseem, elephant grass etc. j to find out their mineral
 118

content at different stages of growth. Results obtained so far are

very interesting, particularly in connection with the high content
of protein, lime and phosphoric acid in elephant grass.
Research work financed from provincial revenues is at present
confined to the chemical and agricultural
Provluolal Research. engineering sections of the Department.
Work in connection with soil survey of the province was continued
during the year and much useful data have been collected in
connection with the chief crops grown, with irrigation, the level of
the water table, climate, surface features, etc., and chemical
analysis of a large number of soils has also been completed. The
results show very clearly how, and to a certain extent why, the
fertility of soils varies from tract to tract and once the survey is
finished, it will furnish a convenient basis for giving advice to
growers as regards the manuring requirements of their fields.
The activities of the engineering section are confined princi­
pally to the improvement and extension of
Agrionltiual^ Engineering irrigation facilities by improving wells with
open borings, the sinking of tube-wells, the
installation of hand, bullock and power water-lifts, the survey of
catchment areas, bandhs, irrigation and drainage channels, with
the tendering of advice, estimates and plans on such irrigation
schemes; the construction work required on Government farms
and the designing of agricultural implements and machines suitable
for Bihar conditions. The Engineering Section undertook 242 bor­
ings and sinking of 124 smdll tube-wells during the year.
The four Government experimental farms, one in each of the
agricultural ranges of the province, namely.
Agricultural Fanns. Pusa, Patna, Sabour and Kanke with their
subsidiary farms continued to do useful work in the testing of
cultural methods, seeds, manures and implements in their res­
pective areas. During the year, the Musheri farm was taken
over as a sugarcane seed nursery so that the number of farms in
Tirhut has now been increased to five. All farms collaborated
with the sectional and specialist officers in carrying out experimen­
tal work on the major problems of crops and soils. Special atten­
tion was devoted to sugarcane, wheat, tobacco, pulses, oil-seeds and
fodder crops. The problems relating to the maintenance of soil
fertility, the use of artificial manures and the making of vegetables
compost were a prominent feature of the studies engaged in at all
the farms,
 110

Demonstrations on the cultivators’ own lands under the

village conditions is the main plan of propa-
Propagands. ganda on agricultural improvements. A'
large number of demonstrations were carried out during the year
by the district staff, most of which have become part of the general
agricultural practice of the province. As the result of this work,
the whole area under sugarcane in Bihar is now planted with
Coimbatore canes and a similar result will soon be achieved in
case of the wheat crop. 21,307 demonstrations were given during
the. year to shpw varietal, cultural and manurial improvements
of sugarcane, wheat, paddy, rahar, lineseed, gram and other crops,
while 2,432 demonstrations of compost-making were also carried
out. The Agricultural Engineer also carried out demonstrations
with water-lifting equipment worked, by power and bullock labour
and with various kinds of machinery at the most important melas
held throughout the province. As a result of these demonstrations
22,445 maunds of seeds were sold to the public and 16,300 maunds
of seeds were distributed free.

In the absence of an Agricultural College in the province,

there is a dearth of suitably qualified men
grioultural Education. fQ^ gervice in the Department. With a view,
therefore, to meeting the demand for trained men in agriculture
Government have sanctioned 10 stipends of Es. 40 per month to
each student for undergoing a course of agricultural training leading
to a degree in agriculture at the Cawnpore Agricultural College.
In addition to these, Government have also sanctioned 10 stipends
of Es. 10 per month for a period of one year for the training of sons
of bona fide cultivators in practical agriculture.

With the advent of a more popular Government there came

about a change in the outlook of the public
Cattle Diseases. towards the problem affecting the welfare of
the cattle. The general condition of the cattle was on the whole
satisfactory. The number of outbreaks of different contagious
livestock diseases was 2,884 as compared to 3,289 in the previous
year. There were 12,644 deaths out of 36,593 animals affected, as
compared to 18,632 deaths out -of 40,675 attacks in the previous
year. This improvement was due mainly to the large decrease in
the number of rinderpest outbreaks and deaths, Bhagalpur and
South Monghyr being entirely free from this disease. On the
other hand, there was distinct increase in the number of outbreaks
 120

of haemorrhagic septicaemia and tool and mouth diseases, the

former having broken out in specially virulent form in almost the
entire Central Range and Ranchi district and the latter having
particularly affected Saran and Ranchi districts. 2,536 outbreaks
were attended to by the departmental staff during the year.
Preventive inoculations against the various cattle-diseases were
continued and a total of 474,091 animals were immunised during
the year as against 504,219 in the previous year. The decrease
in the number of protected animals was due to the lesser outbreak
of rinderpest. The percentage of death among the protected
animals was .005 as compared with .08 during the previous year.
The number of rural veterinary dispensaries increased from
122 to 132 during the, year and the number
Veterinary Hospitals. veterinary assistant surgeons in the
districts increased from 107 to 120 during the year; These rural
veterinary dispensaries are becoming increasingly popular among
cattle-owners owing to their proximity to their villages and the
question of increasing their number is under consideration. The
number of veterinary hospitals remained constant at 29 as in the
previous year, but the number of patients treated at these veteri­
nary hospitals was 100,395 as against 97,225 in the previous year.
This increase is satisfactory inasmuch as it indicates that
increasing advantage is being taken of the institutions by the
hvestock owners.

The total strength of cattle breeding and dairy farm at Patna

„ X, T, 571. The total milk yield was
The Cattle Fann. 395,272 lbs. against 401,973 lbs.
during the previous year or an average of 11 lbs per cow per day.
The total quantity of milk sold during the year was 362,108 fts.
The college entered on the eighth year of its existence. 38 new
students were admitted as against 29 during
previous year while 67 out of 59 old
students returned for further studies making
a total of 95 at the beginning of the year. The Annual and
Diploma Examinations of the college were conducted by a Board
of Examiners duly constituted by Government. 80 students,
namely 33 in class * A ’, 22 in class ‘ B ’ and 25 in class ‘ C ’
appeared at the examination. Out of these, 56 passed, namely,
21 in 1st year, 18 in 2nd year and 17 in the 3rd year, the percentage
of passes being 63.6, 81,8 and 68, respectively.
 121

The subordinate staff paid greater attention to this work with

a view to popularising the activities
Prapaganda And
Research.
of the department particularly among the
livestock owners living in the villages.
Altogether 7,808 lectures on different subjects relating to contagious
livestock diseases and their preventive measures, care and manage­
ment of animals were delivered at the important centres, rural
veterinarj' dispensaries, middle English schools, markets and hats.
Investigations into diseases of livestock and their methods of
treatment were carried out with success by the Disease Investiga­
tion OfiScer.
The most salient feature of work of the department during the
period was the inauguration of a scheme for
Co-operative Movement, ^j^g rehabilitation of the co-operative move­
ment by Government. The scheme provides for an intensive
enquiry into the assets, liabilities and repaying capacities of the
members of societies and Central Banks with a view to ascertain
their accurate position. Side by side with the elimination of
undesirable members, societies and banks, the strength of the
movement will be increased by the organisation of new societies on
sound lines. Rehabilitation enquiries have so far been taken up
in 13 banks, namely, Chapra, Muzaffarpur, Kishanganj, Araria,
Hajipur, Barh, Bihar, Fatwa, Dinapur, Masaurhi, Aurangabad,
Hazaribagh and Purulia. Of these, reconstruction work has now
been completed in three banks, namely, Chapra, Muzaffarpur and
Kishanganj. Government have appointed a Co-operative Eehabilita-
tion Committee, consisting of ten members, with the Registrar of
Co-operative Societies, as Convener, to advise Government in all
matters connected with rehabilitation.

The Provincial Co-operative Bank continued to show signs of

deterioration in the recoveries of loans. The
Tha Provincial Co-
operative Bank.
question of bifurcation of assets and liabili­
ties of the Provincial Co-operative ‘Bank
consequent on the separation of Orissa was settled at a conference
held at Patna, The conference was attended by the representa­
tives of the Governments of Bihar and Orissa and the Provincial
Co-operative Bank. The working capital of the bank which stood
at Ks. 1,10,13>000 on the 31st December, 1936, was reduced to
Es. 1,02,24,000 as a result of the sale of Government securities
for refund of deposits maturing during the year. The paid-up
share capital remained at Es. 6,11,400 as in the previous year.
 122

The total amount of deposits of all kinds held by the Bank at the
close of the year was Es. 68,94,000 against Es. 77,78,000 in the
previous year. In the matter of fresh advances the Bank followed
a very cautious policy. The total amount of loans given during
the year amounted to Es. 53,28,000 as against Es. 53,56,000 during
the previous year. The position of the Provincial Co-operative
Bank has been somewhat weakened on account of the general
depression affecting the Central Banks. As a result of meetings
of creditors held by several Central Banks, it became necessary for
the Provincial Bank to forego part of its claim against them on
a pro rata basis like other creditors. Steps are, however, being
taken to strengthen the position of the Provincial Co-operative
Bank and the matter is already receiving the attention of Govern­
ment.

The number of Central Banks and Central Unions remained

at 53 as before. The working capital of the
Centra^JBanks find banks decreased by Es. 3.02 lakhs and stood
at Es. 167 lakhs. There was also a drop in
the share capital by Es. 7,724. It amounted to Es. 16.26 lakhs
at the end of the year. The total reserves including (bad debt
and other funds) increased by Es. 24,000 and stood at Es. 13.57
lakhs. The total amount of statutory reserves of the Central
Banks stood at Es. 7.35 lakhs as against Es. 7.27 lakhs in the
previous year. Deposits in Central Banks and Unions fell by
Es. 3.26 lakhs to Es. 84.73 lakhs. The collection was below 5
per cent in 32 banks while it ranged between 5 and 10 per cent
in 11 banks. Only two banks recorded collection of more than 40
per cent, the highest percentage, namely, 64.1 being attained by
the Deoghar Central Co-operative Union, Limited, followed by the
Godda Central Co-operative Union with 41.1. The collection of
the remaining eight banks varied between 10 and 20 per cent.
The total amount of interest collected during the year was
Es. 6.78 as against Es. 7.27 lakhs in the previous year. The percen­
tage of collection was 14.5 as against 18.4 and 25.9 in 1936 and
1935, respectively. The Dhanbad Central Co-operative Institute,
Limited, realised its interest in full, while the Deoghar and the
Godda Unions collected 98 and 86 per cent, respectively, of their
interest demands. Excepting 4 other banks, namely, Giridih,
Eohika, Jamtara and Siwan, which attained percentages above 50,
the collection of interest of other banks was very unsatisfactory.
The combined percentage of collection of principal and interest
comes to 7.6 as against 8 and 10,7 in 1936 and 1935, respectively.
■ • ‘9-’*'
.*. • ‘ 4'''«
■ * ■'■ '

•« •>

IT*-

' * S ‘ , .•’^
T- 3
 123

The total advances made to societies by banks during the year

amounted to Rs. 3.41 lakhs as against Rs. 3.89 lakhs in the pre­
vious year.
As in the previous year, a number of banks encouraged agri-
cultural improvements by popularising the
Rn eve opment. improved agricultural implements,
manure pits, compost heaps and cultivation of sugarcane of
improved varieties. Appreciably good work was done in seven
banks, namely, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Khunti, Gumla, Ranchi,
Bihar and Chaibassa. Demonstrations of improved varieties of
Dahia paddy, Pusa wheat and sugarcane Coimbatore 213 were made
in different centres in the area of the Deoghar Central Co-opera­
tive Union, Limited. A model demonstration garden is being laid
out in Khaga village in the same area and two pucca wells have been
constructed on the land intended for a garden. 15 banks partici­
pated in the promotion of village sanitation and medical relief.
Homoeopathic medicines were distributed free from charity funds
of 17 societies under the Deoghar Central Co-operative Union,
•Limited, while the members of Btibhanbay Co-operative Society
in Hazaribagh cleaned their village lanes twice during the year.
The inspecting clerks of the Khunti Central Co-operative Union
inspected wells of 29 villages.

Apart from the activities of banks and societies in the direction

of agricultural improvement, sanitation, medical relief and educa-
ttioh, good progress was made in four selected village centres,
‘namely. Manair in the Patna Division, Silout in the Tirhut
Division, Mihijam in the Bhagalpui" Division and Kuru in the
Chota Nagpur Division, under the village welfare scheme financed
by the Government of India grant. Bach centre comprises a
group of 3 to 5 villages and in each centre the entire programme
of rural reconstruction is being executed through a Dural Welfare
Committee composed of non-officials and officials. The feature of
the work was adult education movement through the organisation
of night schools. The total number of schools organised under
the scheme at the different centres comes to 36 which includes two
girls’ schools, one at each of the centres at Kuru and Silout. These
schools are maintained partly by local contribution and partly by
local bodies. A village library has been started at Silout in Tirhut
Division and Kuru in Chota Nagpur Division. Good work has
been done in organising village sports. Rural reconstruction
activities embraced several items of work such as promotion of
 124

physical culture, disinfecting of wells, preparation of manure pits,

bore-hole latrines, and setting up of demonstration classes showing
the improved methods of agriculture.

The number of working agricultural societies of all classes

increased by 123, the total number at the
Soolettes. being 6,790. The member­
ship of the societies decreased by 2,889 and stood at 161,287. The
paid-up share capital and the working capital amounted to Es. 11.22
lakhs and Es. 148 lakhs, respectively, as against Es. 11.67 lakhs
and Es. 152.44 lakhs in the previous year. The decrease is due to
liquidation of a number of societies, and inadequate advances on
account of paucity of funds. The statutory reserve also decreased ,
by Es. 1.28 lakhs and stood at Es. 25.84 lakhs. The total amount
of loans advanced to members during the year was Es. 2.61 lakhs
as against Es. 3.67 lakhs in the previous year. The number of
Primary Credit Societies with ulimited liability increased by 19 to
6,552 but the membership decreased by 3,020 and stood at 149,707.
The working capital and reserves of the societies stood at Es. 147.41
lakhs and Es. 26.66 lakhs as against Es. 150.77 lakhs and Es. 26.76
lakhs, respectively, in 1936. The total loans outstanding at the
end of the year amounted to Es. 15,840,282 (Es. 97,95,717 prin­
cipal and Es. 60,44,565 interest).

There were 23 grain golas, 8 in iSantal Parganas, 10 in

Eanchi, 3 in Hazaribagh, 1 in Purulia and 1 in Bhagalpur. The
membership of the golas decreased by 2,282 to 7,060. Cash and
credit advances to members amounted to the value of Es. 7,747
as against Es. 4,243 in the previous year and the total repayments
amounted to Es. 10,020. The total amount outstanding was
Es. 40,347 out of which Es. 8,429 was overdue. The working of
the Mayaganj Gola Society in Bhagalpur, which is a dairy society,
showed a little improvement as a result of stopping sale of milk
on credit. The society had 37 members with a working capital
of Es. 4,161 and a reserve fund of Es. 2,226 at the end of the
year. The main function of the society is to purchase milk from
its members and to sell it to the residents of the town.

Among the agricultural societies mention may be made of the

cane-growers’ societies. The year saw the expansion of the
scheme for the organisation of such societies. In view of the
special facilities provided by the Sugar Factories’ Control Act,
1937, for the organisation of pane-growers’ co-operative societies,
 125
a revised scheme involving considerable expansion of cane*
growers’ co-operative societies was recently sanctioned by Govern­
ment. According to th© revised scheme, the total staff will consist
of 6 special officers, 35 organisers and 70 supervisors besides the
necessary office staff. A scheme for production of improved
variety of gur and a special kind of gur cakes or ‘ Patali ’ and gur
confectionaries called ‘ Bihar Delights ’ was taken up, as an
experimental measure, during the last crushing season. The
services of four expert Patali manufacturers were secured from East
Bengal for training the local people. Adequate attention was
also paid to the introduction of improved implements which are
extremely popular in cane-growers’ co-operative societies.
177 cane-growers’ societies with a membership of 3,913 operated
in the crushing season, 1937-38, and were able to supply 11.52
lakh maunds of cane, while in South Bihar 26 cane-growers’
societies with a membership of 261 operated during the year.
It is gratifying to note that cane-growers’ societies are keen
on the introduction of improved and greater sucrose yielding
varieties of cane.
There were 206 non-agricultural societies with a membership
of 31,370 as against 210 societies with 30,829 members in the
previous, year. In the domain of non-agricultural societies, the
societies for depressed classes deserve mention. There were
altogether 17 societies. Pour of these consist of shoemakers,
11 are comprised of Dorns and Mehtars and 2 of Beldars. These
societies worked satisfactorily except in the case of three shoe­
makers’ societies and one Beldar society.
The 20th session of the Bihar Co-operative Federation
Congress was held at Patna, on the 6th and
The Co-operative. 74}^ April .1938, under the presidentship of
Federation. Hon’ble Mr. V. Eamdas Pantalu. As
recommended by the Congress, Government were requested to take
audit of societies under their control from the Co-operative Federa­
tion. The recommendation has since been accepted. The Bihar
and Orissa Co-operative Press at Gulzarbagh, owned by the Bihar
and Orissa Co-operative Federation, Limited, having proved to be
81 losing concern, was closed.
The Co-operative Training Institute at Pusa, run by Govern-
meat, was reorganised on a residential
Co-operative Training basis during the year. The revised scheme
® ®’ provides for comprehensive training, both
theoretical and practical. Adequate attention is being paid to
 126

their diet, regular games and extra-curricular activities, the hostel

being run through committees of stipendiaries under the general
supervision of the Superintendent. An interesting feature of the
scheme is the provision for lectures by outside lecturers of repute.
Important Measures and Activities in 1938-39.
A reorientation has taken place in the policy of the Agricul­
tural Department by bringing the Depart-
^^AgrloBdmra ment closer to the cultivator. Non-official
agricultural advisory committees have been
set up in all subdivisions to draw up programmes of work to be
carried out by the staff of the Department and to select the villages
where the work is to be done. With a view to concentrating the
activities of the propaganda..staff of the Agricultural Department,
Government have decided to take up work in selected -thanas in
each district as an experimental measure. Extra funds have been
sanctioned on the basis of Rs. 300 per thana for the purpose of
distributing free seeds and manures in these thanas.
In view of the interest aroused in bee-keeping as a cottage
industry, four agricultural overseers were sent to Mysore and
Cuttack for a short course in bee-keeping. It is now proposed to
utilise the services of these overseers in assisting those who would
like to take up bee-keeping as a subsidiarj' means of livelihood.
A conference was called to review the whole work of the
Department and to suggest new lines of development io order to
make the Department more useful to the cultivator. The recora-
mendations of the conference are receiving the earnest .and imme-
diate consideration of Government.
The question of live-stock improvement has received much
greater attention than in* the past. Some
Improvement Of Tharparker and crossbred bulls
Livestock. were
supplied to the local bodies and the
campaign to eliminate scrub bulls as an aid to improvement of
cattle was pushed on. Schemes are under consideration for the
training of young Biharis in the art of dairying and giving state
aid to selected young Biharis to set up as dairy farmers.
Government have sanctioned Es. 80,000 for a beginning to be
made with a rural development scheme in
Rural Development, province. A Chief Organiser and an
Organiser have been appointed to work out the scheme. Under
the scheme model centres of rural welfare, work will be opened, to
 127

start with one in each division of the province^ where efforts will
be coBcentrated to improve village life in all its aspects. Arrange’
ments are being made to train the first batch of 216 stipendiaries
as village organisers and district inspectors. After training, the
stipendiaries Will be deputed to selected areas to carry on rural
development work in the villages and to teach the villagers to live
a better, happier and more decent life. The basic units in the
organisation- of this rural uplift work will be village panchayats.
It is proposed to harness the services of such private voluntary
institutions as are already engaged in the work of rural reconstruct-
tioB by giving them grants-in-aid. The Scheme aims at a five-
year plan of economic recovery of the villages.

o
O*
 chapter XI
Commerce and Industry

The overwhelming mass of the population in the province

depends for its livelihood upon the soil. It
^AnAtHkl
■ is because this livelihood is so scanty that the
general standard of living remains low.' With an improvement in
agricultural efficiency and income the foundation for an all-round
improvement in the standard of living will be laid. The advantage
will not only be to the peasants. Such an improvement is essential
to any further considerable advance in industry. Until the peasant
is able to buy the products of the factory, there is not much prospect
of any great increase in industrial output finding the necessary
market. Therefore, any big industrial advance must be accom­
panied by similar advance and development in agriculture.
Bihar is a specially favoured province by Nature. She is
richer than any other province in its resources, mineral and
agricultural, as compared to its size and population. Besides
agriculture and cottage industries, the mining of minerals, the
manufacture of metals and the manufacture of white sugar are the
three main organised industries of the province.
With the coming of the Congress Government to power, the
demand for National Planning became very persistent and the first
step in that direction was taken at a conference of Ministers of
Industries held at Delhi in October, 1938, by appointing a
Committee to formulate a comprehensive scheme for the industrial
development of the country. The object of the Committee is-to
improve the well-being of the community, principally by intensify­
ing the economic development of the community concerned on a
national basis in an ordered systematic manner* so as, to maintain
due equilibrium between the producing and the consuming units.
National Planning is a modern technique adopted in some form or
other very successfully by almost all the civilised na’tions of the
world. In India, the need for such an organised and co-ordinated
drive for economic advancement has long been. felt. In pursuance
of this, the Hon’ble Dr. Syed Mahmud later convened a conference
to consider the industrial planning of Bihar. The conference formed
three separate committees for the detailed investigation of the
mechanical industries, .the chemical industries and the cottage
industries that can be suitably developed in the province and to make
their recommendations at an early date for the consideration of
Government.

128
 . 129
5?he year marked an important landmark in the history ot
Indian sugar industry. India became self­
Sugar Industry. sufficient as regards her requirements of
sugar. There were 136 factories working throughout India as
'against 57 in 1932-33. The growth of the industry in Bihar during
the last seven years has been rapid. The number of factories work­
ing in the province rose from 12 in 1931-32 to 33 during the year,
producing 23.91 per cent of India’s total output of sugar. The
phenomenal growth of the industry and its position in the
agricultural economy of the province gave rise to several problems
and the Bihar Government acting in collaboration with the sister
province of the United Provinces passed the Sugar Factories Control
Act.. This is perhaps the fu’st piece of legislation in India providing
for planned production and rational distribution of nOt only the raw
material, cane, but also the finished product, sugar.
For the first time during the year under review, a well co­
ordinated policy of administration in the various districts was
effectively enforced by the Cane Department and an appreciable
improvement was shown therein.
The constitution of the Sugar Control Board in the beginning of
January 1938 by the Governments of Bihar and the United
Provinces, may be considered to be the first link in the chain of
inter-provincial co-operation for the common good of the provinces
concerned. A Cane Advisory Committee for the province of Bihar
was also constituted. In the case of District and Divisional Advisory
Committees, their representative character was sufficiently enlarged
and, as an experimental measure, suitable non-officials were
appointed as secretaries to some of these .committees.
The iotal crush of the Bihar vacuum pan factories during the
crushing season 1937-38 was 64,242,337 maunds. There was no
surplus of .cane anywliere in Bihar at the close of the crushing
season. The season was a favourable one for the cane-growers and
the minimum prices of 5 annas and 3 pies and 5 annas for gate
and rail cane, respectively prevailed throughout. The cane-growers
during the season got more than Es. 2 crores from vacuum pan
factories and Rs. 4,00,000 from open pan factories. Apart from
this, gur worth several lakhs of rupees was made.
It was decided to levy a cess of six pies per maund on all
sugarcane purchased by the factories. A good portion of the
proceeds from the cess is being utilised for the improvement of
sugar cultivation on organised and scientific lines.
IQ 85 Rer.
 130

Among the other important industries which supplied

employment were the handloom industry,
Other Industries. silk industry-, lac industry, tinplate cable
industry, engineering works, milling industry and sabai grass
industry. The condition of the lac industry was far from satis­
factory. In spite of the decrease in production (stick lac) in India
from 1,622,500 maunds in 1936 to 1,264,900 maunds in 1937, there
was a steady decline in the price of lac probably on account of
speculative stocks in foreign markets. The total export during the
year was also less by about 20 per cent than that for the same
period of the previous year, while the total value decreased from
Rs. 23.5 millions to Rs. 16.1 millions. The abnormally low price,
coupled with the uncertainty of the market, seriously affected'the
lac growers and the small manufacturers. This caused considerable
anxiety to the Provincial Government, who, in co-operation with
other lac-growing provinces and States and the Government of
India, subsequently tried to devise measures for the improvement
of the industry, particularly in the matter of marketing. The out­
put of the Tinplate Company of India, Limited, Golmuri, reached
the highest figure yet recorded, namely 60,360 tons. The total
quantity of steel worked out was 74,430 tons and the average number
of labour daily employed was 2,887. The wire nail industry
continued to flourish. The oil milling industry showed signs of
improvement towards the beginning of the year, but this improve­
ment could not be maintained as the price of oil-seeds became
disproportionately high as compared to the price of oil. The rice
milling industry did not show much improvement owing to the
partial failure of the paddy crop. The general condition prevailing
in the flour milling industry remained practically unchanged.

There was considerable improvement in the coal industry until

about the middle of the year and prices rose
substantially. As a result of this improved
position many old and abandoned collieries were reopened. The
number of coal mines worked was 340 in 1937 and 363 in 1938,
while the output of coal increased from 13.69 million tons in 1937
to 15.46 million tons in 1938. The increase in price which varied
between Rs. 3 to Rs. 6-8-0 a ton was due.to the revival of iron
industry and export of coal to China ports, prohibition of employ­
ment of women underground and the scarcity of wagons. Miners’
wages were increased at most collieries. Towards the end of the
year the demand for coal slackened and there was a decrease in
prices. At some collieries there was considerable shortage of labour
 1311

and a number of collieries transported the miners to and from

their villages. The output of the Jharia coalfield increased by
about 8J per cent while that of the Giridih coalfield fell by 3J per
cent. The despatches of coal were generally better than those of
the preceding year. The export trade showed an increased activity
in the absence of keen competition from other countries. The daily
average number of persons employed in coalfields in Jharia was
74,205. The general health of the mining population in the Jharia
coalfields was on the whole satisfactory. The death rate per
thousand persons was lower.
The Soft Coke Cess Committee continued as in previous years,
to. carry on propaganda work for popularising soft coke as a domestic
fuel, and its use is gradually spreading. The arrangement intro­
duced iu the previous year for inspecting the loading of soft coke
wagons at the collieries was maintained.
The production of pig iron and saleable steel during the year
v;as 921,300 tons as against 827,077 tons in
the previous year. The Tata Iron and Steel
Company completed their new power plant and control and
Research Laboratory and undertook the construction of a second
Battery of coke ovens.
The mica trade made further progress inasmuch as the export
„. from the Calcutta port increased from
99,491 cwts. in 1936 to 134,425 cwts. in 1937.
Prices for the larger sizes of block mica had an upward tendency
on account of a shortage of stock and the decline in the production
in general as the mineral had to be sought for at greater depth.
The unsettled situation in Europe and the heavy stock held in
America since 1937 retarded sales, specially of “ splittings ”.
There was no serious epidemic during the year.
At the copper mines worked by the Indian Copper Corporation
in the Singhbhum district, operations were
oppor. seriously dislocated through a strike which
lasted for about three months. The smelting plant at Moubhandar
was also affected through lack of ore. As a result of the strike,
the output of copper ore dropped from 410,867 short tons in 1937
to 322,649 short tons in 1938. The mines at Badia were in the
development stage. The prod.yction of refined copper amounted
to 5,330 long tons as compared with 6,830 long tons in the previous
year, the decrease being due to lower grade of ore. A fall took
place in the market prices of refined copper and yellow metal.
 132
The following table gives details of other important minerals
Other Minerals. produced in the province :—
Uinotale. DlBtrlot where ptodnced. Oatpat In tons
in U37.

Manganese ore ... Singhbhum ••• 24,180

Chron-ite ore Singhbhum 7,678
Steulite Singbbhnm and Hazaribagh 650
jlaie Monghyr 573^
Limestone Shahabad *•* 315,037
Stone \cliiefly igneous rock) Gaya, Monghyr, Santal Parganas,
Shahabad and Singhbhum ... 488,792
Sandstone • •• ••• Shahabad ... ... 89,414
Gravel • •• Singhbhum • •• 13,936
Fireclay Manbhum • •• 4,280
China clay Bhagalpur and Singhbhum 7,407
Kyanite Singhbhum ... 805
Gold Manbhum and Singhbhum 26 ounces.

As pointed out previously the number of coal mines worked

during the year was 363 against 340 in the
Coal An^jMetalllferous pj.gyious year. The number of metalliferous
mines worked was 960, an increase of 41
over last year’s figure, namely, mica 805, stone 60, manganese 18,
limestone 16, chromite 15, clay 9, fireclay 6, copper 6, iron ore 10,
slate 4, stealite 4, gold 3, sandstone 2, kyanite 1 and chalk 1.
There were 734 accidents in mines of which 108 were fatal.
The number of persons killed was 119, while
Accidents.
647 were seriously injured.
The number of factories on the register at the beginning of the
year was 337. 23 factories Were added to
Factories. the register during the year. The notable
feature in the new registrations was the addition of two cotton
mills of which one is a spinning mill and the other a weaving mill.
9 factories were removed from the register during the year. Of
the 351 factories on the register 56 remained closed throughout the
year and of the 295 factories that were working 225 were perennial
and 70 seasonal. The average number of days worked during the
year by perennial and seasonal factories was 248 and 196,
respectively.
The number of persons employed in the factories during the
year was 90,469 against 86,676 in the previous year, showing an
increase of 4.4 per cent. This was due to the new registrations
 133

and an increased number of persons employed in several industries,

mainly the textile, engineering, iron-smelting and rice, oil and
dal mills.
The rates of wages in factories remained much the same.
They ranged from an average of 6 annas a day for unskilled male
adult labour and some three to four times that sum for skilled
labour to about Rs. 4-8-6 for supervisors of skilled labour. Female
unskilled A labour earned 5 annas a day and child labour about
3 annas a day.
The number of women workers during the year under report
was 5,876 against 5,565 in the previous year, the increase being
mainly on account of the new registrations. The number of
adolescents employed in factories was 409 as against 332 in the
previous year showing an increase of 23 per cent, whereas the
number of children employed was 177 against 208 showing a
decrease of 15 per cent.
The number of factories inspected during the year was 268
against 249 in the previous year and the total number of inspections
and visits of all classes of factories was 401 against 464 in the
previous year.
The health' of workers was normal and no epidemic and no
case of industrial disease was reported. The provisions of the
Factories Act and the rules made thereunder in respect of sanitation,
drinking water and safety were generally complied with. Sani­
tation and lighting in factories continued to improve and some
safety committees formed in factories took active interest in
ensuring the safety of the workers.

The total number of accidents during the year was 3,157

against 2,945 in the previous year. The increase was mainly due
to the increased number of accidents in the East Indian Railway
Workshop at Jamalpur. iron foundries and jute spinning and
weaving mills.
The number of companies limited by shares rose to 150
during the year against 133 in the previous
Redlstered Companies
And Associations. year. The total authorised capital of these
companies was Es. 16,55,28,650 against
Es. 9,07,16,350 in the previous year. 26 such companies were
registered during the year, of which 13 were registered as private
pompapies, 3 of these were voluntarily wound up during the year
 134

and 13 were struck off the register under section 247 of the Indian
Companies Act, 1913, as amended by Indian Companies (Amend­
ment) Act of 1936.
The number of foreign companies increased from 31 to 33
during the year. Life Assurance Companies -incorporated' in the
province remained at four and the number of Provident Insurance
Societies was four only.
Five new societies were registered during the year under Act
XXI of 1860 bringing the total number in the province^ to 72.
Under the Indian Partnership Act, 3932, the total number
of firms registered during the year was 64 against 67 in the
previous year.
The total number of registered trade unions at the end of
the year was 10. 5 new trade unions were registered during the
year. No certificate of registration of a trade union was withdrawn
or cancelled during the year.
During the year the total number of boilers inspected on
application was 2,657, namely, 2,446 in
Boilers. Bihar and 111 in Orissa. The actual number
of visits made to boilers was 3,441. The difference between the
two figures was due to the fact that extra visits were made to
boilers for the purpose of inspection of repairs, hydraulic tests,
steam tests and surprise visits. The total amount of fees realised
for these inspections was Es. 1,37,709-5-0. There was only one
accident of a serious nature resulting in slight injuries to one person.
Prosecutions were instituted in 16 cases for offences under the
Indian Boilers Act and fines were imposed in all except one.
60 steam vessels (52 in Bihar and 8 in Orissa) were surveyed under
the Inland Steam Vessels Act and the number of visits made to
steamers was 125.
At the close of the year twelve licensed and four sanctioned
undertakings were in operation. In addi­
Eleotrlolty.
tion two other licensed undertakings were
under construction and six more were under consideration. On
the whole supply was maintained everywhere satisfactorily. At
Arrah, where in the previous year complaints of defective voltage
were frequent, the position improved due to the installation of two
additional generating sets and strengthening of the feeder lines.
During the year 28 electrical accidents were reported of which 4
were fatal, 4 serious and 20 were minor.
 135

Towards the close of the year the new Power Station of the
Tata Iron and Steel Company, Jamshedpur, underwent trials
preparatory, to being put to work. The new Power Station and
Cement Factory at Dehri-on-Sone were started up about the
middle of March.
During the year 102 high and medium pressure installations
and 36 cinema installations were inspected. The standard of work
amongst the smaller class of electrical consumer is deplorably
low and the same remark applies to cinemas.
In July 1937 Government introduced Rules for the levy of fees
for electrical inspection and up to the end of the year the fees
earned amounted to Rs. 10,017-8-0. It is anticipated that this
levy of fees will have a beneficial effect on the pool; standard of
work so frequently encountered amongst the small consumer ..class.
The hand-weaving industry, which is the most important
cottage industry in Bihar, continued to
Cottage Industries. receive increasing attention and encourage-
ment at the hands of Government and technical assistance was
provided through the demonstration parties stationed throughout ‘
the province, The various demonstration parties continued to do
useful work. Labour-saving appliances such as fly-shuttle looims,
warping drums, dobbies and jacquards were introduced among the
weavers who were trained in the weaving of fabrics of better
designs required for the local ‘market. Demonstration parties for
dyeing, wool-weaving and rope-making also did good work. The
wool-weaving demonstration party, which was started in February
1937, trained the local weavers in the use of fly-shuttle looms, along
warps and dyed yarns to which they were entirely unfamiliar
before..The question of further expansion of these demonstra­
tion parties is Under the consideration of Government.
The commercial section for the manufacture of purdahs pro­
duced goods worth Rs. 1,00,781 during the year against Rs. 1,23,230
in the previous year. Twenty new patterns in purdahs, six in
durries and 12 in staple goods were prepared and included in the
list of standard patterns. The prices of purdahs were reduced by
about 30 per cent during the year.
The Bihar Cottage Industries Institute, financed by the grant
from the Government of India, continued to advertise and popu­
larise the band-woven fabrics of Bihar and to conduct experiments
in co-operative manufacturing, machine finishing and marketing of
 136

hand-woven cotton fabrics through subsidised sales depots, com­

mercial travellers and canvassing agents. The working of the
finishing plant was, however, not satisfactory owing to the staff
being inexperienced. The foreign sales declined during the year
but the Indian sales increased by about 45 per cent ..and thus
helped to maintain the business at about the same level, the total
sates of finished goods amounting to Es. 1^69,197. No fewer than
9 weavers’ societies and 35 master weavers and ex-students of
the Cottage Industries Institute manufactured goods for the Bihar
Cottage Industries. An experiment to sell textiles through
educated young men as hawkers was tried and was partly
successful.
With a view to developing cottage and small-scale woollen
industries, a Wool Emporium was started at Gaya in April 1937
with the aid of a grant of Es. 19,850 frond the Government of
India. As was to be expected, initial difficulties incidental to the
starting of a new organisation were encountered. The most out­
standing feature of the working of this organisation was the
training of ‘ ‘ Hos ’ ’ (an aboriginal tribe) of file Singhbhum district
in wool-shearing, spinning and weaving of druggets and asans.
Till the starting of this organisation a large quantity of wool used
to be wasted in this part of the province, for the aborigines believed
that their sheep would die if they were sheared.
The growth of the sericulture industry was uniformly main­
tained under the Government of India subvention scheme. The
eri-seed supply station at Eanchi continued to supply disease-free
eggs to the eri-rearers and also to conduct experiments with a view
to evolve a more profitable and hardy race of eri worms. Out of
94,008 layings of eggs (of 260 eggs in each on an average) weighing
nearly 1,200 ozs. produced during the year, 77,125 layings were
supplied to the eri-rearing instructors for distribution among the
rearers in the districts of Bihar, while 808 layings or about 10 ozs.
of eggs were supplied to parties outside the province. The tasar
seed supply and research station at Chaibassa continued to show
progress. Seed eggs were produced and 1,239 layings yrere distri­
buted free of cost among the local rearers of the aboriginal class.
The rearers are reported to have obtained decidedly better crops
than what they could get with their own seed eggs. 635 layings
of eggs were also sold to some local zamindars and Government
departments of other provinces and a few states in Eajputana.
Experiments to domesticate the tasar worms by feeding them, QP
tfays were continued,
 137

Among the new schemes launched for the improvement of

cottage industries is a grant of , Es. 30.000 (Es, 12,500 during
1937-38 and Rs. 17,500 during 1938-39) to the Bihar Branch of the
All-India Spinners' Association to organise the production of hand-
spun and hand-woven cloth on a large scale and also to extend the
work in new areas.
The Bihar Commercial Museum was also given a non-recurring
grant of Rs. 9,700 towards construction of a building and a
recurring grant of Rs. 3,760 towards •'the cost of running the
Museum. The object of the Museum is the development of com­
merce and industries in the province, and, in furtherance of this
purpose, it maintains exhibits of raw materials and manufactured
articles as well as charts which provide useful information in
regard to them.
Two handicraft institutes for teaching hand-weaving and
basket-making were started at Jharia and Kustore with a grant
from the Government of India for the training of women workers
of the Jharia coalfields who have been excluded from underground
work as a result of recent legislation.
The Patna and Ranchi fry distribution centres continued to
' work during the year under report. The
soon ore. total quantity of fry supplied, was 184,000
as against 272,000 in the previous year. The decrease was due
to a sudden downpour of rain which overflooded the rearing tank
at Ranchi and brought to an end the fry distribution work which
had started immediately before the rainfall. The Department has
since taken up the improvement of the rearing tank with a view
to provide, against such contingencies in future. An indisputable
index to the developing fishing industry of the province was pro­
vided by the fact that 72,684 maunds of fish was exported during
the year as against 55,113 in the previous year. The fishery
section participated in four exhibitions where fishery exhibits were
displayed, demonstrations given and propoganda carried on. It is
a good sign that young educated Biharis are interesting themselves
in the fish trade and a few have already taken it up as a business
proposition.
A provision of Rs. 6,000 was made during the year for giving
small loans under the State Aid to Indus-
State Aid To Industries. loans could be given as th©
applicants failed to give proper security,
 138

, Out of Es. 10,341-9-11 due for realisation during the year,

only Es. 1,500 could be realised and Es. 5,192-10-4 had to be
written off.
The importance of technical education is being increasingly
realised by the general public and as such
Industrial Education. gjj appreciable increase in the
number of applications received for admission into the technical
and industrial institutions. The number of Government technical
and industrial institutions remained the same (10) as in the previous
year but that of the aided institutions increased from 9 to 11. The
number of pupils attending the various technical and industrial
institutions increased from 2,162 to 2,662, while the grants-in-aid
made to different institutions amounted to Es. 20,440 and the
total expenditure on technical and industrial institutions, both
•Government and aided, amounted to Es. 4,53,992 as against
Es. 4,61,732 in the previous year. The total strength of . the
Bihar College of Engineering on the 31st March 1938 was 272
students as against 278 in. .the previous year. There was a further
increase from 43 to 50 in the number of applications for admission.
The number admitted was 28, of whom 12 were from outside,
including 2 from Orissa. Out of 25 students who appeared for
Bachelor of Civil Engineering examination, 17 passed. The
Industrial Diploma course continued to be popular and there were as
many as 200 tlpplications for admission as against 191 Jin the
previous year. Of these only 22 candidates could be admitted.
In the Civil Engineering Subordinate Course the number of appli­
cations for admission increased from 108 to 110. Of these 55
candidates were admitted.
In the Eanchi Technical Institute as many as 168 candidates
applied for admission, of whom 55 were admitted. In the Tirhut
Technical Institute 196 applications were received for admission,
of whom 20 were admitted in the Industrial Diploma class, 8 in
the leather-working class and 9 in the oil engine-driving class.
The Cottage Industries Institute at Gulzarbagh, which is attracting
more candidates every year, during its fourteen years’ existence
has successfully demonstrated that the students while undergoing
industrial training could earn not only the value of stipends paid
and of raw materials issued to them but also a part of other
expenditure on the Institute. During the year 109 students
(average attendance) of the Institute produced marketable articles
worth Es. 24,576 in the course of completing a series of graded
exercises prescribed for practice. Of the various sections of the
 139

Institute, the dyeing section yielded most efficient results and the
value of the work turned out by a student was as much as
Es. 924 for the year. The Institute was provided with new hostel
buildings to provide total accommodation for 74 boys. As many
as 1,971 candidates sought admission in January, 1938, but not
even 10 per cent of them could be admitted. A new development
was the starting of a paper-making class at the Institute as an
experimental measure for the purpose of reviving the manufacture
of hand-made paper as a cottage industry in the province. While
the gross expenditure on the Institute increased from Es. 58,746
to Es. 68,010 due to the starting of additional sections, namely,
cane-furniture and basketry section and the development of the
•pottery and a few other sections, the receipts on account of the
sale*.of the students’ output and weavers’ requisites also increased
from Es. 20,701 to Bs. 28,729. The net cost of working the
Institute amounted to Bs. 37,327 as against Bs. 33,865 in the
previous year.
The Government Silk Institute at Nathnagar in Bhagalpur
continued to impart training in sericulture, silk dyeing and printing
and weaving and also to popularise Bihar silks by marketing
some of these both in India and outside. 24 students were
trained at the Institute during the year in different processes of
silk manufacture. Of the 19 students, who passed, 9 found employ­
ment in factories. In January 1938, a batch of 19 new students
were admitted. Besides, 21 artisan boys received practical training
in the preliminaiy processes of silk-weaving. Of* these 4 found
employment in factories. An encouraging feature of the Institute’s
activities was the execution of large orders from America for silk
handkerchiefs. These handkerchiefs have become popular in
America an.d are being used for neckwear as well as for making
ladies’ shoes and handbags. The gross expenditure on the Institute
and the receipts on account of the sale of finished goods decreased
from Bs. 33,985 and Bs. 18,091 in 1936-37 to Bs. 31,677 and
Bs. 16,894, respectively, but the net cost of maintaining the
Institute which amounted to Bs. 12,382 increased by Bs. 1,363.
The Wool Weaving Institute at Gaya continued to train young
•men in improved methods of wool-spinning and weaving. 13
students completed their course of training and 15 new students
were admitted. Of the 12 students who passed out 6 found
employment in blanket-weaving industry. The net cost of
maintaining the Institute was Bs. 3,293 as against Bs. 3,813 in
ihe previous year.
 140

The half-time weaving school at Biharsharif continued to

impart vocational training side by side with general education.
The number of students on the roll at the end of the year was 74.
The net expenditure on the School was Rs. 4,072.

The Technical Schools at Jamalpur and Jamshedpur trained

a number of students during the year under review. At the
Jamalpur Technical School there were 1,113 applications for
admission, of which 265 were from Biharis. Only 25 candidates
were selected for admission, of whom 4 were Biharis, including
2 Muslims. The total number of apprentice mechanics in the
School on the 31st March 1938 was 125 „ of whom 28 belonged to
the Province. The School received a grant-in-aid of ^Rs. 9,717
during the year. At the Jamshedpur Technical Night School,
388 students applied for admission of whom 281 were admitted.
The School received a grant-in-aid of Rs. 1,800 during the year.

The Indian School of Mines at Dhanbad continued to train

students in mining and during the year under review three more
scholarships were awarded to boys of this province, reading at the
■School. There were altogether seven scholars of this province
studying in the School.

Apart from the scholarships mentioned above, a number of

scholarships and stipends.were awarded for the training of students
outside the province in subjects for which adequate facilities do
not exist within the Province. During the year 21 scholarships
and stipends, ranging from Rs. 15 to Bs. 50 per month were
awarded, namely 1 in sugar technology, 2 in sugar boilers course,
3 in textile manufacture, 2 in tanning, 1 in radio, 3 in fine
arts, 1 in practical weaving, 2 in hat-making, 2 in celluloid
manufacture, 2 in wireless, 1 in sericulture and 1 in motor
mechanics.

The Engineering Section of the Department of Industries

continue to render technical assistance in the
Industrffcl^Englneering erection and maintenance of machinery to
n em s ry. industrialists, particularly to those who
got their mills compounded with the Department. The circle
officers gave technical advice and guidance to the public in setting
up new industries and making extensions and improvements to
the existing factories. In all 279 mills were visited by the circle
officers during the year. The revenue from the services rendered,
however, fell from Bs, 2,186-6-0 to Rs, 2,177-2-0.
fZ cP TH?- V'
§ eCMSAY
I -< pFfAN^CH !i?
•7< CP
RND FALL IN THE COST OF UM/NG, QF THE. LflBOUFilNi
f/TH THE FRE-\^HR NORMHL PERfOO EHDING, 1914 WHIC
 Uli

The work of .the Chemical Adviser to the Director of Industries

continued to increase. Two scholars were admitted for training
in applied chemistry. Regular demonstrations in. soap-malting,
toilet preparations, phenyle, ink, etc., on cottage industries lines
Were arranged as in previous years and a number of young men
were trained. In addition, 10 students were given demonstrations
in soap-making,, toilet preparations, mirroring, etc., at the Bihar
Provincial Exhibition, held in February 1938. The .Chemical
Adviser continued to receive numerous enquiries from small
industrialists regarding the manufacture and other details of various
chemical products.
The cbst of living of the working classes in the first month
, of the year 1937-38, as compared with the
Cost Of Living. corresponding month of the previous year,
was higher by 2 points at Muzaffarpur and lower by 1.1 points at
• Ranchi, by 8 points a.t Patna, by 3 points a.t Jharia, by 2 points
at Jamshedpur and by 1 point at Monghyr. As in the preceding
years, the seasonal rise and fall during .the year .was not. marked.
In the last month pf the year, i.e., in March 1938, the percentage
of fall below, the pre-war normal period was IS at Ranchi^
11 at Muzaffarpur, 4 at Monghyr and 3 each at Patna
and Jharia, while there was no variation «,£ Jamshedpur. The
average cost of living for the whole year under report was higher
by 3 points a.t Patna and lower by 4 points at Monghyr, by
3 points; each at Jharia and Ranchi and by 1 point each at
Muzaffarpur and Jamshedpur. Ranchi was the cheapest centre for
a workman to live in, while Jamshedpur was the dearest.
The Information Bureau, now known as the Employment
Bureau, recorded -another year -of satisfactory
InformsUon Bureau. progress. The, scope 6f the Bureau was
extended to the finding of employment for candidates possessing
both general and technical qualifications. The Bureku registered
the names of as many as 1,915 candidates possessing different
qualifications and, as a result of the efforts made by it, requisitions
for 1,248 posts were received mainly from the factories and the
railways.. 330 persons were provided with employment, of whom
162 have secured permanent posts and 168 were taken In as
apprentices with a view to their absorption in future vacancies
after the satisfactory completion of their training. The figures
of appointments given are, however, not complete inasmuch as
a large number of men who have secured appointments on- the
recommendations of the Bureau have failed to intimate their
appointments to the Bureau.
 142
The Commercial and Industrial Intelligence section of the
Department of Industries continued to be
Commerolal And Indus- both popular and useful. The number of
r a n e ence. enquiries received by the Department ;relat-
ing to commerce, trade, industry and other industrial and technical
subjects greatly increased. The technical reference library
attached to the Department attracted 1,265 visitors and issued
363 books during the year.
In the sphere of industrial development the following other
Other Important measures taken may be set out;—?
Measures.

To develop the use of indigenous silk yarn in weaving fabrics

in place of cheap spun silk imported from foreign countries, which
in the past hampered the progress of the indigenous silk industry,
a .silk twisting plant has been installed at the Silk Institute at
Bhagalpur at a cost of Bs. 15,000 non-recurring and Es.- 3,500
recurring.
Two sub-stations have been started in the Manbhum district
and in the Santal Parganas to supply tasar seed-eggs to the tasar
silk rearers in remote villages and small amounts as bonus have
been given to the mulberry silk rearers in a few .villages in the
Purnea district. <• »

With a view to removing unemployment-among the profes­

sional class of mochis and chamars and to train middle class boys
in improved methods of leather tanning and leather work, two
peripatetic demonstration parties have been started at a coat of
Es. 6,766 recurring and Es. 1,400 non-recurring.
With a view to develop the mineral resource® of the province
and to encourage the growth of large and small mineral industries,
a detailed mineral survey of the province has been taken up by
Government.
In view of the unprecedented depression in the lac market,
which severely affected the grower and the small manufacturer, a
joint conference of the representatives of the Governments of the
United Provinces, the Central Provinces and Berar and the
important lac-growing states, besides manufacturers and growers,
was convened at Ranchi to discuss the question of rehabilitating
the lac industry. A Joint Lac Control Board was constituted to
deal with all problems connectad with the lac industry and a small
committee was appointed to work out the details of the scheme
outlined in the recommendations of the conference. The scheme*
 14^

for the better marlietiag of laje, 4raW© w tbe receirniientJa-

tioD <5f the €©ia®aittee, was subsequeatly dropped on aGeowt of the
jnaprovemeBt in tao priees as a result of.the outbreak of war.
A Buoibet- of special sclaolarsbips for traioiag in tuectiaoiGal
and electi-iewl eBgimeering, over and above tjne existing ones, have
been sanetioiaed. ArrangemeBts have been Baade for tiae traitaiBg
of BBder-gi’adaaates'i© press work and also sfor the training of
fiaatrieulates in conapcwitor^s work at the ^rovemoaeBt iP®ess at
^Fulmdaagh.
A OoBMoittee of experts was appointed to oxasnioe and ggb-
sider. .the schemes for introdoeing degree courses in naechanical
and eiectiical engineeriBg at the SSilaar College ©f l^ngineeriaag and
for ©peBiiaag a Technical 'School at .Bhagalpur. The estahlishnaent
of handicraft schools at Pusa and Purulia on the hnes of lhe
Cottage Industries Institute at Patna aaad the expansion of the
• industrial chemistry class in the. .Patna Science C©tte.ge were also
under consideration.
The EmployjneBt BureaiU attached t© tliie Industi’ies Depart-
h»eBt was strengthened with a -view to explore avenues of enaploy-,
juent for young men of the province with scientific ahd industrial
training in. ttie industries of the. province and to put suitably
qualified candidates in touch with employers.
 IVPENblXl.
A.—THE GOVERNOR.
His Excellency Sib Maubice Gabnieb Hallett, k.o.s.i., o.i.e., i.o.t.
[Assumed charge of office on the 11th March 1937.]
B.—MINISTERS.
Portfolios.
1. The Hon’ble Shri Krishna Sinha. Home Afiairs, Revenue and Legis­
[Assumed charge of office, 20th July lative.
1937.]
2. The Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah Narayan Finance, Local Self-Government
Sinha. [Assumed charge of office. and Public Works.
20th July 1937.]
8. The Hon’ble Dr. Saiyid Mahmud. Education, Development and
[Assumed charge of office, 20th July Employment.
1937.]
4. The Hon’ble Mr. Jaglal Chaudhuri. Excise and Public Health.
[Assumed charge of office, 20th
July 1937.]
C.—PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES.
1. Babu Shiv Nandan Prasad Mandal, Judicial and Jails.
M.L.A.
2. Babu Krishna Ballabh Sahay, M.L.A. Appointment and Political.
3. Babu Jagat Narayan Lal, m.l.a. Finance and Commerce.
4. Babu Jimut Bahan Sen, M.L.A. Public Works and' Irrigation.
5. Babu Binoda Nand Jha, M.L.A. Local Self-Government, Medical
and Public Health.
6. Babu Sarangdhar Sinha, U.L.A. ... Revenue and Education including
Registration.
7. Babu Jagjivan Ram, m.l.a. ... Development.
8. Maulavi Sayeedul Haque, m.l.a. ... Excise.
D.—MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE FROM BIHAR.
NOMINATED OFFICIAL.
Nil.
NOMINATED NON-OFFICIAL.
The Hon’ble Khan Bahadur Shams-ud-din Haider, o.b.E.
The Hon’ble Raja Bevaki Nandan Prasbad Singh.
ELECTED.
Names. Constituencies.
1. The Hon’ble Maharajadbiraja Sir -s
Kameshwar Singh, k.o.i.b., of I
Darbhanga. .C (Non-Muhammadan).
2. The Hon’ble Rai Bahadur Sri Narayan \
Mahtha. J
3. The Hon’ble Mr. Hussan Imam ... Bihar (Muhammadan).
H 85 Bev.
 ii

E.—MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FROM

BIHAE.
NOMINATED OFFICIAL.
NU.
NOMINATED NON-OFFICIAL.
NU.
ELECTED.
Names. Constituencies.
1. Mr. Satya Narayan Singh ... Darbhanga cum Champaran (Non-
Muhammadan).
2. Mr. Bipin Behari Varma ... MuzafiarpUr cum Champaran (Non­
Muhammadan).
3. Babu Ramayan Prashad ...■ Patna cmw Shahabad (Non-Muham-
mad an).
4. Babu Gauri Shankar Singh. ... Gaya cum Monghyr (Non-Muhamma-
dan).
6. Babu Kailash Behari Lal ... Bhagalpur, Purnea and the Santal
Parganas (Non-Muhammadan).
6. Babu Eamnarayan Singh ... Chota Nagpur Division (Non-Muham­
madan).
7. Mr. Nauman Muhammad ... Patna and Chota Nagpur cum Orissa
(Muhammadan).
8. Mr. Md. Ahsan ... ... Bhagalpur Division (Muhammadan).
9. Maulavi Abdul Gani ... Tirhut Division (Muhammadan).
10. Maharaja Bahadur Ram Ran Bihar and Orissa Landholders.
Vijai Prashad Singh.

F.—THE BIHAR LEGISLATURE.

The Hon’ble Mr. Rajivaranjan Prashad President, 23rd July 1937.
Sinha, m.a.
Mr. Saiyid Naqui Imam, Bab.-at-Law ... Deputy President, 23rd July 1937.
The Hon’ble Mr. Ramdayalu Sinha, b.a., Speaker, 23rd July 1937.
LL.B.
Mr. Abdul Bari, m.a. ... Deputy Speaker, 23rd July 1937.

G.—THE BIHAR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

COUNCILLORS.
Numerical etrength.
Congress Party ;io
Opposition:—
Coalition Party • •• 11
* 6
No!-Party * • •4
Muslim Independent Party ... 8

Total strength 80
 Ill
I 1 • p
CONGRESS PARTY.

Name of member. Constituency.

1. Rai Brijraj Krishna ... Elected by the Bihar Legislative

Assembly.
2. Mr. Bansi Lal Ditto ditto.
3. Mr. Puneydeo Sharma • Ditto ditto.
4. Mr. Kamaleshwari Mandal .*. Ditto ditto.
6. Mr. Gajindra Narayan Singh ... Ditto' ditto.
6. Mr. Baham Rai •... Ditto ditto.
7. Mr. Nageshwar Prashad Singh ... . Ditto . . ditto.
8. Mr. Bishunlal Singh Hazaribagh cum Manbhum General.
9. Mr., Tribeni Prashad^ Singh Elected by the Bihar Legislative
■ Assembly.
10. Mr. Brajnandan Prasad Nominated.
COALITION PARTY.
1. Khan Bahadur Saiyid Muhammad Patna cum Shahabad Muhammadan.
Ismail (Leader of the Oppo­
sition).
2. Khan Bahadut Saiyid Shah Wajid Elected by the Bihar Legislative
Hussain. Assembly.
8. Kumar Ramanand Singh Bhagalpur cum Purnea General.
4. Mr. Bishwanath Prasad Narayan Saran cum Champaran General.
Singh.
5. Mr. Saiyid MobaraUiAli ... Tirhut Division Muhammadan.
6. Mrs. Malcolm Sinha , Nominated* *
7. Mr. Maheshwar Prasad Narayan Muzaffarpur General.
Singh. ' - -
8. Rai Bahadur Deonandan Prasad Monghyr cum Santal Parganas General.
Singh.
0. Raja Bfthadur Harihar Prasad Gaya General.
Narayan Singh, ,0..B.E.
10. Mr. Jamilur Rahman ■ ■ Bhagalpur Division Muhammadan.
11. Kumar Ganga Nand Singh Darbhanga General.
NO-PARTY.
1. The Hon’ble Mr. Rajivaranjan North Patna Division General.
Prasad Sinha.
2. Mr. Gur Sahay Lal ... Nominated.
8. Mr. Samuel Purti .... Do.
4. Rai Bahadur Satis Chandra Sinha Elected by the Bihar Legislative
Assembly.
5. Rai Sahib Nalini Kumar Sen ... Ranchi and Palamau cum Singhbhum
General.
6. Mr. Alan Campbell Combe ... Bihar European.
 iv
Muslim independent party.
Name of member. Constituency.
1. Mr. Saiyid Naqi Imam ... Gaya cum Chota Nagpur Division
Muhammadan.
2. Mr. Saiyid Muhammad Hafeoz ... Elected by the . Bihar Legislative
Assembly.
8, Mr. Abdul. Ahad Muhammad Ditto ditto.
Noor.
H.—THE BIHAR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.
COUNCILLORS.

. PARTIES IN THE ASSEMBLY.

Numerical atrength.
Congress Party 90
Opposition:—
Coalition Party ... 22
Muslim Independent Party 20
No-Party ... e
Ahrar Party 8
Muslim League ... 2
Total strength ... 162

CONGRESS PARTY.
Name of member. Constituency.
1. The Hon’ble Mr. Shri Krishna South Sadr Monghyr General Rnral.
Sinha (Prime Minister).
2. The Hon’ble Mr. Anugrah Aurangabad General Rural.
Narayan Sinha (Minister).
8. lhe Hon’ble Dr. Saiyid North Champaran Sadr Muhammadan
Mahmud (Minister). Rural.
4. The Hon’ble Mr. laglal Chau- South-West Purnea General Rural
dhuri (Minister). (Reaenied aeat}.
6. Mr. Krishna Ballabh Sahay Central Hazaribagh General Rural.
6. Mr. Jagat Narayan Iial Patna Division General Urban.
7. Mr. Sarangdhar Sinha Patna City General Urban,
8. Mr. Binodanand Jha Deoghar cum Jamtara General Rural,
9. Mr. Shivanandan Prashad Madhipura General Rural.
Mandal.
10. Mr. Jimut Bahan Sen Chota Nagpur' Division General Urban.
11. Mr. Jagjivan Ram East Central Shahabad General Rural
{Reaerved seat).
12, Mr. Sayeedul Haque Central Darbhanga Muhammadaia
Rural.
 V

CONGRESS PARIY— contd.

Name of member. Constituency.

18. Mr. Shyam Narayan Singh East Bihar ' General Rural.
14. Srimati Saraswati Devi Bhagalpur Town Women’s General
Urban.
15. Srimati Eamakbya Devi Patna Women’s General Urban.
16. Srimati Sharda Kumari Devi Muzaffarpur Town Women’s General
Urban.
17. Dr. Raghuncmdan Prashad ... South Sadr Monghyr General Rural
(Reserved seat).
18. Mr. Vindhyeshvari Prashad Tirhut Division General Urban.
Verma.
19. Mr. Jamuna Karjeo East Madhubani omw Bahera General
Rural.
20. Mr. Abdul Bari North Santal Parganas M’jhammadan
Rural.
21. Mr. Birendra Bahadur Sinha South Gaya General Rural.
22. Mr. Hrikishore Prashad Banka General Rural.
23. Mr. Harihar Sinha Sasaram General Bural.
24. Mr. Prahhunath Sinha East Gopalganj cum Mashrakh and
Marhaura General Bural.
25. Mr. Hargohind Misra Buxar General Rural.
26. Pandit Gupteshwar Pandey ... Bhabva General Rural.
27. Mr. Harinandan Singh North-East Shahabad General Rural,
28. Mr. Budhan Bai Verma East Central Shahabad General Rural.
29. Mr. Indra Dewan Saran Singh Central Patna General Bural.
30. Mr. Shy am Nandan Sinha ... Dinapore General Rural.
81. Pandit Sheel Bhadra Yajee ..." Barh General Bural.
82. Mr. Bundi Ram Nawada General Rural (Reserved
seat).
83. Mr. Dip Narayan Sinha North-East Hajipur General Rural.
84. Mr. Ramcharitra Singh West Begusarai General Rured.
85. Eumar Ealika Prashad Singh Jamui General Rural.
86. Mr. Harivans Sahaya South-West Champaran Sadr General
Rural.
87. Mr. Vishwanath Singh North Bettiah General Rural.
88. Thakur Bamnandan Sinha North Sitamarhi General Rural.
89. Mr. Bamashis Thakur West Sitamarhi General Rural.
40. Mr, Biresh Dutta Sinha West Saran Sadr General Rural.
41. Mr. Dwarkanath Hwari East Saran Sadr General Rural.
42. Mr. Narayan Prashad Sinha ... North-East Siwan General Rural.
43. Mr. Shiveshvar Prasad Narayan South-West Siwan -General Rural.
Sinha Sharma.
|4. Mr. Rameshvar Prasad Sinha South-West Hftjipur General Rural.
 yi
CONGRESS PARTY—contd.
4
Name of member. Constituency.

45. Mr. Gorakh Prashad East Champaran. Sadr General Rural.

46. Mr. Ganesh Frashed NorthiWekt Champaran Sadr General
II . . , Rural. ,
47. Pandit Baidyanath Misra South Bettiah General Rural.
‘ • .. I . I
48. Mr. Bam Basawan Babidas West Gopalganj General Bural
•(Reserved seat).
49. Mr. Balgobind Bhagat North Bettiah General Rural (Reserved
« I. •seat).
50. Mr. Shivanandan Ram East Muzaffarpur Sadr General Rural
■ (Reserved-seat).
61. Mr. Mahesh Prashad Sinha ... East Muzaffarpur Sadr General Rural.
62. Mr. Jamuna Prasad Sinha . ... Nawada General Rural.
63. Mr. Rajeshvar Prashad- Narayan North-West Samastipur General Rural.
Sinha. . .
64. Mr. Chet Narain Jha South Madhubani General Rural.
55. Mr. Nirapada.. Mukhaiji North Sadr Monghyr General Rural.
66. Mr. Pramatha Bhattasali Singhbhum General Rural.
57. Mr. Rajendra Narayan. Chau- North Madhubani General Rural.
dhuri. , I
58. Mr. Suryyanandan Thakur ... Darbhanga Sadr General Bural.
59. Mr. Ramcharan iSinha'' South-East Samastipur General Bural.
60. Mr. Brahmadeo Narayan Singh East Begusarai General Bural.
61. Pandit Mewalal Jha.- .<■ 1... South Bhagalpur Sadr General Bural.
62. Mr. Shivadhari - Sinha North Bhagalpur Sadr cum Eishan-
ganj General. Bural. _
63. Mr. Upendra Mohan Das South Manbhum General Bural.
., Qupta.
64. Mr. Tika Ram Majhi South Manbhum General Rural
(Heserved seat).
65. Mr. Basika Ho Singhbhum General Rural (Reserved
.seat).
66. Mr. Ahmad Ghafoor North-West Darbhanga Muhammadan
Rural.
67. Mr. Nur Hasan Saran Sadr Muhammadan Bural.
68. Mr. H. B. Chandra Monghyr iCmot Jamalpur Factory
Labour.
69. Mr. Gouri Sankar Dalmia Bhagalpur Division General Urban.
70. Mr. Rajendra Misra Supaul General Bural.
71. Mr. Sukhlal Singh >4 Giridih cum Ghatra General Rural.
72. Mr, Karu Duaadh Giridih cum Ghatra General Rural
(Reserved seat).
79. Mr, Deoki Nandan Praahad Banchi Sadr General Rural.
 CONGRESS PARTY—conoid.

Name of member. Constituency.

74. Mr. Ramdin Tiwari North-West Purnea General Rural.

75. Mr. Eishori Lal Eundu East Pumea General Rural.
76. Mr. Dheer Narayan Chand South-West Pumea General Rural,
77. Mr. Buddbinatb Jha Godda General Rural.
78. Mr. Bhagban Chandra Das Santal Parganas Sadr General Rural.
79. Mr. Hopna Santal Central Hazaribagh General Rural
(Reserved seat).
80. Mr. Cbaran Murmu Santal Parganas Sadr General Rural
(Reserved seat}.
81. Mr. Debu Murmu Pakaur cum Rajmahal General Rural
(Reserved seat}.
82. Mr. Brijlall Dokania Pakaur cum Rajmahal General Rural.
83. Mr. Ram Bhagat Ranchi Sadr General Rural (Reserued
seat).
84. Mt. Hafiz Zafar Hasan Patna Division Muhammadan Urban.
85. Mr. Jadubans Sahay South-West Palamau General Rmal.
86. Mr. Ambika Cbaran Mallik North Manbhum General Rural,
. 87, Mr. Ram Prasad East Bihar General Rural (Beserw'ed
seat}.
88. Mr. Sukhari Ram Madbuvrat South Gaya General Rural (Reserved
seat}.
89. Mr. iJugal Kishore Narayan North Gaya General Rural.
Sinha.
90. Mr. Brijnandan Sabi West Muzafiarpur Sadr General Rural.
Darbhanga Sadr General Rural
91, Mr. Kgshvar Ram (Reserved seat}..

92. Mr. Sunder Mahto South-East Samastipur General Rural

(Reserved seat}.

98. Mr. Ram Baras Das Madhipiura General Rural (Reserved

seat}.
94. Mr. Puma Chandra Mitra Ehunti General Rural.
95. Mr. Rajkishore Sinha North-East Palamau General Rural.
96. Mr. Ehetra Nath Sen Gupta Hazaribagh Mining Labour.
97. Mr. Jitu Ram North-East Palamau General Rural
(Reserved seat}.
98. Mr. Devendra Nath Samanta ... Singhbhum General Rural.
99. lhe Hon’ble Mr. Ramdayalu East Sitamarhi oum Eatra and Minapur
Sinha (Speaker), General Rural,
 *••
yiii

COALITION PARTY,

Name of member. Constituency.

1. Mr. Chandreshvar Prashad Tirhut division . Landholders.

Narayan Sinhs, O.I.B.
(Leader of the Opposition).
2. Sir Ganesh Datta Singh, Kt. Patna Division Landholders.
8. Pandit Gobindpati Tiwari West Gopalganj General Rural.

4. Mr. Natha Ram Jamshedpur Factory Labour.

6. Mr. Muhammad Latifur West Gaya Muhammadan Rural.
Rahman.
6. Bara Lal Kandarp Nath Shah Gumla oum Simdega General Rural.
Deo.
7. Maharaj Kumar Rajkishore Chota Nagpur Division Landholders.
Nath Shah Deo.
8. Mr. Muhammad Qasim Siwan Sadr Muhammadan Rural.
9. Mr. Gulu Dhopa Central Manbhum General Rural
(Reserved seai}.
10. Mr. Ignes Beck Indian Christian.
11. Mr. Boniface Lakra Gumla cum Simdega General Rural
(Reserved seat).
12. Mr. B. Wilson Haigh, u.i. Chota Nagpur European.
chem. E.
13. Kumar Ajit Prashad Singh Deo Central Manbhum General Rural.
14. Lady Anise Imam Patna City Muhammadan Women’s
General Drban.
15. Mr. Saiyid Ali Manzar South Santal Parganas Muhammadan
Rural.
16. Mr. S. Mohiuddin Ahmad Chota Nagpur Division Muhamtnedan
Urban.
17. Mr. W. H. Meyriok, o.b.b. ... Patna and Tirhut cum Bhagalpur
European.
18. Mr. Saiyid Najmul Hasan East Gaya Muhammadan Rural.
19. Mr. Surya, Mohan Thakur ... Bhagalpur Division Landholders.
20. Mr. Shaikh Muhammad Fazlur North-West Kishanganj Muhammadan
Rahman. Bural.
»
21. Mr. Zainuddin Hosain Meerza South Kishanganj Muhammadan Rural.

Mr. Shaikh Ramzan Ali Ranchi cuui Singhbhum Muhammadal)

Rural.
 IX

MUSLIM INDEPENDENT PARTY.

Name of member. Constituenoy.
1. Mr. Muhammad Yunus West Patna Muhammadan Rural.
(Leader of the Muslim
Independent Party).
2. Ehan Sahib Muhammad Yakub Muzaffarpur Sadr Muhammadan Rural.
8. Mr. Muhammad Abdul Majeed South Champaran Sadr Muhammadan
Rural.
4. Hafiz Shaikh Muhammad Sani Bettiah Muhammadan Rural.
5. Nawab Khan Bahadur Abdul Bhagalpur Division Muhammadan
Wahab Khan. Urban.
6. Mr. Shaikh Shafiqul Haqq ... South-East Pumea Sadr Muhammadan
Rural.
7. Mr. Saiyid Muhammad Minna- Madhijjura c«w Supaul Muhammadan
tullah. Rural.
8. Mr. Muhammad Mahmud Bhagalpur Sadr cum Banka Muham-
madan Rural.
9. Chaudhuri Sharafat Husain ... Shahabad Muhammadan Rural.
10. Chaudhuri Mahammad Nazirul North Monghyr Muhammadan Rural.
Hasan.
11. Mr. Sharfuddin Hasan East Patna Muhammadan Rural.
12. Mr. Shaikh Ziaur Rahman Araria Muhammadan Rural.
13. Mr. Muhammad Islamuddin North-East Kishanganj Muhammadan
Rural.
14. Mr. Tajamul Husain Sitamarhi Muhammadan Rural..
15. Mr. Abdul Jalil Tirhut Muhammadan Urban.
16. Mr. Badrul Hasan Hujipur lifuhammadan Rural.
17. Mr. S^iaikh Muhammad Husain Palamau Muhammadan Rural.
18. Mr. Saiyid Rafiuddin Ahmad South Monghyr Muhammadan Rural.
Rizvi.
19. Qazi Muhammad Ilyas ... Manbhum Muhammadan Rural.
20. Mr. Muhammad I’ahir .« North Purnea Sadr Muhammadan
Bural.
NO-PARIY.
1. Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha University.
2. Mr. Munindra Nath Mukherji The Indian Mining Federation.
3. Mr. Chakreshvar Kumar Jain Ihe Bihar Chamber of Commerce.
4. ‘Mr. A. M. Hayman, o.b.e. ... Anglo-Indian.
5. Mr. P. S. Keelan, c.i.e., v.d. The Indian Mining Association.
6. Mr. E. G. Munns The Bihar Planters’ Association.
AHRAB PARTY.
1. Mr. Muhammad Shafi ... North-East Darbhanga Muhammadan
Rural.
2. Mr. Muhammad Salim ... South Darbhanga ^uhanunadan Bbral.
8. Khan Bahadur Saghirul Haqq Gopalganj Muhrmmadan^ Rural.
MUSLIM LEAGUE.
1. Mr. Saiyid Jafar Imam Patna City M 'hammadan Urban.
Khan Bahadur Haji Shaikh Hazaribagh Muhammadan Rural.
Muhammad Hassan Khan,
 APPENDIX II.

General Abstract of Revenue and Receipts

(IX THOUSANDa OP RUPBBS EXCEPT ACC0UNT8.1

Budget Revised Budget

Major Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1938-39. 1937-38. 1037-38. 1930-37.

TR8, trs. TRS. Rs.

A—PRINCIPAL HEADS OF RE­
VENUES—
I.—Customs 13,70 14,70 13,47 11,48,000
rV.—Taxes on Income other 17,80 13,80 J
than Corporation tax.
V—Salt .. 29 0 27,150
Vn —Land Revenue 1,35,00 1,37,60 1,35,50 1,30,14,380
Vni.—Provincial Excise 1,02,00 1,19,00 1,17,00 1,10,10,090
IX,—Stamps 1,01,95 88,76 1,00,75 97,33,038
X,—Forest 0,60 0,00 6.25 5,04,747
XL—-Registration .. 12,70 12,70 13,00 12,08,943
28 27 1
XII,—Receipts under Motor Vohl- 28 20,244
clea Acts.
Xtn—Other taxes and duties .. 80
C—IRRIGATION, NAVIGATION,
EMBANKMENT ANO DRAIN­
AGE WORKS—
XVn—Irrigation, Navl({,atlon, Em- ■ 17,28 18,00 20,84 21,00,051
bankment and Drainage
Works for which capital
accounts are kcpt.(a)
XVIIL—Irrigation, Navigation, Em­ 99 1,01 1,04
bankment and Drainage 94,017
Works for which no
capital accounts arc kept,
B—DEBT SERVICES—
18,43 19,21 10,13
XX,—Interest 6,05,010
F—CIVIL administration—
3,03 3,00 4,02 8,63,522
XXL—Administration of Justice
6,66 0,16 6,56 6,32.973
XXn.—'Jails and Convict Settle-
ments.
XXIII,—Police 10,38 10,10 10,23 1,60,764
XXVI.—'Education ., .. 0,37 6,43 6,07 6,25,684
XXVn,—Medical 2,08 2,62 8,11 8,33,105
XXVin,—Public Health 2,03 1,00 2,52 1,83,862
XXIX,—Agriculture ,, 4,05 8,78 3,67 2,02,047
XXX.—Veterinary 1,98 2,03 1,01 1,80,008
XXXI.--Co-oporatlon .. 01 1,21 1,21 89,666
XXXn,—Industries 4,00 4,00 8,94 8,57,938
XXXVI,—Mlsoollaneous Departments 1,42 03 1,29 1,81,163

(fl) The net Irrigation receipts after dodnctlng ''Worltlng Expenpes** (which inclndcs the
irrigation j?ro-rfliflshare of the common eatabiuhmont of tho Publio works Department) are shown
here.
 XI

APPENDIX II—contd
General Abstract of Revenne and Receipts—concld
[Is THOnSASDS OF RUPEES EXCEPT ACCOUNTS.)

Budget Revised Budget

Ma)oT Heads. _ Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1938-39. 1937-38. 1937-38. 1936-37.

TES. TRS. Trs. Rs.

H—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLA­
NEOUS PUBLIC IMPROVE­
MENTS—
XXXIX.—Civil Works .. 16,01 8,07 7,96 10,88,727

J—MISCELLANEOUS—
XLIII.—Transfers from Bihar •• •• 20 ••
Eamine Relief Fund.
XLIV.—Receipts in aid of Super­ 2,24 2,04 2,07 1,82,671
annuation.
XLV.—Stationery and Printing .. 3,02 3,17 2,73 3,26,889

XLVI.—MiaceUancous 6,84 7,66 11,36 1,63,318

L—CONTRIBUTIONS AND MISCEL­

LANEOUS ADJUSTMENTS
BETWEEN CENTRAL ANU
provincial governments.
L.—MiaccUaneous adJustmcnU •• •• •• ••
between the Central
and Provincial Govern-
ments.
M—extraordinary items—
jA.—E.'ctraordinary Receipts .. .. ..
Total Revenue 4,98,41 5,06,58 4,06,15 4,57,92,896

0—Unfunded debt 25,49 24,86 25,16 1,64,13,449

p—iScposlts and advances 5,91,65 6,11,78 4,94,16 2,39,62,568
R—Loans and advances by the Pro­ 17,09 20,25 22,98 17,05,146
vincial Government.
S—Remittance 1,42,05 1,43,35 1,24,04 ••
Miscellaneous Government Accounts .. •• 2,T!,'n,V!Z
TJIAL—RECEIPTS OTUEB THAN 7,76,18 8,00,24 6,66,34 6,88,58,626
Revenue.
total receipts 12,74,59 13,06,82 11,61,49 11,46,51,522
Opening Balance 38,90 1,40,13 1,23,03 67,59,149
Gband Total 13,13,49 ) 14,46,95 12,84,52 12,14,10,671
 Xll

APPENDIX II—-contd

General Abstract of Expenditure.

[In TII0V8AND8 Of BPPaBS.l

Budget Revised Budget

U&ioT Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Eetlmate, Accounts,
1938-39. 1937-38. 1037-38. 1936-87.

TBS. ‘
TBS. TBS.
A—DIRECT DEMANDS ON THE HEVFNUB-
6. —Salt ..
7. —Land Revenue .. 11,83 11,20
8. —Provincial Excise 12,97 12,81
9. —Stamps 1,76 1,78
10.—Forest 6,72 6,20
11. —Registration 6,74 6,44
12. —Charges on aocount of Motor Vehicles 26 27
Acts.
C—REVENUE ACCOUNT OP IRRIGATION,
NAVIGATION. EMBANKMENT AND
DRAINAGE WORKS—
17. —IBTERBST ON WOBK3 BOB WHICH CAPITA!, 11,60 11,60 11,48
ACCOUNTS ARB KBPT.
18. —Other Revenue expenditure financed 8,93 8,83 1,28
Irom ordinary revenues.
19. Construction of Irrigation, Navigation,
Embankment and Drainage Works.
B—DEBT SERVICES—
22.—Interest on Debt and other obligations 6,26 6,88 6,62
23. —Appropriation lor Rcduc‘lon or Avoid­
ance of debt.
p—CIVIL administration—
25.—General Administration .. ., 66,01
27. —Administration of Justice 86,45
28. —Jails and Convict Settlements 18,24
29. —Police 72,00
80.—Scientific Departments SO
97.—Education 69.31
38.—Medical 22,23
89.—Public Health .. 10.32
40. —^Agriculture 10,80
41. —Veterinary 4.61
42. —Co-operation 8.61
43. —Industries 8,02
44. —Aviation '1,23
7,—Miscellaneous Departments ..
H—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS—
50.—Civil Works 46,01 49,71 60,88 44,80
J—MISCELLANEOUS—
54. —Famine .. .. „ 40 70 48 70
55. —Sui)crannuation Allowances and Pensions 40,43 89,24 38,76 86,10
56. —Stationery and Printing 8,54 8,79 8,26 8,77
57-—Miscellaneous 1,08 4,35 1.10 6,74
JJ—MISCELLANEOUS—CAPITAL ACCOUNT
CHARGED TO REVENUE—
55A.—Commutation of pensions financed from 8,00 2,87 1,94
ordinary revenues.
D—CONTRIBUTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS
ADJUSTMENTS BETWEEN CENTRAL
AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.—
62.—Miscellaneons adjustments between the
Central and Provincial Oovernmente,
M—EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS—

68—Extraordinary charges 7

TOtllr—BXPBRDWTOa CHOBOID *0 BBTBFP® 4,94,87 6,04,92 6,08,84 4,78,01

 , •*k
iciii

APPENDIX II—contd

General Abstract of Expenditure—concld.

[IM THOnSAMDS OT BVnM.]

Budget Revised Budget

Uajor Headi. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1038-30. 1937*38. 1037-83. 1936-37.

TBS. TB8. TB». TBS.

® 0®' ikrigation,
NAViaATION, EMBANKMENT, AND
DBAINAOE W0BK3 NOT OHAEOED TO
EEVBNUE.—
88.—Conatructlon of Irrigation, Navigation, —< •• —»
Embankment and Drainage works.
H.H.—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS NOT CBLAB-
OBD IO REVENUE—
81.—Civil works not charged to Revenue .. 8,13 9,26 12,68 18,06
J.J.—MISCELLANEOUS CAPITAL ACCOUNT
NOT CHARGED TO REVENUE—
82.—Other Provincial works not charged to •• 31 28 68
Revenue.
83.—Payments of Commuted value of Pensions —1,31 —1,27 —1,27 —1,23
85. Payments to retrenched personnel —6 —3 —7 —s
TOTAL—BXPBNDITCKB HOT OSABQBD 10 1»76 8,22 11,52 18,34
Rhvbhqb.
O—UNFUNDED DEBT 17,94 13,39
19,61 4,82,26
P—DEPOSITS AND ADVANCES— 6,85,39 7,27,16 5,32,84 84,86
B—LOANS AND ADVANCES BY THB PRO. 10,16
VINCIAL GOVERNMENT. 10,76 11,62 12,62

■-REMITTANCES 1,39,65 1,87,05 1,24,77

TOTAL—DBBT DBPOail, BTC., HBADS 7,63,03 8,94,91 9,82,62 5,79,62
■ebemes under consideration not ready 8,00
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 12,67,16 14,08,06 11,97,48 10,78,08
Closing balance 66,33 38,90 87.04 1,40,13
Gbakd ioiu, 18,13,49 14,46,96 12,84,52 12,14,11
n . . . .r Surplus .. 17,43
Provincial ••
I Deflclt ,, 1,01,23 85,09
 XIV

APPENDIX II—contd
General Abstract of Revenue and Receipts.
(IN laOCSlNDS OP RUPEES EXCEPT ACOOUHTB-]

Budget Revised Budget

Major Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1030-40. 1038-30. 1038-30. 1037-38

Tbs. TBS. TBS, Rs.

A—PRIN-CIPAL HEADS OF REVE­
NUES—

I.—Customs 14,00 15,60 18,70 13,65,517

IV—Taxes on Income other 86,10 15,30 17,80 12,50,000
than Corporation Tax. /
V.—Salt 6 .. 28,200
VII.—Land Revenue 1,31,60 1,81,00 1,35,00 1,86,77,773
Vin.—-Provincial Excise 1,03,50 1,10,00 1,02,00 1,21,08,004

IX.—Stamps 1,05,00 1,04,00 1,01,05 1,01,46,568

X.—Forest 7,18 7,50 0,50 7,00,026
XI.—.Registration .. 12,40 12,40 12,70 13,25,487
Xn.—Receipts under Motor Vehi­ 28 28 28 28,268
cles Acts.
Xni.—other taxes and duties .. 86 86 SO 616
C—IRRIGATION, NAVIGATION,
—EMBANKMENT AND DRAIN­
AGE WORKS—
XVII,—'Irrigation, Navigation, Em­ 17,26 16,80 17,28 17,51,024
bankment and Drain­
age Works for which
capital accounts arc
kept.(a)

XVIH -Irrigation, Navigation, 1,02 05 00 1.15,165

—'Embankmentand Drain­
age Works for which no
capital accounts arc kept.
E—DEBT SERVICES—
XX. —Interest 17,57 18,66 18,43 18,42,807
CIVID ADMINISTRATION—
XXT.—Administration of Justice 4,50 3,90 3,93 3,77,782
XXlI.—Jails and Convict Sottlo- 5,58 8,76 5,56 5,08,063
ments.
XXni. -Police 12,08 10,67 10,38 0,14,021
XXVI.—Education 6,70 6,70 6,37 6,57,352
XXVn —Medical 3,05 2,00 2,68 2,30,217
XXVni.—Public Health 1,60 1,48 2,03 1,64,207
XXIX —Agriculture. ., 3,00 5,31 4,06 3,00,165
XXX.—^Veterinary 1,77 1,83 1,08 1,87,522
XXXI.—Co-operation ,. 70 1,42 01 70,331
XXXII.—In iustrlcs .. 18,71 17,10 4,06 4,27,594
XXXVI.—Miscellaneous Departments 1,46 1,42 05,124
1,46

(a) The net Irrl?ation roieipts after doductln^? “Working Expenses’' (which Includes the
commo lesbabllshinont of th© Public Works Department) aro shown
 XV

APPENDIX II—contd.
General Abstract of Revenue and Receipts—concld.
[In inousiNDS op'rupees esoept accounts.]

Budget Revised Budget

Major Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts.
1939-40. 193 U39. 1938-39. 1937.38?

• TBS.
TBS. TBS. Rs.

H—CIVIL IVORKS z\Nn MTSCEL-

—LANEOUS PUBLIC IMPROVE­
MENTS—
XXXIX.—Civil Works .. 19,70 12,34 16,01 8,34,806

J—Miscellaneous—
XLIIL—Transfers from Bihar •• •• ••
i'amlno Relief Fund.
XLIV.—Receipts in aid of Superan­ 2,10 2.11 2,24 2,07,400
nuation.
XLV,—Stationery and Printing .. 2,39 2,20 3,02 2,88,070

XLVI.—Miscellaneous 7,12 6,47 6,84 6,31,908

L—CONTRIBUTIONS AND MISCEL­
LANEOUS ADJUSTMENTS
between CENTRAL AND
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.

Ij.—MiacellaneouB adjustments 19 10 •• ••
botweon the Central and
Provincial Governments.
M—EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS—
LI.—Extraordinary Receipts .. ..
TOTAL REVENUE .. 5,38,42 5,19,27 4,98,41 5.03,26,881
N—-Public debt 30,00 25,00 ..
0—Unfunded debt 26,10 25,76 25,40 25,44,235
P—Deposits and advances 6,08,95 6,55,24 6,91,65 6,06,58,511
R—Loans and Advances by the Pro** 19,33 14,77 17,09 7,06,279
vincltfl Government.
S—Remittance 1,42,22 1,42,32 1,42,05 1,39,12,053
TOTATr—UECRIPTS OTHER THAN 8,20,60 8,63,09 7,78,18 7,88,21,078
KEVBNUE.

TOTAL RECEIPTS 13,05,02 13,82,36 12,74,59 12,91,47,969

Opening Balance ,, 69,76 64,22 38,90 1,40,12,888
Gbans total 14,24,78 14,46,6-t 13,13,49 14,31,60,847
 xvi
APPENDIX Il-^contd.
General Abstract of Expenditure.
((N THOVSAKDS 07 R0FBB8.]

Budget Revised Budget

Major Heads.' Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accor.nte,
1039-40. 1938-89. 103.8-30. 1037-36.

Trs. TKS. TRS. TBB.

A—DIRECT DEMANDS ON THB REVENUE—

4. —Taxes or Income other than Corporation 25 12
Tax.
5. —Salt ..
7. —Land Revenue ., 11,30 10,70 /11,40
8. —Pro'vlncial Excise 13,00 13,14 12,56
0.—Stamps 2,08 1,76 1,08
10. —Forest 6,02 6,03 6,60
11. —Registration 6,76 6,73 6,60
12. —Charges on account of Motor Vehicles 28 27 28
Acts.
13. —Other Taxes and Duties 7
0—RE'VENUB ACCOUNT OF IRRIGATION,
NAVIGATION, EMBANKMENT AND
DRAINAGE WORKS—
17. —Interest on Works for wliich capital 11,60 11,60 11,60 11,60
accounts are kept.
18. —Other Revenue expenditure financed 7,06 2,29 1,67 3,38
from ordinary revenues.
19. —Construction of irrigation. Navigation,
Embankment and Drainage Works
within the Revenue Account.
E—DEBT SERVICES—
22. —Interest on Debt and other obligations 6,24 5,90 6,25 5,85
23. —Appropriation for Reduction or Avoid­
ance of debt.
K—CIVIL ADSIINISTRATION—
25.—General Aflirtini.stratlon 76,03 71,79
27. —^Administration of Justice .. 37,08 37.50
28. —Jails and Convict Setticmente 18,95 17,00
29. —Police 70,56 80.50
36,—-Scientific Departments 28 37
87.—Education 78,58 71,08
38.—Medical 25,73 23.78
39. —Public Health .. 14,22 12.78
40.—Agriculture 10,84 9,44
41. —Veterinary 4,34 4,41
42. —Co-operation 4,56 5,40
43. —Industries 11,34 11,29
44. —Aviation 3
47.—Miscellaneous Departments .. ■ 1,48 1,66
H—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS—
60.—Civil Works 46,67 42,80 45,01 47,16
HH.—CAPITAL ACCOUNT OF CIVIL WORKS
ANO MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC IMPRO­
VEMENTS CHARGED TO REVENUE­ (
68.—Capital outlay on Electric Schemes 2,44 83
mot out of Revenue.
3—MI8CELLANEOO8—
64.—'Famine 76 40 71
66.—Superannuation Allowances and Pensions 40,50 40,43 80,16
66. —-Stationery and Printing 7,67 8,54 8,71
67. —Miscellaneous ., .. 10,40 1,03 4,87
JJ.—MISCELLANEOUS—CAPITAL ACCOUNT
CHARGED TO REVENUE—
I6A.—Commutation of pensions financed from 8,63 8,72 8,60 2,38
ordinary revenues.
 XVll

APPENDIX II—concld.
General Abstract of Expenditure—concld.
[In CH0V8ANDB OB BOPBE8.)

Budget Revised Budget

Major Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Account,,
1838-40. 1038-38. 1038-30. 1037-88.

TBS. Tas. TBS. TBS.

1—CONTRIBUTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS
ADJUSTMENTS BETWEEN CENTRAL
AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS—
62.—Miscellaneous adjustments between the •« .. <• ••
Central and Provincial Governments.
M—EXTRAOEDINABT ITEMS—

63 —Extiaodlnary cl.atgcs •• •• •• ••

Total—Expbndittob Chaboed to rbvbnub 6,87,67 6,04,18 4,84,87 4,06,81

C.C.—CAPITAL ACCOUNT OF IRRIGATION,
' NAVIGATION, EMBANKMENT ANU
DRAINAGE WORKS NOT CHARGED TO
REVENUE.—
68.—Construction of Irrigation, Navigation, •• •• •• 8
Embankment and Drain­
age works outside the Revenue
Account.
H.H.—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS NOT
CHARGED TO REVENUE.—
81.—Capital Account ot Civil works outside 2.38 8,12 8.18 6,78
the Revenue Account.
J.J.—MISCELLANEOUS CAPITAL ACCOUNT
NOT CHARGED TO REVENUE—
82.—Capital Account of Other Provincial •• •• •• 28
works outside the Revenue Account.
83. Payments of Commuted value of Pensions —1,86 —1,81 -1,81 -1,87
85.*taynients to retrenched personnel •• —4 —6 —8 —8

TOTAL—EXPENDITOTE KOT OHABQED TO 09 1,76 1.T6 6,77

RBVEKDB.
N—PUBLIC DEBT 80,00 26,00 .. -•

O—UNFUNDED DEBT 20,18 21,42 17,04 lb,48

P—DEPOSITS AND ADVANCES .. 6,14,68 - 6,78,64 6,86,89 7,06,21

R—LOANS AND ADVANCES BY THE PRO­ 11,63 14,64 10,18 6,8.
VINCIAL GOVERNMENT.
8—REMITTANCES - .. 1,40,32 1,41,28 1,30,65 1,84,85
TOTAL—Debt, deposit, bio.. Heads 8,10,61 8,60,89 7,58,03 8,66,81
Schemes under consideration not ready .. 8,00 ..
TOTAL—EXPENDITURE .. 18,65,27 18,86,82 12,67,16 18,67,30
Closing Balance 68,61 60,76 66,88 64,22
GRAND TOTAL 14,24,78 14,46,68 14,81,61
18,18,40

12 85 Bev*
 APPENDIX III.

A.—His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett's Speech welcom-

. ing the first (ad interim) Council of Ministers formed under
the Government of India Act of 1935, on the 1st April, 1937.
B. —His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s reply to the
welcome addresses presented to him on the occasion of his first
official arrival at Ranchi on the 10th June, 1937.
C. —His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s reply to the
welcome address presented to him by the Directors and .Mem­
bers of the Anglo-Indian Colony at McCluskiegun] on the
12th June 1937.
D. —His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech at the
prorogation of the Bihar Legislative Assembly at the Council
Chamber, Patna, on the 27th September 1937.
E. —His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech at the
Opening.of the Provincial Flood Conference at the Sinha Hall,
Patna, on the 10th November 1937.
F. —His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech at the
Police Conference held at Patna on the 31st January 1938.
G. —His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech delivered
at Dalmianagar on the 20th March 1938.
H. —His Excellency. .Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech at a
public meeting called in response to the appeal of Her
Excellency Lady Linlithgow for funds to fight the scourge of
-Tuberculosis in Bihar, held at Patna on the 28th March 1938.

A.—His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s Speech wel­

coming the First (ad interim) Council of Ministers franaed
under the Government of India Act of 1935 on the 1st April,
1937.
Council op Ministebs,
I welcome you today as the first Council of Ministers formed under
’the Government of India Act of 1935. You are taking office under the
peculiar and difficult circumstances which have arisen as a result of one
party refusing to shoulder the responsibility for the administration of the
province unless I gave them an undertaking which for reasons that I
explained elsewhere it was quite impossible for me to give. I am grateful
to you for stepping into the breach so that the government of this province

xviii
 Xix
tatty be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the new constitution,
The fact that we are starting today the first day of the new constitution
with a duly constituted Government will I hope be an omen for further
constitutional, development and progress in the province, that we shall see
in future the formation of definite political parties which will facilitate the
smooth working of the constitution.
I know that you all, and indeed all the members of the newly elected
legislatures to whatever school of thought they may belong, have one object
in view—the betterment of the people of the province. That too is my
object and 1 shall always strive to carry out to the full the instructions
given me by the King Emperor to “ maintain standards of good administra­
tion, to encourage religious toleration, co-operation and goodwill among all
classes and creeds and to proihote all measures making for moral, social and
economic welfare and tending to fit all classes of the population to take
their due share in the public life and government of the Province."
The primary responsibility for such measures is now held jointly by you,
the Members of the Council of Ministers, but you can rely on the,fullest
help not only from me but also from the officers of the Civil Service of the
province in dealing with the problems which confront you. These problems
are numerous and difficult and it will be for you to frame a programme
which will show to the people of Bihar that you are determined to take
some practical steps for the improvement of their condition. I am confident
that with God’s help we shall succeed in our object and shall do something
for the lasting betterment of the province.

B.—His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett’s reply to the

welcome addresses presented to him on the occasion of his
first official arrival at Ranchi on the 10th June, 1937.
Gentlemen,

I am most grateful to you all for the very friendly welcome which you have
given to me today. May I also take this opportunity for thanking the public
of Ranchi generally for the manner in which my wife and I were greeted
when we arrived in Ranchi a fortnight or so ago. We are much touched
by these demonstrations of affection and it is great encouragement to me in
. dealing' with the many difficult problems with which I am from time to
time confronted to know that there are many inhabitants of the province
who remember with gratitude such services as I have been able to render
to it during the years that I have worked here. I know that they will
recognise that whatever I may do in future, I am inspired by the desire
to do what I can for the betterment of the people of Bihar.
Ranchrand indeed Chota Nagpur generally may consider itself fortunate
in that my two predecessors in the office of Governor had considerable
knowledge of its needs and problems. I certainly cannot claim to have the
same knowledge of Chota 'Nagpur as my immediate predecessor, Sir James
Sifton who, as he said in replying to addresses presented to him when he
first became Governor, had held in this district all the posts open to a
member of the Indian Civil Service except that of Commissioner. I can
only claim to have been Subdivisional Officer of Giunia for nearly two years
and to have been Deputy Commissioner for a short period of six months.
But I certainly have a soft place in my heart for Ranchi and indeed for
the Chota Nagpur Division. As long as I hold this office I shall always
do ■ all that I can to make myself fully acquainted with its needs and
problems.
 ix-

But my position as Governor is somewhat difierent from that of my

predecessors, even of m; immediate predecessor. 3Ve are now working imdei
the new constitution as contained in the Government of India Act of 1935,
and the responsibility for the administration of the province rests on the
Council of Ministers. I his being so, it may perhaps be held to be in­
appropriate that a Governor should continue to receive addresses of this
kind from local bodies and local associations, but they do serve a useful
purpose for they enable the Governor to bring to the notice of his Govern­
ment the problems which are regarded as important by the inhabitants of a
particular area. It is not however strictly correct to ask me, as has been
done in one .address, to “ direct ” that arrangements for starting a Degree
College both in Arts and Science may be no longer deferred; nor am 1
really entitled to the thanks which the municipal commissioners have offered
me for the decision to station the Government at Eanchi for a few months.
Their thanks should be given to the Council of Ministers for that' decision
was their decision; they decided to move up to Eanchi because they thought
it was desirable to become better acquainted with the problems of this part
of the province.^ Their decision was in my view a very right; one, but it
must be recognised that in a matter of this kind, as has been stated by the
Governor of another province, a Governor is under the constitution bound
to accept the advice pt his Ministers. This in fact is the normal case
throughout the whole field of the administration. This does not mean that
the Governor leads a life of esse and leisure. I shall always be ready to
help my Ministry to whatever party they may belong to the full extent
of my ability, to discuss with them the problems and difficulties with which
they are confronted and I shall be only too glad if my administrative
experience and knowledge of some of the problems of the province prove
helpful to them.
In the address presented to me by the Chota Nagpur Unnati Samaj
reference has been made to the fact that I have a special responsibility for
this part of the province, inhabited as it is, chiefly by aboriginal people.
Though much has been said on this very thorny question of a Governor's special
responsibilities, I feel that possibly some misapprehension exists. As I have
already said the request to me to direct that a first grade college shall be
started in Eanchi is hardly appropriate and that shows that the position
is not clearly understood. Chota I^agpur is, it is true, to quote the words
of the Government of India Act, a partially-excluded area and a special
responsibility is imposed on the Governor * * to secure the peace and good
government of all partially excluded areas That does not of course mean
that the Governor is solely responsible for the administration of such areas
nor even that be is primarily responsible, for the Joint Parliamentary Com­
mittee stated definitely that the responsibility for the government of all
partially excluded areas will rest primarily upon the Ministers. 1 have not
the least doubt Grat any Ministry will discharge that responsibility with
efficiency and diligence and that before they come to any decision on any
important questions aSecting a partially excluded area will consider fully
the views of the inhabitants of tliat area, whether they are presented by
their elected representatives or whether the aboriginal people in their
ignorance of the true meaning of representative ■ Government chose other
means for presenting their case. I could not refuse to accept the advice of
my Ministers on questions affecting this partially-excluded area merely
because my personal views differed from theirs; I could only do so if I was
satisfied that the action which they proposed to take would be such as to
endanger the peace and good government of the area. If in such a case or
indeed in any other case I thought that my special responsibilities were
involved, I should not immediately set myself in opposition to my Ministry
and reject their advice summarily. The questions would be thoroughly
 xxi
discussed and I can confidently hope that free and frank discussions would
result in each party appreciating the other’s difficulties. After all, the
relations of a Governor with his Ministers are not those of a master and
his servants; rather they are partners in a common enterprise—the good
government of the province.
Those are the relations which exist between me and my present Ministry
and those are the relations which it will he my object to establish with any
Ministry which may be in power. I have dealt at some length with this
question of special responsibilities for the fact that the Society representing the
aboriginal people of Chota Nagpur refer to them, shows that they attach
importance to them and indeed it must be recognised that the other interests
to which special protection is afforded by the Act do value these safeguards.
I or indeed any Governor cannot surrender the powers given by the Act,
but if my relations with my Ministers are such .as I have indicated, I
confidently anticipate that the occasions on which I shall feel compelled to
differ from them will be very rare.
The question of what will happen in the event of difference of opinion
in the field of special responsibilities has recently attracted attention and I
may take this opportunity of giving my views. It is true the Act gives me
power to dismiss a Ministry; it is equally true that a Ministry can resign.
But these are very drastic steps and it hardly appears reasonable to suggest
that if in a minor matter a Governor differed from his Ministry, he should
at once turn out his Ministry. In such a case the responsibility for decision
would rest solely on the Governor and it would be in order for a Minister to
indicate publicly that his advice had been disregarded. As I have said,
such cases would not be numerous, but if they did occur, surely this action
would be more suitable than the creation of a political crisis by a Ministry
demitting office. Cases may arise in which there is serious disagreement
between a Governor and his Ministers, so serious as to make resignation or
dismissed inevitable, but it would in my view not be profitable to attempt
to define beforehand the circumstances which would justify such drastic
action. But as I have said, if we are working together as partners in the
great enterprise of bettering the condition of the people of Bihar,—and I
shall always do all in my power to help any Ministry in that great work,—
we may confidently hope that no serious crisis will arise.
Members op the District Board,

I'am glad to see that you recognise with gratitude the liberal assistance
which you have received from 'Government, but I recognise the need for
further assistance and the difficulties which you have in meeting all the
claims that are made upon you. Looking back as I do to the time when I
first came to this district over a quarter of a century ago, I cannot help
being struck by the progress that has been made; possibly some of you may
consider that it has been somewhat slow, but it has none the less been sure.
To emphasize the changes that have taken place, I may say that those
were the days of the push-push or palki; today is the day of the motor bus
and motor car. There has been very marked improvement in the com­
munications of the district; there were then many unbridged rivers, there were
few metalled roads, and I still remember the adventures which I had when
as Subdivisional Officer of Gumla I had to cross rivers or follow jungle
tracks in reaching the distant parts of my subdivision or even in getting into
Banchi to attend District Board 'meetings. Further improvements to your
roads are no doubt necessary and I will certainly draw the attention of my
Ministry to the schemes which you mention; that for constructing a bridge
over the Koel near Sissai or Nagpheni was I think pressed by me as Sub-
divisional Officer, and I can therefore well appreciate the desirability of this
 Xxii
project. One of the other proposals which you mention affects the new
Anglo-Indian colony at McCluskiegtmj on the borders of this district; I hope
to visit that colony shortly and get first-hand knowledge of its needs
and problems, and shall certainly consider the question of linking up that
area which includes the lime-works at Ealari with the outside world. In
this connection may I say how very glad I am to hear of the opening of
this industrial centre and express the hope that the landholders and capi­
talists of the province will be able to start similar industries in other parts
of this district.
You have devoted much attention to medical relief and education and I
feel you will all agree with me if I take this opportunity of expressing our
gratitude to the three Missions which have done so much for the uplift of
fills backward tract, especially in the matter of education. Water-supply
was always a most difficult problem, but the resources of the district board
have been supplemented by the Rural Development Fund which is at the
disposal of the Deputy Commissioner and the greater part of which will I
understand be allotted to the construction of wells and daria. . I hope that
in carrying out such works the principle of “ self-help ” is followed and
that the people themselves take a part in the work. It is impossible to find
funds to carry out all the works that are needed, but much more can be
done if the people themselves take a share in the work. It is in my view
also most desirable to see * rural reconstruction societies ’ started all over
this district; such societies could not only do much to improve conditions
in a village bus could also serve a useful purpose in settling disputes
between tenants and landlords or debtors and creditors.
Commissioners of the Ranchi Municipality,
I have spoken of the changes which I have noticed in Ranchi district
since I first came here in 1907. I am even more struck by the development
which has taken place in Ranchi town during the last five or six years to
which you rightly draw attention; wherever I go I see new buildings, new
houses, new shops, new hotels, and there is no doubt that Ranchi is
developing rapidly both as a residential centre and as a trading centre. As
you say, Ranchi is one of the loveliest cities in the province. This develop­
ment of course increases your responsibilities, and though at times- the
administration of the municipality has not been all that could be desired,
I am glad to see that there has been some improvement recently and I
have no doubt that you will do your best to reach a high standard of efficiency
.in all branches of work. Ranchi has already given a lead to other towns
in the province by introducing the system of compulsory education, and I
was very much impressed by the large number of school children who turned
out to greet me on my arrival here. You have not referred to any schemes
which you have for the improvement of the to^vn, but I have no doubt there
are many matters which you will discuss with my Minister of Local Self-
Government. May I, however, be permitted to bring to notice a scheme in
which both the Minister and I tako' great interest and to which we both attach
great importance, that is the development of the Maternity and Child Welfare
Centre. We are most anxious to obtain 'funds for providing this Centre with a
suitable building and also to create an-endowment fund which will ensure that
this beneficial work can be carried on without any financial anxieties. I hope
the generous public of Ranchi will help us in this scheme.
Members of the Chota Nagpur Landholders’ Association,
It is a matter of great satisfaction that I was able to include in the
first Council of Ministers a representative of Chota Nagpur, and I trust it
will always be found possible to have a resident of Chota Nagpur in the
 xxiii
Council. I can assure you that my Government will consider any practical
suggestions which you or others may place before them for amending the
Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act, for they have come to Eanchi with the express
object of studying such questions at first hand. As regards cess revaluation,
any representation which you may have to make will be fully examined by
the. proper authorities, but I would remind you that the cess income of this
district is not large and that it would be unfair on the rest of the province
to ask it to contribute large sums to the development of this Division, yet
..that would be the result if we • carried out the improvements which your
district board press for and if at the same time a substantial reduction was
made in the.cess valuation.
You would like to see Eanchi equipped with a first grade Arts College,
and on this subject I must sound a note of warning by pointing out- that
it is very little use starting these advanced educational institutions unless
we can guarantee that there will be employment for those who pass through
them. The problem of unemployment of the educated classes is a problem
which confronts all Governments and it is necessary to consider whether there
should not be some changes in our educational system. It always seems to
me that here in Chota Nagpur we should do well to concentrate on some
form of industrial education in the hope that boys trained in such institutions
will find employment in the industries of the division.
I fully recognise the importance of Land Mortgage Banks, and indeed
the whole question of Eural Indebtedness whether of landlords or tenants
is a problem to which my Government are devoting most anxious thought.
Members op the Chota Nagpur Improvement Societv,
. You raise a number of questions of the greatest importance which I
can assure you will be most carefully considered by my Government. I have
already said that in any question of amending Tenancy Act the views of
those affected will be most carefully considered. You put forward one definite
suggestion regarding the reduction of rents and in regard to that I will put
forward my personal opinion which is, that it would be difficult to justify
an all-round reduction of rents in Chota Nagpur. As far as I am aware,
rents are on the whole not excessive; it is true that many of the ‘ tanr ’
lands and uplands are not very productive, and I suggest that the agricul­
turist of Chota Nagpur would be well advised to try to increase the pro­
ductivity of his land; in this our Agricultural Department will help in all
possible ways and if, as I said earlier in this speech, Eural Eeconstruction
Societies are started, it will make it a great deal easier for our Departments
of Agriculture and Industries to get in touch with the agriculturists, and
bring to their notice improved methods of cultivation or industries which
can suitably be undertaken in a village. I believe that already the cultiva­
tion of fruit and vegetable is developing in the district and I feel that more
might be done on these lines.
You refer to the question of appointments to the Public Services; I am
satisfied that the claims of aboriginal candidates are in all cases sympathe­
tically considered, with the result that the number of such candidates
appointed to the public services is gradually increasing. I may remind you
that I am charged in jny Instrument of Instructions to secure a due propor­
tion of appointments in the services of the Crown to all communities. I
shall not neglect that duty, but I may say that I do not anticipate that in
a matter of that kind there will- be any difference of opinion between me
and my Ministers; they too will I feel sure follow to the full that instruction.
You have made various suggestions regarding the development of
educational institutions and to that matter J have already referred earlier
in this speech.
 xxiv
You refer also to the Judicial system. Again giving my personal opinion,
I must say that I doubt whether any very drastic changes are necessary or
desirable, but X would recall the fact that the Village Administration Act
of 1022 contains special provisions for the establishment of panohayete in
Chota Nagpur, and that provision was inserted at the urgent request of a
member of your Society. I do not know if use has ever been made of
those powers, but the question of setting up some form of panchayat Court
deserves consideration.
I trust you will not consider my reply unsympathetic because I have
suggested some objections to your suggestions; I am anxious to do all I
can for the aboriginal inhabitants of the division and I can assure you all that
the points which you have raised will be most fully considered by my
Government.
Again let me thank you for your cordial welcome to Lady -Hallett and
myself and assure you that I shall pay special attention to the proposals
which you have put forward.

C.—Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

McClusklegun] on 12th June 1937.
Sib Henry Qidney, Dibectors and Members op the Colonization Societi OF
India, Limited, and Settlers in the Anglo-Indian Colony 4T
McCldskieounj,
I am most grateful to you all for the welcome which you have given me
today and for the opportunity which you have given of seeing at first hand
your new Colony of McCluskiegunj and of becoming acquainted with its
needs and problems. My tour round your settlement today has shown me
how whole-hearted you all are in making it a success. You are pioneers and
the work of a pioneer is not easy. I have seen many homesteads surrounded
by several acres of land which have been brought under cultivation. Next
door to these homesteads was the jungle and from what I have seen today
I can well realise the .work involved in clearing that jungle, putting down
orchards and building houses and wells in this ares. You all I feel deserve '
the greatest credit for your grit and for your determination to conquer the
natural difficulties with which you were confronted and I am convinced by
what I have seen today that the efforts of the pioneers of this colony augur
well for its success, and I have not the least doubt that if I come here again,
as I fully intend to do after the very friendly reception which I have received
today, I shall see a settlement which will be of lasting benefit to the Anglo-
Indian community. I am well aware of the problems which confront you ae
a community, for I dealt with some of them during my tenure of office as
Home Secretary to the Government of India. You, Sirs, have recalled the
fact that the Indian Statutory Commission advised the community to open
out a wider range of employment and I too recollect that that was the advice
which the Government of India gave to the community. It is extremely
satisfactory that the community itself has taken a very practical step forward
to carry this advice into effect by starting the settlement in Rancbi district.
I am extremely sorry that one of the pioneers of this scheme, Mr. McCluskie,
has passed away only a short time after its inauguration and it is moat
appropriate that he should be remembered by the name which has been
given to the settlement. From my visit here today I have no doubt whatever
that other members of the community will push forward this scheme with
energy and will face the difficulties which confront them with courage nnd
determination. I have always felt that the main difficulty of cuirying into
effect the sound advice given by the Statutory Commission lay in the fqpt
 XXT
I
that Anglo-Indians are generally speaking a town-bred community, without
knowledge of agriculture or experience of village life. There must therefore
be, as you very rightly say, a reorientation of outlook on behalf of the Anglo-
Indian youth; our towns are overcrowded and in these days of fierce com­
petition it is becoming increasingly difficult to find employment whether in
Government departments or commercial concerns. The Anglo-Indian is
certainly handicapped and at a disadvantage as compared with the Indian,
in that he has no land to fall back upon. You were however in my view
well advised in. making this attempt to bring the Anglo-Indian on to the
land even though you were unlucky in starting this scheme at a time of acute
agricultural depression. I am glad that you found a suitable spot in thia
province. There may be other equally suitable areas in other provinces and
if this scheme is the success which I sincerely hope it will be, you will no
doubt start similar colonies elsewhere. By so doing you will have carried
nut the sound advice of the Indian Statutory Commission of opening out a
wider range of employment, and the action you have taken will tend to
increase the prosperity of the community.
Your address contains numerous requests for assistance and it is indeed
natural that you should use this opportunity of bringing your difficulties
to my notice. But I hope you will not be disappointed if I do not give very
definite replies and any explicit promises. You will recognise, 1 feel sure,
that my primary object in accepting your invitation was to make myself
acquainted with your difficulties at first hand and not merely through
correspondence and to discuss those problems with you. 1 felt also that I
should be in a better position to deal with those problems if I could secure
the attendance here today not only of representatives of my Government but
also of the Government of India. I am very glad therefore that we have
here.today my old friend Sir Guthrie Russell, Chief Commissioner of
Railways, who is well acquainted with the Anglo-Indian problem and who
has arranged to come here today in spite of the inconvenience involved in
the journey from Simla at this .season of the year. His advice on many
of the questions raised will be most helpful, but I mpst admit that in asking
him to come I had the ulterio" motive of having some one in Simla and Delhi
who could urge the Central Government to help us and to contribute to the
development of this settlement. It is true this settlement is in Bihar, but
ihe Anglo-Indian problem is an all-Indian problem and it is not unreasonable
for me to hold that the burden of hleping the settlement should not fall
solely on my Government but should be shared by the provinces from which
the settlers come and also by the Government of India. Bihar is not a
wealthy province and its needs are great, but my Government are not
unmindful of the fact that the development of McCluskiegunj as an
industrial and agricultural centre will benefit the province and it is for that
reason mainly that Mr. Yunus, my Premier, has joined us today. Since he
has held that office he has tackled the various problems which have confronted
him with commendable energy and determination and it is typical of his
energy and of his zeal to do his best for all parts of, and all interests in,
the province that he has come here today. Wo have' also the Commissioner
of Chota Nagpur and the Deputy Commissioner, the officers primarily
responsible for the good administration of the area included in this settle­
ment. Finally in view of your request that a Unit of the Auxiliary Force
of India should be started here, I invited Captain Cooper, Adjutant of the
Chota Nagpur Regiment, to come with us so that he might see whether that
suggestion was practicable.
I fully agree that your primary need is the provision of roads in and
around the colony, so as to bring the colony into communication with Ranchi
and the outside world- There is I understand ft road of some kind from
 xxvi
the Hanchi-Lohardaga road to the new cement factory at Khnlari, which
however needs improvement; apart from that the most important road seems
to be that from Chama to Duli and beyond through the centre of the Coiony.
The Deputy Commissioner hopes I understand to be able- to give you some
help over a portion of this road and I will certainly-consider most carefully
whether I can obtain help from other sources for these very necessary
improvements. .1 hope if these roads are well constructed in the first
instance, the colonists themselves will be able to help in keeping them in
repair. Ordinarily this duty should fall on the District Board, but I can
well appreciate the reluctance of the board to add to its responsibilities,
for it has a very small income ovt of which to meet the needs ol a district
with an area of over 7,000 square miles and a population of IJ million.
I also hope if we can find money to construct the roads to link the settle­
ment with the outside world, the Company itself will be able to develop the •
roads within the Colony. Luckily the construction of roads is not very
expensive in Chota Nagpur.
The problem ol water-supply both for your domestic needs and for
agricultural purposes is also urgent tuid the best method of meeting the need
was one of the matters on which T hoped to ba able to form an opinion by
my visit today. There are the various alternatives of tube-wella, surface
wells or storage reservoirs. To construct' a large reservoir, damming one
of the hill streams would I am- told be costly while difficulties might be
experienced in taking water to various parts of the settlement. Possibly
wells will be more useful. On this point again I can only say that I will
see what can be done. Many of you have already built useful wells and I
will certainly send out an expert Engineer to see if a storage reservoir can
be built.
I recognise that some possible settlers especially those with young
children may be deterred from coming here owing to lack of educational
facilities. There are, as you doubtless know, the Bishop Westcott schools
at Namkum near Banchi and if the road communications are improved,
possibly children could be sent there without diflSculty. If, however, this
is not possible, then 1 will certainly ask my Government to consider what
help we can give in this matter and 1 would ask you to draw up detailed
proposals for their consideration. Possibly some of the ladies or gentlemen
.who have Settled here might be willing to devote some of their spare time in
assisting in any school which may be started. If you put up a considered
scheme, I hope that my Government will be able to give you assistance.
As regards medical relief, you recently had the advantage of a visit
from the Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals in my province and I was
glad to learn from him that the colony is generally speaking healthy and
that during the last four years there have only been 18 deaths, many of
which Were of old people. The settlement has I understand been quite
free from any epidemics and it looks to me as if a hospital, if constructed
now, would remain empty lor most of the year. No doubt as the colony
grows in population, the need for a hospital will become greater and I will
in this matter ask my Government to consider sympathetically any scheme
which you put forward.
There are many other matters to which I might refer, such as the
provision of additional postal facilities and the supply of electricity which
I have discussed during my tour round the station. There is also the very
important question of developing small industries which the settlers can
carry on; my Government would I feel sure, assist in thia matter by
granting small ioans under the State Aid to Industries Act to enable a
 xxvii
settler to buy the plant required for his work. One point occurs to me on
which I venture to make a suggestion; I gather from reading your very
interesting monthly Magazine that some people already cultivate lao; apart
from the cultivation of lac, the manufacture of articles out of lao may
well be a source of profit. This is one of the matters dealt with at the
Indian Lac Research Institute at Namkura near Ranchi and I fuel sure that
Dr. Sen, the head of the Institute, and his stafi would help you with most
valuable advice.
In conclusion, Oentlemen, I must once again apologise that 1 have been
unable to be more definite in my promises of assistance. I shall certainly
always watch the growth and development of McCluskiegunj with a very
sympathetic eye and if I can see any possible measures by which I can help
this admirable enterprise, I will be very ready to adopt them. I would
ask you not to hesitate to bring any matters to my personal notice. I look
forward to paying other visits to this area and no doubt I shall see on the
next occasion: that great progress has been made.
I thank you most sincerely for your good wishes to Lady Hallett and
myself and I regret that she was not able to be with me today.

D.—Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at the

prorogation of the Bihar Legislative Assembly at Council
Chamber, Patna, on the 27th September 1937.
Mb. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlejifn,
As this is my first visit to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, my first
duty is to offer you a welcome. It i.o, I know rather belated, but none
the less sincere. May I say that I extend a specially sincere welcome to the
ladies who are members of this Assembly. They have not been deterred
from entering the turmoil of political life; they have already shown that
they are capable of holding their own in debates and have already made
very helpful speeches on some of the subjects which are of special importance
to the women of Bihar. I have no doubt that the ladies will do much
valuable work for the betterment of their mother country and 1 look
forward to the tirhe when one or more of them has risen to the Treasury
Bench.
With some of you I can claim old acquitance and friendship, dating
back to the days when as Secretary to Government in the Local Self-
Government Department or as Chief Secretary, I myself occupied a back
sent on the Treasury benches. Theie are however many new faces, but I
hope as time goes on to get to know better all the Hon’ble Members of the
Legislature.
After giving you all this belated greeting, my next duty is to offer you
all my congratulations on the conclusion of a successful first session. August
and September in Patna are perhaps not the pleasantest time of the year
for a parliamentary session, but force of circumstances made it inevitable
to hold the Budget Session at this time of year.
I must congratulate you, Sfr, on your election os the first Speaker of
the Assembly, and also the members of the Assembly on the wisdom of
their choice. Your task is no easy one: and I have always felt that there
can be no more arduous task th.an that of President of a Legislatu’-e, I may,
I think, claim that here in Bihar we have established sound parliamentary
traditions, sound poiliainentary conventions all of which conduce to the
 xxviii
orderly conduct of debate and to the disposal of business in the manner most
convenient to the members. For that satisfactory position, we are indebted
to your predecessors who aie well-known to all of us and one of whom I am
glad to see once again in this House as a private member. For the Bules
and Standing Orders which at present govern your procedure I am
responsible, though I have of course followed the rules previously in force.
I understand thesp rules have worked well, but if there are any points on
which they require modification o>- amendment, it will be for the members
of the Assembly to e.rercise tiie power entrusted to them by the Statutes.
I have followed the proceedings of the Assembly with the greatest
interest. It is satisfactory that we have two newspapers in the Province
which publish a day to day account of the proceedings. I have read those
reports and as soon as the official ‘ proceedings are available, I shall study
them with even greater care.
There have been a large number of questions, and I sympathise with
Hon’ble Members in their desire to obtain information about various points
which are important to their constituents. But I believethat the volume
of questions has been so grea- that some may possibly have not yet been
answered, though I have no doubt that the Government will supply the
information required by the Hon’ble Members as soon as it is available.
II is however clearly imdesirable to allow questions to accumulate and it is
desirable in the interest of the efficient discharge of business that answers
should be given if possible within a period prescribed by the rules. 1
recognise that the Assembly Department has had a difficult time during the
first Session in dealing with the work which they have been confronted with and
I have no doubt that you. Sir, will consider what more satisfactory arrange­
ments can be made and whether any change is necessitated in the Bules or
Standing Orders. I know that the Ministers will be always prepared to give
full and prompt information to members, but I have made this suggestion
because I believe some changes in the method of dealing with questions will
be in the interests of all, both of those who ask the questions and of those
both in the House and outside it, whose duty it is to supply the information
required.
Much of your time has been devoted to consideration of the Budget.
During the general discussions, both here and in the Upper House, many
valuable points have been brought forward which will of course be duly
considered. In the voting of demands it was not possible to discuss in
detail more than about half of the demands, and the budgets for Depart­
ments of such importance as Medical, Public Health, Agriculture and Co­
operation were not discussed in detail and had to be passed under the
guillotine procedure. This seems to be regrettable and again if I may make
a suggestion, I think it is worth while considering whether something can­
not be done to ensure that all important demands are open to discussion.
The discussions need not be long, but a short discussion is better than no
discussion and I feel sure that Hon’ble Members will realise the desirability
of making their points as shortly as possible.
Apart from the Budget, the Ministry have introduced important
. legislation and I must add controversial legislation, It has been suggested
in certain quarters that this legislation if and when it becomes law should
be opposed by unconstitutional methods. I trust that this suggestion has
not general support. I feel that even the short experience which we have
had of the working of the new Constitution during the present Session goes
to show that all minorities have full opportunity of putting forward their
views and you, Sir, have I know given every opportunity to the Opposition
to take ft full part in all important debates. It rpqst be recognised that in
 xxix
all parliamentary constitutions, the Opposition plays as important a part as
the Government and it is very satisfactory to me to see clear signs that
parliamentary procedure has been developing on the right line and that there
have been healthy discussions between the Government and the Opposi­
tion on the controversial points at issue. Such discussions and debates are
all to the good, and good will I feel sure result from the further discussions
which you will have in the House and in the Committee Room on the Bills
which are before you. The point must not be lost sight of that under any form
of parliamentary Government an Opposition, even if small in numbers, can
do much to influence the final decision in any matter.
Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have held charge of my office
of Governor for some six months. I must confess that nt times during that
period 1 have felt pessimistic as to the future, but 1 have always been
buoyed up by the knowledge that all of you, to whatever political party you
may belong, have a common object, the betterment of the people of Bihar.
That too is my object. Progress may be slow, and in dealing with many
of the difficult problems before us, we must not look for immediate spectacular
results. During the past six months much useful spade work has been done
and I must take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the
work done • by the four gentlemen who joined the first Council of Ministe’s
in this province. In spite of hostile criticism, they threw themselves
wholeheartedly into the work, they did not spare themselves and made
themselves thoroughly acquainted with many of the problems that ate before
us. Now we are in the better position of having a Government in power
which has a majority in the Legislature and is thus able to secure the
sanction of the Legislature to its proposals My Prime Minister and his
Colleagues have had a very strenuous time during the last two months
when • they have had Parliamentary duties to perform in additicn to their
administrative work. But I know I shall have the support of the Assembly
when I say that they have discharged their duties with credit and success.
They have received valuable assistance from those members of this House
who have been selected as Parliamentary Secretaries and I feel sure that
they wiU themselves bo first to admit the help that they ha?6 received
from the officers of the Secretariat and of the various civil services. We
all. Ministers, Members of this House, whether of the Government party or
oi the Opposition, civil servants of all services are co-operating in the great
work of improving the condition of the people of Bihar, and 1 am confident
that we shall achieve success and that God’s blessing will be on this great
work.
In exercise of the powers vested in me by clause (h) of sub-scction (2)
of section 62 of the Government of India Act, 1935, I now declar.' that the
• Assembly stands prorogued.

E.—Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at the

opening of the Provincial Flood Conference at the Sinha Hall,
Patna, on the 10th November 1937.
Gentlemen,
I offer you all most cordial welcome and I thank you for sparing time
to come to Patna to discuss with my Government and their advisers the very
difficult problem of floods. The problem of floods in Bihar is not a problem
of which I can claim to have much personal experience. I have not served
in districts liable to recurrent floods, while during the periods that I have
been in districts liable to occasional floods, those districts have fortunately
been immune from any major disaster. I have tried during the last feW
months to make myself acquainted with the facts, but I admit 1 do not
yet see clearly any radical solution of the problem. But I have no doubt
ihat the discussions which you will have at this Conference will throw much
light on the problem and will prove invaluable to Government, in deciding the
line which they wilt take in dealing with it.
2. In dealing with this problem we are up against nature and nature
in one of its most devastating and dangerous activities. The earthquake of
1934 did a vast amount of damage iu a few moments of time, but the damage
caused by that disaster was probably not greater than the cumulative damage
caused by recurrent floods in the Ganges valley. During this year we may
congratulate ourselves on having escaped a major or widespread flood, in
particular in the Tirhut and Patna divisions, in fact at one time I was
apprehensive that the countryside would suffer more from drought than
floods, but fortunately that apprehension has not been realised. We have
however had floods in that extremely difficult area in North Bhagalpur
through which tha Kosi river flows and Government had to spend large
sums on charitable relief and on loans. I should like to take this opportimity
of paying a tribute to the sterling work done by Government Officers and
voluntary workers in the neighbourhood of Supaul and Madhipura for
mitigating the distress.. In particular I would thank the officers in charge
of these two subdivisions for all that they have done.
3. At this stage there is one observation which I must make. Though
as I have said floods have on the whole not been so severe as in some recent
years, yet if one believed all that appears in the Press, one would certainly
gather the impression that there had been numerous severe and disastrous
floods. Floods are good news value and newspapers both in this and other
countries are I think inclined to give unduly harrowing description of floode
and to exaggerate the damage that has been caused. They -no doubt receive ,
the accounts from local correspondents who are anxious to secure the
maximum amount of assistance for the area in which they live. I also
recognise of course that at first sight to see a large area formerly covered
with good crops entirely submerged and under some depth of water is a
terrible sight which cannot but excite one’s pity and compassion. But I
would ask all connected with the Press or who send accounts of floods to the
Press not to exaggerate the damage. I may perhaps give a small example
which I noticed a short time ago of such exaggeration. I read one accoimt to
the effect that several bridges and culverts on a certain line of railway had
been destroyed or seriously damaged which seemed to justify the inference .
that a very severe flood had occurred. Next day 1 read what was the
correct account which was that one bridge had been regarded as temporarily
unsafe and traffic was diverted for a day or possibly only half a day till it
was repaired. Exaggerated statements can do no good; they can only cause
unnecessary panic and alarm. Though I do not wish to appear to minimize
the damage caused by floods, I would ask all connected with the Press not
to over-estimate the damage. In an area attacked by a flood, the responsible
Government officers are bound to collect accurate information as soon as
possible and they will always be ready to communicate such information
to the Press.
4. In estimating the damage caused by floods, the fact must not be
lost sight of that short-lived floods when the water stays on the fields for
only a short period, especially if they occur at the early part of the cultiva­
tion season, do not cause much damage, in fact at times they do more good
than harm. I would invite you attention to some significant figures which
I have recently seen in a pamphlet on floods in Bengal. Engineering
records over the long period of 62 years show that of floods 22 per cent
 xxxi
are subnormal; 65 per cent are normal, 21 per cent abnormal and only 2 per
cent extremely abnormal. In other words the dwellers in this area can
expect to be flooded rather badly once every five years on the average and
to have a really dreadful flood once every fifty years or so. Again 1 wish
to make it clear that 1 do not wish to minimize floods, but these figures
do I think support the view that floods are not aa bad as would appear from
some of the accounts which ate given of them.
6. But clearly even a rather severe flood once in five years is a disaster
from which the poor cultivator with his limited resources must be protected,
if it can possibly be done. That is the problem which we are here to dis­
cuss. Put in simple language, the problem in the Ganges valley seems to
be “ bands or on bands ”, “ embankments or no embankments ”. You
have been given, I believe, a certain) amount of literature on the subject and
the expert advisers of my Government can give you plenty of information.-
In this respect Bihar does not differ from other areas liable to flood; there
is the same problem in Bengal, the same problem in our sister province of
Orissa. There is the same problem in China, the same problem in America,
in particular in the Mississipi valley, where in spite of vast expenditure, in'
spite of the most expert engineering skill, the embankm.ents, or levees as
they are there called, put up to keep the river under control, do not appear
to have nroved a success. 1 will not put it more strongly than that.
6. I must confess that though I keep an open mind on the subject,-
my present view is that ** bandha ” do more harm than good. It is only
natural that the owner of a piece of land, looking at the matter from his-
own individual view point should try to construct something that will keep
out the flood. But I and my Government cannot take into accotmt merely
the interests of a particular individual; we have to try and secure the
greatest happiness of the greatest number ” and we must see that what
is done by one individual to protect his private interests does not affect
others. I may quote an example based on my own experience of what may
happen if a protective embankment is constructed. Some years ago after a
disastrous flood in the Sone river. Government arranged for the construction
of an embankment in Shahabad district to protect the threatened part of
that district and in particular Arrah town. Shortly after that I,was District'
Ofihcer of Gaya’and I had many protests from residents in that district
contending that this embankment on the west bank of the Sone would throw
the river when in flood across into Gaya on the east bank. Actually I don’t
think it has had this result, but I felt that the apprehensions expressed by
my Gaya people were not without foundation. More recently since I came
here as Governor I saw a proposal to protect Saran district from floods by
an embankment to keep out the Ghoghra river. My previous experience at
once occurred to me and I suggested to my then Ministry that we must see
what view the Government of the United Provinces had on the subject as
they were responsible for the land on the west bank of that river. I waa
not surprised when I saw their reply that this might devastate large areas
in Ballia district. This incidentally necessitates the necessity for close
co-operation between all provinces—a point to which I shall refer later.
7. But though this is one of the objections to embankments that it
may merely transfer the evil from one area to another, there are other more
serious objections. 1 will state these as they appear to me in simple language
and I trust my expert advisers will agree with what I say. The most serious
objection is that if water finds its ‘natural level and its natural flow off, it
flows off quickly and as I suggested earlier in thia speech if flood water flows
off quickly, it does less damage, considerably less damage than if it takes
many days before it disappears. The second is a more technical point. The
$ihar rivers, the tributaries of the Ganges, coming as they do from the
 xXxii
Himalayas or the foothills of the Himalayas flow generally in a southerly
direction; they bring down a large amount of silt and if not interfered with
by embankments would gradually deposit the silt all over the Ganges valley
and thereby raise the general level. You--might have floods, but not abnormal
floods and no serious damage would be caused or rather such damage as
would be caused would be extensive not intensive and as far as I can see if
the damage is extensive, it is far slighter than if it is intensive. But there
is another difficulty caused by embankments. An embankment may result
or rather I would say must result in the level of the ground on the upstream
side of the bandh being raised, for that area gets the deposit of silt. The
embankment may for some time protect the land-owners on the downstream
side, but ultimately if the embankment breaks, and I gather that neither we
nor even the Americans in the Mississipi valley can build unbreakable bandks,
the damage done to the downstream side of the lands is far greater than it
would otherwise have been, while in addition to this there is the recurrent
damage to aU land on the upstream side of the bandh. This seems to me
to be in words of one syllable one of the dangers resulting from an
embankment.
8. I have devoted myself so far to trying to show that embankments
tend to intensify rather than minimise floods. It will be for this Conference
to say whether they accept this general principle. But once you lay down a
general principle you find that it is necessary to modify it in particular
cases, each case must be considered on its merits and if a detailed examina­
tion of individual cases is made, it may well be found that in certain cases
embankments are necessary. It is in my view necessary to have embank­
ments to protect densely populated areas, towns or large villages. I have
alluded to ihe embankment which was constructed to protect Arrah town;
Chapra is another town liable to attack by flood, while we have during this year
taken steps to protect Begusarai by reconstructing the Gupta bandh. Some
experts also hold that embankments are necessary to prevent two rivers joining
up. Thus Colonel Temple who is well acquainted with Tirhut suggests that
the Bagmati, until it has finished its land building across the middle of
Muzaffarpur district, should be persuaded to keep out of the Burh Gandak
and that will best be done by maintaining an embankment on the divide
between the valleys of Bagmati and the Burh Gandak. There is also the
very difficult problem of that extraordinary river the Kosi which during the
last hundred years has moved hundred miles and now threatens to join up
with the Tiljuga.
9. Another question which of course arises is the question of roads and
railways whether they have sufficient waterways. Often railways are blamed
for causing obstruction to the flow of water but it has been stated by one
authority “ that the large road and railway banks across the flood plains have
but little effect in increasing the damage caused by normal floods and in
abnormal floods the damage they do upstream is compensated by the damage
they save on the downstream side. In extremely abnormal floods they are
so damaged themselves that they do not effect the amount of damage done
to the countryside at all ”. Fortunately we have here today two officers
of the Bengal and North-Western Railway who are well acquainted with the
problem and whose advice based on long experience will be most valuable.
10. Then having considered the problem of embankments, we have to
consider what alternative measures are possible. In America I believe they
attempt to divert flood water from inhabited or cultivated areas to areas
where there is little or no cultivation. It appears very doubtful whether any
such solution is feasible in Bihar where every foot of the ground is cultivated.
It may be possible in some cases to cut a channel from a river, but whether
a river such as the Kosi could ever be persuaded to follow a particular
 1.»
xfcsiu

channel seems to be a little doubtful. I mention these possibilities merely

to show the difficulty of the problem; it may be helpful to us to get know­
ledge of what is being done in other countries and that is a suggestion which
•I know my Government are considering.
11. I have alluded above to the necessity for co-operation in dealing
with this problem of floods. I am afraid that there has been a tendency
in the past to deal with individual areas which are hable to or have suffered
from floods as separate isolated problems, to see what can be done to protect
that particular area rather regardless of its effect on other areas. An example
ol this can be found in the proposal which I have referred to of putting an
embankment in Chapra district, which as far as I could see failed to take into
account the effect that such an embankment woud have on adjacent district
of Bahia. Most of the rivers, the tributaries of the Ganges which are the
cause of floods in North Bihar have their sources outside the province, some
draw their water from the Himalayas. It may be possible,—I do not wish
to put forward this suggestion with any degree of certainty,—to take action
in the higher reaches of these rivers which will mitigate floods in the lower
reaches. In any case it is clearly desirable that all the Governments con­
cerned should consider the problem. I know that the Government of the
United Provinces is willing and ready to co-operate and such co-operation,
apart from being useful in dealing with the problem of a particular river,
will also be helpful in that the experience gained by one province will be
available to another province. Pooling of experience is always useful. I
hope too that the Government of Nepal will be ready and willing to help
us for it is in that country that rivers such as the Kosi have their sources.
But apart from co-operation between Governments, there must also be the
closest co-operation between the various departments of Government. It has
not infrequently happened in the past that a district board has raised the
level of a road and thereby prevented the flow-off of flood water and I have
seen cases in which it has been proposed that district board should be asked
or directed to reduce the level of the road and make some waterways.
12. Thus it is clearly necessary to have in the flood-affected area some
statutory authority which will deal with these problems. There is an old
Act in force. I cannot claim to have any practical experience of its working,
but it may well be that that Act needs amendment and revision. I hope
.you will have time to consider in outline if not in detail what form that
amendment should take. It is very possibly desirable to have a statutory
Committee for the whole area north of the Ganges in this province consisting
partly of eSperts and partly of non-experts which will advise Government
on these problems. If a similar Committee is established in the United
Provinces, the two Committees will, I feel sure, be able to make some
improvement.
13. I have referred to the fact that in fighting floods we are fighting
nature, but that statement is only half of the problem. In dealing -Rdth
it and in particular in dealing with the question of embankments we are up
against “ vested interests ” and I am sure you will all agree with me when
1 say that if you attack “ vested interests ”, you may expect a vigorous
protest from these interests. I admit it is not desirable to ride rough shod
over “ vested interests ”, but if a vested interest conflicts with the very
essential principle of securing “ tha greatest happiness of the greatest
number ”, then we must deal with the ” vested interest ”.
14. I must apologise for the fact that much of this speech is destructive
rather than constructive. I have emphasised, possibly over-emphasised, the
difficulties of the problem, but I have done so deliberately, for I wish these
difficulties to be fully recognised, I wish it also to ba recognised that in this
13 86 Rev.
 xxxiv
contest with nature; in one of its most devastating aspects, in the contest
with vested interests created by human agency, we cannot expect rapid
progress. “ Rome was not built in a day ” and certainly the Ganges valley
was not built up in a day. We cannot hope to decide the problem of Tirhut
floods at the Conference; we can suggest lines of approach to the problem;
but we and our expert advisers must collect a mass of information,—a volume
of statistical information,—before my Government can decide ' what action
is most suitable. We may suggest palliatives. We may undertake a pub­
licity campaign to tell the villagers where habitations are exposed to floods the
most suitable way in which to construct their houses, but if we expect a
final solution of the flood problem of North Bihar in a few years we are
doomed t.y disappointment.
15. But I do feel that the more we discuss the problem, the nearer we
get to a solution of the problem and with that hope at the back of my mind,
I ask this Conference to start its deliberations.

P.—Speech of His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at the Police

Conference held at Patna on the 31st January 1938.
Colonel McDowell and Officers of the Bihar Police,
I regret very much that I have been unavoidably prevented from wel­
coming you today to the Annual Police Conference These Conferences have
now been held for many years and serve very useful purposes. They enable
police officers to discuss professional matters, such as the methods by which
the work of the police may be rendered more efficient. Under modern con­
ditions the work of the policeman is becoming more difficult and more
scientific; it is also ever increasing in volume. In proof of this last state­
ment I need only refer to the vast increase in motor traffic in recent years,
which has thrown a very heavy burden on the police in their duty of pro­
tecting the public from danger on the highways.
The work of the policeman is also daily becoming more scientific. I was
impressed by this point when I visited the metropolitan Police College at
Hendon near London about a year ago. All the marvels of modern science,
photography, X’Ray, wireless are now brought in to aid the policeman in
his work. Here in India we are not yet so far advanced, but if the police
force is to maintain and increase its efficiency it must make use of all these
modem methods to supplement or possibly supplant the old methods of
investigation.
These conferences serve another very important service; they tend in
my view to enhance the esprit de corps of the service and if the esprit de
corps is high, the efficiency, morale and discipline will also be high, On
these occasions you meet old friends and make new acquaintances and you
can discuss among yourselves with great profit the problems with which you
are faced, not merely at the formal conference but also less informally when
you meet at a friend’s house.
This Conference of the year 1938 is noteworthy. There have been
momentous changes made in the system of Government during the past year _ ;
there have been times, I must admit, when I felt anxious about the future,
but I think that I oan say up to the present the change in the system of
Government has been effected without any serious trouble. Speaking
generally, the police and the public have adapted themselves to the new
conditions and though there are still some persons who oan see little good in
the police or in the work which officers of the Bihar Police do in the dis­
charge of their difficult duties, yet I feel that there is a growing body of
 XXXV

public opinion that the police carry out their duties impartially, fairly and
equitably. In a large force such as this there must be some black sheep,
but I feel that the force as a whole is doing its best to show that the charges
brought against it are ill-founded. I know what valuable work Colonel
McDowell and his predecessors in the office of Inspector-General have done
to stamp out corruption in any form and what loyal assistance they have
received from officers of all ranks. More remains to be done, but I feel
that we can look to the force itself to improve conditions. Ibis Conference
is also very noteworthy from the fact that this year for the first time the
Prime Minister of Bihar addresses the Conference. I have referred to the
fact a conference such as this gives you all an opportunity of exchanging
ideas with your fellow officers; on this occasion it also gives you an
opportunity of exchanging ideas with those representatives of the electorate
of the province who are now primarily responsible for the police force. You
will be able to put your difficulties before the Prime Minister; he will be able
to put his difficulties, which I recognise are often very great, before you,
and I am sure each party will listen to the other with oare and sympathy
and that the relations of Government and the police force will continue to be
excellent. I wish the Police Conference of 1938 all success.

G.—Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

Dalmianagar on the 20th March 1938.
Mr. Dalmia and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to me to be present here today. I admit it might
have been more pleasant for all of us if this ceremony had taken place at a
cooler time of year, but having served for many years in the plains of Bihar,
I am accustomed to high temperatures and dusty roads, and in some ways
I prefer them to the fog, rain and mist which you get in the HiU Stations.
It is true as you say that I started work in this province in 1907. I started
in the district of Saran and Saran at that time was just beginning to
develop the Sugar Industry which is now of such great importance to the
province and some of my earliest experiences were visits to sugar factories,
such as that at Marhowrah in that district. It was however not till after the
creation of the province of Bihar and Orissa and after the Great War had
begun that I really came in contact with the industries of the province and
became interested in its industrial development. I was ir 1915 and 1916
Deputy Commissioner of Singhbhum and in that post the most interesting
problems with which I had to deal were problems connected with the Tata
Iron and Steel Company and with the development of the mineral resources
of that district. The Company at that time were busily engaged on the
manufacture of iron and steel for war purposes, and it was while I was there
that the Directors of the Company applied for permission to acquire a very
large area of land to enable them not only to carry out the large expansion
of their steel works which they contemplated, but also to house their workers
in suitable and sanitary surroundings and to have also under their control a
large fringe area and thereby prevent the growth of insanitary bazars and
villages in the vicinity of their town. The Directors of that Company showed
great wisdom and forethought in putting forward a scheme of this magnitude,
for I feel that often we do not look far enough ahead; we rest content with
what is immediately required and do not take into account the expansion
which may be necessary after five, ten or fifteen years. At first the local
Government of that time were rather reluctant to agree to the proposals of
the Company which they regarded as extravagant. However in the end my
friend Mr. Tutwiler, the then General Manager, and I persuaded Govern­
ment to accept these proposals. Possibly I am exaggerating the part which
 xxxvi
I played m these negotiations, but looking back on the various works which
I have done during my thirty years of service, I feel very pleased with
what I did to help the development of the very important industrial centre
of Jamshedpur.
I have quoted this experience for I feel that here at Dahnianagar we
are faced with many problems similar to those which confronted me in 1915
at Jamshedpur .or Sakchi as it was then called. We have here a large group
of industrial concerns; we have public spirited capitalists determined to do
all they can to develop the natural resources of the province and 1 know
you will all agree with me in wishing them success in their enterprise.
Bihar is, it is true, an agricultural province and many areas in Bihar are
the most fertile tracts in India. Agriculture must be developed and
improved, and I do not wish to minimise in any way the importance of
doing all we can to develop and improve our methods of agriculture. It has
been said by a rather cynical writer “ that whoever could make two ears ol
corn or two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one
grew before, would deserve better of mankind and do more essential service
to his country than the whole race of politicians put together ”. There
is a lot of truth in that, but it is also true that as far as Bihar is concerned
it is not possible for Biharis to live by agriculture ■ alone. The pressure on
the soil is so great—(in some areas as you no doubt realise, it is nearly
1,000 to the square mile)—that the soil cannot maintain the population. We
must therefore have industries as well, not merely cottage industries which
will help the cultivator to supplement the scanty income which ho makes
from his land but also large scale industries which will give permanent
employment to a large number of people. The provincial Government can
and should take a leading part in the development of cottage industries; it
is no easy task and in this as in other matters we must not expect too early
results or too rapid progress; our progress must be that of the tortoise rather
than the hare. But I feel that my Government who are closely in touch
with the villages will be able to do much to develop cottage industries, and
are devoting attention to this aspect of the problem. A good deal has been
done in the past, possibly more than many people realise and goods manu­
factured by the Bihar Cottage Industries Department command a ready
sale in England and indeed in other parts of the world. But the develop­
ment of the small scale industries is not enough for the economic well­
being of the province, we must have large scale industries and these are
the industries which have been started here at Dahnianagar for the manu­
facture of sugar, cement and paper. Such large scale industries should not
in my view be undertaken by Government; they must be started by private
enterprise and private capital. Government’s function should be to help
private enterprise and to assist the promoters of these schemes in all possible
ways and in particular they must see that everything possible is done to
improve the condition of the workers in these factories. My Government
have recently appointed a Committee to deal with this question and I have
no doubt that this Committee under the able Chairmanship of Mr. Rajendra
Prasad will put forward many helpful suggestions. I feel sure also that
here at Dahnianagar the Directors of these Companies will do all they oan
for their workers. It is very necessary in my view not merely to pay
adequate wages but also to provide the workers with facilities for improving
their moral, material and intellectual weU-being. You have referred in your
speech to the scheme which you have in view for schools, playgrounds and
hospitals. Schools and playgrounds provide for the younger members of the
working population, hospitals provide for the sick. Something more is
needed. You must cater for the workers themselves. You must do what
you can to develop their intellect and to educate them. Much oan be done
in these days of wireless, gramophones and cinemas and it seems to mo that
 xxxvii
it is far easier now to impart education to adult workers than it was in the
days when teaching had to be given by the written or the spoken word. I
have no doubt the companies working here will pay attention to this duty
which falls on them.
One final point I would like to make. We often hear the cry * Bihar
for Biharis ’. As a general rule I do not much care for slogans, but I do
sympathise very fuUy with this demand, and I include in the term “ Biharis "
those who have settled in this province, though their ancestors may have
lived elsewhere. The young men of Bihar have not in the past had the
same facilities for education, in particular technical education, 'as the young
men in other provinces, but since the province of Bihar and Orissa was
started much has been done to develop this side of educational work and
we’have institutions such as the Patna Science College, the Bihar College
of Engineering and the Bihar Medical College which can turn out students
capable of holding their own in industrial work. I hope these students
will find posts in centres such as Dalmianagar; if they do, it will do some­
thing to solve the problem of middle class unemployment, and 1 feel sure
that in this matter my Government will have the full and cordial co-operation
of the Directors of these Companies.
In conclusion, I thank you Mr. Dalmia for inviting me here: it has
been a long and strenuous day, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I
hope I shall be able to visit Dalmianagar at some later date to see its
progress.

H.—Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at a

public meeting called in response to the appeal of Her
Excellency Lady Linlithgow for funds to fight the scourge of
Tuberculosis in Bihar, held at Patna on the 28th March 19S8.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have called this meeting today so that we may discuss what action can
be taken in the province in response to Her Excellency Lady Linlithgow’s
O'Ppeal for funds to fight that terrible scourge—Tuberculosis. Some months
have elapsed since Lady Linlithgow issued her appeal and I must apologise
for not haxing called this meeting at an earlier date. ’Various reasons made
it impracticable to do so. In particular I was anxious to have the meeting
at a time when both Houses of the Legislature were in session, so that it
might be attended not merely by residents of Patna and the neighbourhood,
but by gentlemen from all over Bihar. Members of the Legislature having
influence in their constituencies will be able to do much to help in this
Campaign, and I have no doubt that they will, one and.aU, render what help
they can.
Before I say more about the campaign which we are inaugurating
today, there are three messages which I must read out to the meeting from
distinguished gentlemen who have been unaviodably prevented - from being
present today. The first is from Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who unfortunately had
a previous engagement. He writes to me as follows :—
*' Tuberculosis is spreading with-great rapidity in the province not only
in the towns but also in villages and I have known families
being annihilated in course of a few years. The attempt to
check it is urgently called for and has not come a day too soon.
I hope the Fund for which an appeal has been made by Her
 XXXVlll

Excellency Lady Linlithgow and with which Your Excellency

is also associated, will be successful and the good and humane
work of fighting this fell disease will have a good start. I would
have deemed it a privilege to support it at the public meeting,
but as I have to go away I beg to be excused.”
The second is from the Hon’ble Finance Minister who is also in charge
of the Medical portfolio. The reasons which render it impossible for him to
attend are well known to you, and I should like to take this opportunity of
sympathising with him over his unfortunate accident and wishing him a
speedy and sure recovery. Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha has sent me a
cheque as his contribution to the Fund and sends the following message;—
“ I very much regret my inability to be present at the meeting on
the 28th, but I wish to say from my sick bed in the hospital
how dear to my heart is the object of the meeting.
(2) Tuberculosis is a terrible disease and the victim feels every
moment that life is ebbing away inch by inch. Such suffering
is so pathetic that it cannot fail to receive a response of
sympathy and willingness to help from every generous heart
and I am sure the object of the meeting will receive all the help
it so richly deserves.
(3) When it is considered that the ravages caused by this disease are
rapidly on the increase owing to the changing conditions of life
in this country, a serious effort should be made to check its
growth. Happily progress in modern science has placed within
our reach curative treatment which is effective in a majority of
cases. It is up to us to see that this blessing is made available
to as many of the victims of this disease as possible, but the
main effort, no doubt, has to be directed to preventing the
spread of the disease.
(4) Although I am unable to be present in person in the meeting, my
heart is with you, and I wish the meeting every success.”
Finally, I have a message from the Hon’ble Sir Courtney Terrell, Chief
Justice of Bihar, who is also prevented by reasons of health from addressing
the meeting in perosn. He has, as many of you know, considerable know­
ledge of subjects connected with medical relief and I greatly regret his
absence. He has, however, also sent me a message which I will now read
out:—
t(
I much regret my inability to be present at the meeting to support
the Anti-Tuberculosis Fund. Tuberculosis is gradually becoming
one of the worst scourges of India. It is hot realised that this
disease if taken in its early stages and treated in a scientific
manner is curable. Indians have very small power of resistance
to the tuberculosis germ and when it attacks young people a
fatal result usually follows very speedily. Europeans have a
very much greater power of resistance partly because most of
us are already vaccinated by some mild attack which has been
healed without our knowledge and partly because the quack
has little or no power and treatment is always undertaken on
scientific lines. Even the poorest members of the population
are alive to the danger of the disease and the necessary treatment
and hygiene is a matter of common knowledge. It should be
known that every case of tuberculosis taken in its early stages
 XXXIX

and properly treated and cured results in an individual with a

greater power- of resistance to the disease than a person who
has not yet suffered from it. At present provision for satisfac­
tory treatment is only available to persons who are comparatively
well off. It will require a very large sum to provide treatment
for poor persons. The systematic carrying out of the treatment
has moreover a very great educational value and may lead to
the abandonment of those habits and customs which directly
encourage the occurrence of the disease. Of these evU customs
the most conspicuous are the purdah and the marriage of
immature girls. A very small experience of the conditions of
life in Calcutta will demonstrate that this is the case.
Quite apart from the matter of direct treatment I hope that at least a
portion of the Fund will be devoted to the provision of milk for
school children which is one of the best methods of reducing the
incidence of the disease. It is really regrettable that the Indian
public obdurately resists scientific teacliing and clings to its
quacks. They will not maintain an active interest until they
get into the habit of listening to the advice of the western
trained tuberculosis experts. I would recommend to your
audience that they should support this Fund each to the best
of his means. No family in India is free from the risk of
attack and there are plain signs that the risk is rapidly
increasing. It is in the interest of everyone therefore to make
a contribution however small to the Fund.”
With these messages in support of the objects of this meeting, it is less
necessary for me to detain you here to listen to a long speech. Many of you
have perhaps got rather tired of hearing speeches during the last few weeks.
I happened, however, to be reading last night a life of the present Prime
Minister of England, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, and I found in that book a
quotation from a speech delivered which is so apposite to the present occasion
that I cannot refrain from quoting it:—
•* We must think not of tha national health as an impersonal abstract
thing, but of the people who compose the nation—the father and
mother who carry the responsibility of bringing up a family,
but to whom, unless they have health, that responsibility may
become an intolerable burden.
There are also the yoimg people who are just starting in life and to
whom bad or good health means weariness and pain, or that
sense of power which is in itself an active enjoyment; and the
small children who are at that critical stage when neglect of
some simple precaution or some mistake in diet may handicap
them all the rest of their lives.
As an old local government administrator, with a very -vivid recollection
of how closely the work on which you are engaged brings you
into touch with the daily life of the people, I am sure you
realize how large a part the presence or absence of full physical
health and vigour plays in their happiness. Health counts for
far more than wealth. Disease or physical weakness lowers the
spirits and undermines the temper. The greatest blessing we
can confer upon the community is to save them from the
disabilities that bear down the man or woman whose body is a
constant source of sufiering or discomfort.”
 xl
These quotations express concisely the objects which Her Excellency
had in launching the appeal and the objects with which we have met here
today.
I said in an earlier part of this speech that at this meeting we were
inaugurating the campaign against Tuberculosis. That statement
correct. Bihar is sometimes, I feel, regarded by persons who do not know
it well as a backward province; we may not have the wealth or the revenue
which other provinces enjoy, but we have, 1 think, always made the most
of all small resources. I have a good deal of personal knowledge of the
medical and public health work that has been done in this province, in
particular since Ministers were first appointed in 1919, and I feel that
historians of the future will recognise that during that period
there was not only considerable expansion of medical relief by 'a large
increase in the number of hospitals and by starting such institutions as the
Patna Medical College and the Darbhanga Medical School, but also much
progress in the measures taken to combat serious epidemics, in particular
plague and cholera. That very much more remains to be done and that we
have only touched the fringe of the problem, I would be the first to admit.
So too in regard to the problem of the Tuberculosis. We have at Itki in
Banchi district a very efiicient Sanatorium at which excellent work is being
done for the relief of sufferers from that disease. Many of you no doubt
have visited that Sanatorium; those who have not, will I hope take an early
opportunity of doing so. I feel sure that if you do, you will feel, as I did
after my first visit, great admiration for the work which the Superintendent
of the Sanatorium, Dr. Muthu, and his staff are doing. But the Itki
Sanatorium again only touches the fringe of the problem; though Government
and the District Boards have done what they could in providing funds,, yet
the total number of beds is still not large and the number of patients who
can be treated there is only a very small percentage of the total number of
sufferers from this disease.
It was in recognition of this fact that when it was decided to raise funds
to commemorate the late Majesty King George the Fifth, it was decided to
devote the bulk of the funds to establishing tuberculosis clinics in every
district of the province. Thanks to the generosity of the leading gentlemen
of the province, we have about two and a quarter lakhs in hand; the fund
is being administered by a Committee under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble
Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, and already steps have been taken to start
clinics in most districts. I have no time to explain in greater detail what
has been done, but at least we have-made a start, and have taken up what
I may call the preventive side of the work and what is extremely important
the treatment of cases in their early stages. My friend Colonel Stott, the
Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals, has recently written a very interesting
note on Anti-Tuberculosis activities in Bihar, to which I trust full publicity
will be given by the Press and which we will be ready to supply to any one
who wishes to know more about this subject.
Colonel Stott will also put before the meeting later his suggestions as
to the lines on which the Anti-Tuberculosis Association should work in
future and I think we shall probably all agree that his suggestions are sound.
Our main object today is to consider the difiicult question of how to get
funds for this work. I recognise that all of you have many claims on your
purses—some compulsory, some voluntary and that possibly these claims may
increase in the near future. But I would appeal to all to spare what they
oan and if we cannot get large donations, we may achieve our object by
getting small sums from a large number of persons. I have already asked
District Officers to try and form local Committees in order to consider the
 xii
question &i bow to. collect funds ..in the distriets and some such Committees
bam been {ormed. But I suggest that we should today also appoint a
Central Committee which can make suggestions to local Committees as to
what can ,best be done. I am however very ready to follow whatever course
this meeting itbinks best.
But I would make a further appeal'even if money is available to
the extent necessary, we can 4o much to improve conditions by propaganda
and publicity work. . 'We have organisations such os the St. John Ambulance
.Association which pan help in this work : we have at Headquarters the Bihar
Council of .Women which has branches in various places.- Organisations Such
as. these can do much to spread necessary information as to how tuberculosis
and indeed ether diseases can be prevented. After all all diseases are due
largely to ignorance and we can all do our part in dispelling the clouds of
ignorance which are at present o' primary cause of the heavy death rate in
Bihar. The Medical Profession, will, I know, render all possible help;
. teachers in schools and colleges can do much by giving Simple instructions
to their pupils. I'f Government start a rural uplift orgnisation, that .Should
be able to help much in the work.
But we cannot de without funds and, in conclusion, I Would repeat to
you the closing passage of Her E.vcellency Lady Linlithgow’s appeal
“ The people of India are well known for their charity and their
benevolence to suffering humanity. I feel confident ^erefoto
thot my appeal will be received with the sympathy it surely
deserves. It is a most earnest and sincere appeal. I mysehf
will spare no effort to prosecute it and at all times to «id in
tiie fight against Tuberculosis to the best of my power. But.
Success, demands the practical co-operation Of the people of
India themselves; and I hope with all my heart that I Will have
this in full measure. I hope that everyone in India, rich afid
poor, will contribute according to their means—^much or Iittla~*-
to this great cause, grasping a. noble opportunity of united effort
to oppose a great evil in India and to promote the highest
welfare of her people.”
 APPENDIX li.

Sources of information available to public.

CSAPIEE I.—^Political and General Events.
Report on the General Elections in Bihar, January 1937.
Supplement to the Report on the General Elections in Bihar, January, 1937.
CriAPTER II.—Finance.
Financial staterhents for Bihar in 1937-38 and the Budget Estimate- for
1938-39 and 1939-40.
CHAPIER III.—Tub Legislature.

Proceedings of the Biliar Legislative Council (Volumes I, H, lH) and Bihar

Legislative Assembly (Volumes I, II, HI, Parts I and II).
Chapter IV.—Local Self-Government!.
Resolutions reviewing the reports on the working of the district hoards and
municipalities in Bihar during 1937-38.
Resolutions on the working of union boards and panchayats .in Bihar during
the year 1937-38.
CHAPIER V.—Education.
Report on the progress of Education in Bihar for 1937-38.
Bihar Council of Women—Report for the year 1938.
CHAPTER VI.—Public Health and Medical Relief.
Annual Public Health Report of the Province of Bihar for the year 1936 and
the Annual Vaccination Report for the year 1937-38.
Annual Report of the Prince of Wales Medical College, Patna, for the year
1937-38.
Annual Report of the Darbhanga Medical School for the year 1937-38.
Annual Report of the European Mental Hospital nt Ranchi for the year 1987.
Annual Report on the working of the Ranchi Indian Mental Hospital, Kanke,
in Bihar, for the year 1937.
Annual Report on the working of the Radium Institute, Patna, fox the year
1937,
Annual Report of the Pasteur Institute, Patna, for the year 1937.
Annual Report on the working of the Itki Sanatorium in Ranchi, in Bihar
for the year 1937.
Annual Returns of the Hospitals and Dispensaries in Bihar for the year 1987.
CHAPTER VII,—Maintenance of the Peace, Administration of Justice
and Jails.
Annual Report on the Administration of the' Police Department for 1937.
Report on the Administration of Criminal Justice for 1937.
Report on the Administration ol Civil Justice for 1937.
.Administration Report on Jails in Bihar for 1937.

xlii
 xliii
CHAPTER Vm.—Excise.
Report on the Administration of the Excise Department in the Province of
Bihar for the year 1937-38.
CHAPTER IX.—The Land and the People.
Report on the Land Revenue Administration of the Province of Bihar for the
year 1937-38.
Report of Wards, Encumbered, Trust and Attached Estates for 1937-88.
Annual Report on the Survey and Major Settlement operations in Bihar for
the year 1937.
Annual Progress Report on Forest Administration in the Province of Bihar
for the* year 1937-38.
CHAPTER X.—^Agricultube and Co-operation.

Annual Report of the Agricultural Department for 1937-38.

Annual Report of the Civil Veterinary Department for 1937-88.
Report on the Working of the Co-operative Societies in Bihar for 1987.
Season and Crop Report for 1937-38.
CHAPTER XI.—Commerce and Industry.

Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines for India for 1937.

Annual Report on the working of the Factories Act, 1934, in the Province of
* Bihar, 1937.
Annual Report on the working of the Indian Boilers Act V of 1923 in Bihar
and Orisaa for the year 1937-88.
Annual Report on the working of the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, in the
Province of Bihar, for 1937.
Annual Report on the working of the Indian Ttade Unions Act, 1926, in the
Province of Bihar, for the year 1937-38.
♦
Annual Rejgort of the Director of Industries for 1937-88.
 GLOSSARY,

Vebnaculab. English.

Ayurvedic Medical science of the Hindus.

Bakrid A Muslim festival.-
Bandh Embankment.
Bhadai Autumn crop.
Bhang Au intoxicating drug made from-the leaves of the hemp
plant.
Bighd A varying -unit of land measurement,, generally about one-
third acre. ' ' ’ ‘
Chaukidar Village watchman.
Dasafera A Hindu festival.
Ganja The hemp plant which is smoked for intoxication.
Ghee Clarified butter.
Our Eaw- sugar.
Hari^an Literally, creature of , God. A terra invented by
Jfr. Gandhi to designate members of tLe “ depressed ”
Hindu castes.
Hakim A Muslim village doctor.
Kamdar Expert cultivator.
Kala-azar Black fever.
Madra»a School for education in Urdue. Persian and Arabic.
Elementary village school for education in Urdu.
Pachwai Beer made from grain, usually rice.
Panchayat A committee, a body of arbitrators, originally five in
number.
Pathshala Elementary village school where Sanskrit is also taught.*
Rabi The spring harvest.'
Takavt Agricultural.
Tari Fermented juice of the palm tree (toddy).
Vaidya A doctor.
MEASUREMENTS.
80 tolas = 16 chittak8=l seer (about 2 lbs. avoirdupois).
40 seers =1 maund.
1 lakh = 1,00,000.
I oiore
=100 lakhs.

xliv
Bihar GP (Rev.) 85—687—18-11-1941—JS. & .cithers,
 1938-39

8¥
M. WASJ,
director of Publicity

f
/
5
SUPERINTENDENT, GOVERNMENT PRINTING,
BIHAR, PATNA.
1942,
Priced Publications of the Government of Bihar
can be had from—

IN INDIA.
The Superintendent, Government Printing, Bihar,
Gulzarbagh, P. O.
(1) Messrs. ThackEr Spink & Co., Calcutta.
Mbssr.s. W. Newman & Co., Calcutta.
(3) Messrs. S. K. Lahiri & Co., College Street, Calcutta.
(4) Messrs. Bl. Cambray & Co., 6 and 8-2, Hastings Street, Calcutta.
(5) Messrs. Thompson & Co., Madras.
(6) Messrs. D. B. Taeapomvala Sons & Co., 103, Meadow Street,' Forb, Post
Box No 18, Bombay.
(7) Messrs. M. C. SiBKAB & Sons, 75,
I
Harrison Road, Calcutta.
(8) Proprietor or THE N ew AL Kishore Press, Lucknow.

(9) Messrs. M N. Burman & Co., Bankipore.

(10) Babu Ram Dayal Agarwala, 184, Katra Road, Allaliabad.
(11) The Standard Literature Co., Ltd., 13-1, Old Court House Street, Calcutta.
(12) Manager or the India.n School Supply Depot, 309, Bow Baza’’ Street,
Calcutta.
(13) Messrs. Bitpierworth & Co., Ltd.,6, Hastings Street, Calcutta.
(14) Messrs. Ram Krishna & Sons, Anarkali Street, Lahore.
(15) The Oxford Book and Stationery Company, Deliii.
(16) Massas. Das Brothers, Noiizerkatra, Patna City.
(17) The Book Company, 4/4(a), College Square, Calcutta.
(18) Mr. K. L. Math UR. Guzri, Patna City.
(19) Messrs. Raghunath Prasad & Sons, Patna City.
(20) The Grantha Mandir, Cuttack.
(21) Babu Mad.an Mohan Singh, Proprietor, Messrs. R. P. Sinha & Brothers,
Guzri, Patna City.
(22) Messrs. Sampson William & Co., 127-B, The Mall, Cawnpur.
(23) The New Book Company, Publishers and Booksellers, Kitab Mahal ’, 102,
Hornby Road, Bombay.
(24) Proprietor Rareswati Pustakalaya, Booksellers and Stationers, Daltonganj,
(Palamau).
(25) Messrs. R, g, Xomara & Sons, Publishers and Booksellers, Opposite Fort
Gate, Delhi.
- (26) Messrs. Hem Chandra Neooy & Company, Bankipore, Patna.
(27) Proprietor, Kam ala Book Store, Bankipore, Patna.
(88) Proprietor, Messrs. Buawani & Sons, Cannuaght Place, Now Delhi.
IN EUROPE AND AMERICA.
Jiw OmcE or ihb High Co.mmissioner India, Publiq Department, India
House, Aldwych, LVP^ou. W’
 notice.

this book was entrusted to Mr, S. M.

atitb*’ • J*tabtieity, afid it is a©w published uader
gOhOral approval of the ProvuiOial
OEMist not fee assufitted that the approval
enos to every partieuiar expression of opinion.
 PREFATORY NOi^.

TftiiS voiii®!^ deals witlii the feaaaeiai year 193^-39, feamely

ifrejn the 1st A^ril 1938 t© the 31st March 1939. Besides
reviewing the second year ©f ■die working ©f Provineial
Antononiy aad the activities of liie various Depattnaents,
It surveys some of the more ' boportant su.hse<|iUeBt
adnjiaistrative and legislative naeasnres of Government.

<

jii
 CONTENTS.

Page.

Prefatory Note iii

List of Diagrams vii
Chapter Contents ix

CHAPTER I.
Political and General Events 1

CHAPTER n.
Finance 13

CHAPTER HI.
The Lkoislathre 20

CHAPTER IV.
Local Self-Government 25

CHAPTER V.
Education 35

CHAPTER VI.
Public Health and Medical Belief 47

CHAPTER VII.
Maintenance op Peace, Administration of Justice and Jails 59

CHAPTER Vni.
Excise 78

CHAPTER IX.
The Land and the People 84

CHAPTER X.
Agricultubb, Livestock and Co-'OPEBATION 91

CHAPTER XI.
Commerce and Industries 106

V
 i
VI

APPENDIX I.
Pace.

Abstract op the Budget Estimate for 1940-41 i

APPENDIX n.
List of Resolutions adopted during the tear 1938-39 V

APPENDIX m.
Principal Acts passed by the Bihar Legislature, 1938-39 vii

APPENDIX IV,

A.—The Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice

Hallett at the opening of the Co-operative Federation
Congress HELD AT 'Patna ON THE 61h April 1938 X

B.—The Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice

Hallett at the Annual Session op the Bihar ■ Chamber
OP Commerce at Patna on the 12th April 1938 xii.
C.—The Speech delivebed by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett
at Police Parade at Hazaribagh on the 25th January 1939 xiv
I’
D.—The Speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice -Hallett
AT A Garden Party held at Government House, Patna, ,
ON THE 4th February 1939, to meet the Hon’ble
Mbs. Copland-Griffiths, Lady Superintendent-in-Chief,
St. John Ambulance Brigades Overseas XV

E.—The Speeches delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett

AT THE
Annual Meeting op the Bihar Chamber op Com­
merce held at Patna on the 26th February 1939 xvi

APPENDIX V,

Sources of Information Available to Public xviii

Glossary XX
 LIST GF PIAGRAMS.

■1'. ®iagFam showing the price in rupees ef one standard maund

of common 4-.ice mouth fey moutti in 1'937 and 1988 ’’
2. &raph showing price per standard jnaund irr t'upees ©f important
agriculturai commodities from IWl to 1939 ... . ... 93
J. ei>art showing'the rise and fo3i in tiie cost of living of the
Jahouring classes _at Patna compared with the pre-war
normal period ending 1911 as 190 ... 115

vii
 CHAPTER CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. CHAPTER III—concld.

POLITICAL AND GENERAL Page.
EVENTS. Legislative Council Sessions
* Page. And Meetings ... 23
Another Year of Provincial Questions 23
Autonomy 1 Resolutions 23
Congress Politics ... 2 Adjournment Motions 23
Kisan And Other Political The Budget 23
Movements 2 Legislation 23
Muslim Organisations 4 Draft Council Rules 24
Communal Relations 6 OflScers Of The Council ... 24
Bengali-Bihari Controversy ... 7
Railway Accidents ... 7 CHAPTER lY.
Munich Agreement 8 LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT.
Labour 8 General 25
The Press 9 District Boards ... . ••• 26
Floods 10 Income And Expenditure 26
Economic Situation 10 Education • •• 27
Administration 11 Medical Relief • •• 28
CHAPTER II. Public Health • •• 28
Veterinary 29
FINANCE. Civil Works •• • 29
General IS Water Hyacinth 30
Budget For J989-40 14 Local Boards 30
New Schemes 17 Union Conunittees • •• 80
Supplementary Grants 18 Union Boards 81
Electrification Project 18 Municipalities 81
Income And Expenditure 82
CHAPTER III. Education 83
THE LEGISLATURE, Indoor Administration • •• 88
Outdoor Administration 88
Sessions And Meetings Of 84
The Assembly ... 20 Miscellaneous • ••

Questions ... 20 CHAPTER y.

Resolutions 20
EDUCATION.
Adjournment Motions 20
General • •• 8S
The Budget 20
Primary Education • •• 85
Legislation 21
Basic Education ... 87
Party Organisations 22
Mass Education 87
Obituary References ... 22
Secondary Education 88
Committee Of the House ... 22
Vocational Training ♦ »» 89
Bye-elections 22
University And College Edu-
OflScers Of The Assembly • •• 23 cation ... ... 89

JX
 X

CHAPTER Y—concld. CHAPTER YII.

MAINTENANCE OF PEACE, AD-
Page. MINISTRATION OP JUSTICE
Oriental Studies 40 AND JAILS.
.Training Of Masters, 41 Page.
Police 69
Female Education ..." 42
Bihar Council Of Women ... 42 Revolutionary Crime 61
Crime 61
Education Of Europeans And
Anglo-Indians 43 Murder 61
Education Of Muslims 43 Riots 62
Education Of Aborigines And Dacoity 62
Harijans 44 Robbery And Burglary 62
Education Of Criminal Tribes 44 Theft 63
Factory Schools 44 Offences Against Currency 63
Education Of Defectives 44 Fatalities ... 63
Hazaribagh Reformatory Other Crimes 63
School ... 45 Railway Crime 64
Unrecognised Institutions 45 False Cases • 64
Miscellaneous 45 Surveillance 64
CHAPTER YI Criminal Investigation
partment 65
PUBLIC HEALTH AND ■ Motor Vehicles ' ... 65
MEDICAL RELIEF.
Criminal Justice 65
Vital Statistics 47 Magisterial Courts ... 66
Cholera ... 48 Courts Of Sessions ... 67
Small-pox ... 48
Duration Of Sessions Cases ... 68
Plague ... 49 Jury Trials 68
Dysentery And Diarrhoea ... 49 Appeals 68
Malaria ... 49 Reference Under Section 307
Eala-Azar ... 49 Of The Code Of Criminal
Tuberculosis ... 50 Procedure 70
Leprosy ... 50 Death Sentences 70
Panchayat Courts ... 70
Health Propaganda And
Special Measures ... 51 Complaints By Courts 70
School Hygiene ... 51 Receipts ... 70
Public Health Laboratory 61 Magisterial Staff 71
Nutrition Research ... 52 Civil Justice 71
Jharia Mines Board of Health 52 Civil Appeals 73
Medical Institutions ... 53 Judicial Staff 73
Medical Aid to Women ... 54 Miscellaneous 74
Medical Education 54 Jails 74
Mental Hospitals ... ... 55 Education Of Prisoners 75
Itki Sanatorium ... 50 Discipline 76
The Radium Institute *«• 57 Jail Manufacture ... 76
The Pasteur Institute ... 67 Health 77
St. John Ambulance Asso- Miscellaneous 77
ciation ... • •• 58 , .Prison Reform 73.
 XI

CHAPTER VIII. CHAPTER X—concld.

Page.
EXCISE. Agricultural Advisory Com­
Page. mittees 96
Other Activities 97
General ... 78
Agricultural Farms 97
Revenue ... 79
Cattle Diseases 97
Excise Charges ... 80
Veterinary Hospitals 98
Country Spirit 60
Cattle Farm 98
Pachwai ... 81
The Bihar Veterinary Col­
Foreign Liquor 81 lege 99
Ganja ... 82 Propaganda And Kesearch ... 99
Bhang 82 Prevention Of Cruelty To
Opium ... 83 Animals 99
The Co-operative Movement 99
CHAPTER IX
The Provincial Co-operative
THE LAND'AND THE PEOPLE. Bank 100
... 84 Central Banks And Unions -.- 101
General
Bural Development 102
Land Revenue And Cess ... •84
Societies 102
Coercive Measures ... ... 85
The Co-operative Federation 103
Government Estates ... 85
Progress Of Rehabilitation
Words And Encumbered Enquiry 104
Estates ... 85 Cone Department ... 104
Relations Between Landlords
And Tenants ... 86 CHAPTER XI.
Survey And Settlement ... 87 COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
Revenue Cases ... 87 General 106
Loans ... 88 Coal 116
Treasure Trove ... 88 107
Mica
Forests ... 88 Copper 107
Irrigation And Flood Pro- Iron 108
tection ... ... 90 109
Factories ...
'"chapter X. Registered Companies And
Associations 109
AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK
AND CO-OPERATION. Boilers 110
Weather And Crop ... ... 91 Electricity 110
Autumn Crops 91 Cottage Industries 111
Winter Rice 91 Pisciculture 112
Rabi Crops 91 State Aid To Industries 112
Jute 92 Industrial Education 112
Sugarcane ... 92 Industrial Engineering And
Cropped Area 92 Chemistry 115

Prices And Marketing 93 Cost Of Living 115

Employment Bureau 106
Agricultural Research 93
Industrial Survey ... 116
Propaganda And Demons-
tration 96 Industrial Planning 110
 CHAPTER I.

Political And' General Events.

The year saw the completion of another' eventful year of
Provincial Autonomy. The
Another Year Of Pro- Congress
ylnclal Autonomy.Ministry had settled down to carry out their
constructive programhne. ■
Some of the important committees appointed by Government’
for investigating into and reporting upon different problems, had
finished their labours and submitted their reports. The recom­
mendations of the Santal Parganas Enquiry Committee were being
implemented and, as a first instalment. Government sanctioned
the introduction of regular police in Dumka and Jamtara with one
police-station at each of the places for the present. The
recommendations of the Corruption Enquiry Committee, presided
over by Mr, Syed Abdul Aziz, were under examination in the
various departments with a view to give effect to them wherever
possible. Certain general recommendations of the Committee
were accepted in advance and Government announced their decision
to give effect to them immediately. The committee appointed
to prepare a practical scheme for the separation of -executive arid
judicial functions submitted an ad interim report.
The committee appointed under the chairmanship of .
Dr. Rajendra Prasad to investigate the conditions of labour made
good process with its work. It recorded much useful evidence at
Jamalpur, Monghyr, Dehri and Japla.
It was decided to reinstate, as far as it was practicable to
do so. persons who resigned or were dismissed or discharged from
Government service for political reasons during the various Civil'
Disobedience Movements. The reinstatement was to be made
subject to certain'>cdndition3 laid down by Government.
Government ordered that such parts of police uniforms as
caps, shirts and piigris
should be made of khadi
and sanctioned
Rs. 50,000 an extra cost for the purpose.
Orders were also issued recognising those examinations of the
National Universities which correspond to the Matriculation
examination of tha Patna University for the purpose of franchise,
 2

It was also decided to recognise the diplomas, certificates and the

degrees of the National Universities, granted up to the Ist January
1939, for the purpose of Government service.
The congress presidential election early in the year, which
Congress Politics.-’■^suited in the return of Mr. Suhhas
Chandra Bose for the second time in
succession, gave rise to prolonged controversy between Mr. Bose
and the Bight Wing Leaders.
Immediately after this election Mr. Bose attended the
Political Conference at Chauram in the Gaya district, sponsored
mostly by the Left Wingers.
There--was a trial of strength between the Bight Wing and
Kisan Sabhites and Leftists over the congress elections in the dis­
tricts. The latter failed in their effort to oust the orthodox
congress party except in Gaya, where the District Congress
Committee passed into the hands of the Socialists and the Kisan
Sabhites.
* Independence Day ’ produced a crop of incidents arising out
of flag-hoisting ceremonies. Most of these incidents took place
between students at schools or colleges. The only place where
serious trouble occurred was Gaya, where a quarrel over the
hoisting of flags between Hindu and Muslim students of the City
High English School developed into a free fight and later the-
contagion spread throughout the town leading to stray clashes
and- assaults, 51 persons receiving injuries.
In order that there should be no more unseemly quarrels
between students in educational institutions over the hoisting of
flags and singing of Bande Matram, the Ministry announced the
general hnes of their policy in the matter. It laid down that the
singing of- Bande Matram should be optional and be limited to the
first two verses which were regarded as non-controversial and that
flags should only be flown on schools where there was complete
unanimity.
Government’s efforts through legislation to improve the
Kisan And Other Polltl- condition of the peasantry both
cal Movements. in respect of level of rents and tenure of
bakashf lands were handicapped to a
certain extent by the activities of the Kisan Sabha, particularly
in Gaya and some other districts. The storm centres were Beora
in Gaya, the Barahya Tai in Monghyr and Patna and Amwari in
Saran. The. Beora trouble led to a new form of lawlessness when,
 3
following the arrest of . Pandit Jadunahdan Sharma, large numbers
of Kisan demonstrators boarded trains for Gaya without tickets.
-The unrest among the agricultural population in many parts
of Bihar which had been developing for some years and had
culminated in an extensive agitation organised mainly by the
Kisan Sabha springs from -a number of causes. The economic
depression of the last ten years, coupled with the high pitch of
rents in certain parts of the province which had resulted
in the selling up of many holdings for arrears of rent, the conse­
quent accumulation of large areas of land in the hands of'
zemindars, the large increase in the number of landless labourers,
neglect in some cases, by the landlords of irrigation works, petty
oppressions by zemindari ainla, the growth of political conscious­
ness and other factors had all contributed to the spread of a feeling
of discontent: This discontent centred mainly round the land
generally known as bakasht malik, i.e., land once raiyati but now
in possession of the landlord.
The Congress Ministry and their predecessors in office had
devoted anxious consideration to this problem. Government had
examined the law and enacted fresh legislation in an endeavour
to secure to the cultivators redress for their grievances. Legisla­
tion had been passed for the reduction of rents and this was rapidly
being carried into execution all over the province. They had
passed a Money-lenders’ Act aimed at improving materially the posi­
tion of agricultural debtors. They had passed an Act to secure the
restoration of raiyati holdings which were sold up for rent during**
the period of depression between 1929 and 1937 and they hoped
that this Act, which was now being put into operation, would
result in restoration to the raiyats of many of their holdings. But
in passing tliat Act they have had to take into consideration also
the legitimate rights of the landlords and they had, therefore,
found it necessary both to provide that part of the arrears of rent
on such holdings should be paid up as a condition of re-settlement
and also that holdings which had since been re-settled with other
tenants - must be excluded from the scope of the Act. It is
recognised that the cultivator often finds it difficult to prove his
claim even where it is just, because the conditions under which
bakasht land is let out by the landlord make it impossible for him
to produce documents and in the absence of reliable oral evidence
on either side, the courts have, in the past, been compelled to
decide cases mainly on documentary evidence. But Government ,
had, for some time past, encouraged their officers to endeavour
to settle these disputes by means other than a regular suit or
2 41 ^ev.
 4'

proceeding under section 145 of the Criminal' Procedure -Code. -

They had encouraged them to resort more freely ;to local enquiries,
to arbitration and conciliation and they believed that with good­
will on both sides, it was possible to settle in”k reasonable manner >
nearly all genuine bakasht disputes.
The Provincial Kisan Conference was held- at Waini ‘ .
(Darbhanga). The lengthy agenda included 29 resolutions, the
most irnportant being one urging the launching of Satyagraha as
a weapon for attaining their ends.
A summer school of politics was held at Sonepur in May and
.June 1938 which attracted many Left-wing leaders of All-India'
repute. Thb organisers claimed that it was a great success and
the Kisa'n, Sabha leaders held similar winter schools of politics
at Deo in Gaya district and Bhutahi in Muzaffarpur. The
Congress Socialist leaders took a prominent part in the affairs of
the Students’ Federation which formed branches’ in many districts.
It was opposed for a time at Patna by a rival students’ organisation,
formed by the followers of Mr. M. N. Roy.
The Adibasi Sabha Movement became active in Eanchi district
from the middle of 1938, and in January 1939 Mr. Jaipal Singh
presided over two important conferences where "resolutions were
passed demanding the separation of Chota Nagpur from Bihar.
Later he concentrated on organising work at Eanchi and Jamshed­
pur. The separation move was opposed by Sanatan Adibasis, while
the main body of Christian aborigines had also been concentrating
more upon a redress of their grievances than upon separation of
Chota Nagpur. The practical impossibility of separation was
demonstrated by the Prime Minister in the course of a debate on
this question in the Bihar Legislative Council (Upper House).
The Ministry by their stay in Eanchi and extensive tour of Chota
Nagpur came in contact with the aborigines and made efforts to
remove their grievances and undertook, special measures fbr their
benefit and welfare.
The Provincial Hindu Mahasabha Conference was held at
Monghyr. Mr. Savarkar and Dr. Moonje were among the
prominent persons who attended. The speeches made at the
Conference were at times of a pronouncedly communal tone.
The failure of the negotiations for a rapprochement between
Muslim Organisations. Congress and the Muslim League
embittered the already strained relationship
between Hindus and Muslims. The result was that the League
 5

‘continued to emphasize its communal appeal and to draw mor©

adherents. Its activities tended to become more and mor©
• communal and district board and municipal elections were
assiduously boycotted. While the spokesman of th© League
, contended that the Congress Government were unjust to them, a
■ section of Hindus protested that they were being sacrificed in an
’ attempt to placate the'Muslims.
The All-India session of the_League took place in Patna under
the presidentship of Mr. M. A. Jinnah during the Christmas
holidays. In spite of prior admonitions from the leaders to refrain
from irresponsible oratory, there were -many bellicose speeches.
There was a very uncompromising debate on the subject of
Federation, but the rejection of Federation was* ultimately- watered
down in the Working Committee, where Mr. ’■Jinnah was given
authority to-mould the League policy as circumstances demanded
and to explore the possibility of a suitable alternative to the
present Federation scheme which would completely safeguard the
interests of the Mussalmans and other minorities of India. There
was a similar retreat froih an uncompromising position in the case
of the resolution on civil disobedience where th© delegates from
the United Provinces and Bihar pressed strongly for a definite
decision in favour of civil disobedience. Th© debate led to many
accusations against the Congress Governments, the chief objects
of attack being the Vidya Mandir Scheme, the Muslim Mass
Contact Movement of the Congress, Bande Matram, the Congress
national flag and Hindi as a lingua franca. Charges of oppression
and victimization were freely made.
The-League Session was followed by a conference of the
Muslim Students’ Federation at which Maulana Zafar Ali Khan
made a somewhat heated speech.
More than one investigating committee toured th© country
on behalf of the League and collected data and published them
as so many charge sheets against the Congress Governments. To
these the Bihar Congress Government, as other Congress Govern­
ments concerned, issued lengthy replies to substantiate their claim
that they were more than just and generous to the minority
community.
There was a split in the Muslim ranks as the Momins, -who
are strong in some parts of the province, showed a tendency to
separate from the League. They held numerous meetings at
which they dissociated themselves from the League and extended
support to the Congress.
 6

' Palestine Day ’ was celebrated by numerous Muslim League

meetings and processions and all branches of the League sent
telegrams to the British Prime Minister demanding the stoppage
of Jewish immigration to Palestine and the'establishment, of an
Arab National Government there. The Provincial Government
also forwarded to the Goyernment of India a representation from
leading Muslims of the province and of the Legislature asking for
sympathetic consideration of the Arab claims.
Mr. Fazlul Haq, Premier of Bengal, presided at the All-India
Muslim Educational Conference held at Patna.

The communal situation deteriorated considerably during the

Communal Relations, y^^^. was a source of considerable
anxiety to those responsible for the main­
tenance of law and order. The growing sense of intolerance on
the part of both parties and their readiness to take offence at the
slightest provocation were some of the disturbing features, 'A
number of communal riots disfigured the face of the province.

Except for the clashes at Ranchi and Jamshedpur the

Ramnavami festival, which caused grave apprehension of
breach of peace in the previous years, passed off quietly. The
Ranchi affair was a minor one and was quickly stopped by the
police, about a dozen persons receiving injuries from stones and
brickbats. The disturbance at Jamshedpur might have been very
serious but for the courageous handling of the situation by the
Deputy Commissioner and the police. Later there was a prog­
ressive deterioration in the communal situation culminating in a
serious outbreak of rioting in Bhagalpur. The disturbance arose
out of a Bath Jatra procession. Sporadic assaults occurred all
over the town and the total casualties were 5 killed and 56 wounded.
A feeling of apprehension of communal conflict existed through­
out the province but at the same time good sense seemed to have
dawned in several parts after the sad spectacle of the Bhagalpur
riot. In the town of Muzaffarpur, where communal tension
prevailed, Hindus and Muslims assembled together in a public
meeting and decided to maintain peace and concord, while at
Siwan, a notorious centre of communal trouble, the two com­
munities spontaneously formed a conciliation committee. There
was some recrudescence of communal trouble in the Bhagklpur
Division and there were disturbances at four places arising from
the question of music before mosques. Bakrid passed off, on the
whole, peacefully although there were many anxious moments and
the resources of the Magistrates and the police were strained in
 2
several districts. More or less selious occurrences took glace jh
Darbhanga, Gaya and Bhagalpur. At village Bara (Darbhanga).
a large Hindu crowd surrounded the village determined to prevent
sacrifice. The Magistrate with a small force of armed police was
finally compelled to open fire. The casualties were two dead and
five injured. ■ It. was reassuring that the Muharram festival passed
off without any serious disturbance. The Holi festival, which
immediately followed Muharram, was, however, marked by two
communal riots, one at Dhanwar (Hazaribagh) and another at
Nayagaon (Muzaffarpur). The firs.t was caused by a small boy
throwing red powder on a’ Muslim and in the resulting fight
57 persons were injured on both sides, one of the injured having
died later, and five of the police party also received injuries. The
other resulted in the burning of 57 houses and one person being
killed and another seriously injured. Government sanctioned a
grant to help towards the repair of the damaged houses. There
were a few other riots and disturbances.

Later in the year Government took energetic steps to deal

- with the growing communal unrest.
A heated controversy arose over what is known as the Bengali-
Bengall-Blharl
Bihari controversy. The controversy was
Controversy. - set at rest during the year by the decision
reached by the All-India Congress Working
Committee on the question on the basis of Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s
report.
Two serious railway accidents took place during the year.
Railway Accidents. Mail was derailed near
Madhupiir on the main line (East Indian
Railway). One railway servant and one postal employee w’ere
killed and 41 passengers were injured, fortunately most of them
slightly. The derailment was due to sabotage. Another disaster
occuiTed near Chichaki Railway Station, about mile 210 on the
Grand Chord Dine of the East Indian Railway when the 9-Up
Dehra Dun Express was derailed. Four’ coaches were completely
burnt and the' casualty list included 23 dead and 49 injured. A
special resolution was moved in the Provincial Legislative Assembly
urging the Local Government to move the Government of India
to appoint an impartial tribunal to enquire into the causes of the
disaster. Governinent accepted the resolution and expressed
sympathy with the relatives of the dead, among whom was a
member of the Provincial Legislative Council (Upper House),
Mr. Nageshwar Prasad Singh. It was subsequently established
 a
that the disaster was due to the deliberate removal of a rail. This
was the fourth derailment which had taken place in this province
in two years. In view of these accidents, a system of special
patrols was instituted on the East Indian Railway main line and
Grand Chord line in co-operation between the police and the
Railway Administration. A scheme for more extensive patrolling
was under examination.
During the second quarter of the year Europe hovered on the
Munich Agreement. Conference
between Mr. Chamberlain and Hitler at
Godesberg and the Pour-Power Conference between Mr.
Chamberlain, Signor Mussolini, M- Daladier and Hitler at Munich
a settlement of the dispute between Germany and Czecho-Slovakia
over the Sudeten question was reached, and an Agreement was
signed between Mr. Chamberlain and Hitler affirming their deter­
mination to remove .possible sources of differences and thus
contribute to assure the peace of Europe. There was a wave of
relief that the disaster of war had been averted. But shortly after
Hitler suddenly annexed Czecho-Slovakia in downright repudia­
tion of the pledges he had made both verbally and in writing to
the British Prime Minister at Munich. The world was shocked
at this wanton destruction of a free country and many then saw
only too clearly that war was not averted but postponed.
The year continued to be characterised by general labour
Labour unrest. There were altogether 16 strikes,
including one lock-out, against 11 in the
previous year. Dalbhum and Dhanbad subdivisions, the two main
industrial areas in the province, suffered more from an unbroken
series of strikes many of which were marred by violence despite
the presence of the police force. In several instances the police
themselves were attacked or received injuries while trying to
maintain order. Many of the disputes arose from minor issues.
Some of the leftists took a prominent part in organising these
strikes. Strikes occurred at the Rohtas Industries, Limited, at
Dalmianagar, the Gaya Cotton Mills, Japla Cement Works, the
Eagle Rolhng Mills, Engineering Works and Fire Clay and Sillica
Works at Kumardhubi, Dhanbad, the Bengal Iron and Steel
Company’s Works at Manoharpur, Singhbhum, the Indian Copper
Corporation, Limited, Mosaboni, Singhbhum, the Indian Cable
Company, Golmuri, Jamshedpur, the Indian Hume Pipe Company
at Jamshedpur, the Jealgora and Bararee Collieries at Dhanbad,
belonging to the East India Coal Company, the Basudeopur
Factory of the Tobacco Manufacturers (India), Limited, Monghyr,
the Tatanagar Foundry Company, Limited, Jamshedpur, the
Malkera and Chhatiadih Collieries of Messrs. Tata and Company,
the Swadeshi Sugar Mills at Narkatiaganj, Champaran, Budroochak,
Kastras (Chhatabad) and Mudidih Collieries at Dhanbad, belonging
to Messrs. Bird and Company, the Harinagar Sugar Mills,
Champaran, .the Chanch Colliery of the Bengal Coal Company
at Dhanbad, the Limestone Quarries, Chunhatta, Baulia, Shahabad,
and lock-out at the Tinplate Company of India, Limited, Jam­
shedpur, The most of these disputes were settled amicably between
parties themselves or through conciliation boards.
The Press in the province continued to enjoy, during the year,
The Press same measure of freedom as that of last
year. There was no restraint on truthful
and independent comments or views frankly held and expressed,
but this freedom was, at times, abused by a section of the Press.
The majority of the newspapers, however, displayed sobriety and
toleration of opposing views in their editorial outlook.
Amongst the English newspapers the Searchlight and the
Indian Nation continued to be the only dailies of the province.
The former continued its policy of whole-hearted support of the
Congress Government, while in communal matters it gave no
quarter either to the Muslim League or the Hindu Mahasabha.
The latter (Indian Nation) continued to be definitely pro-landlord
and though not completely in agreement with the Congress policy
and programme, it was never openly hostile to this body. This
does not, however, mean that it did not criticise the Congress
Government of the day but its criticism was generally couched in
a temperate tone. Prominent among the English weeklies were
the Beha/r Herald (Patna) and the Sentinel (Ranchi) and none
of them was wedded to any political party. The former continued
to stand and speak for the domiciled Bengali community in the
province and was frequently critical of the Congress and its High
Command. Two news additions to the list of English weeklies
during the year were the Hindu Times and the Muslim Chronicle,
Patna, the former voicing the Hindu Mahasabha view and the
latter that of the Muslim League. Both were short-lived and
closed down during the year.
Of the Hindi newspapers, the Navashakti and the Janata were
the most important. Among others which may be mentioned are
the Chingari, the Yogi, the Desh, the Prahhakar and the Trilochan.
The Navashakti (published weekly) is the Hindi counterpart of
the Searchlight and represented the Right Wing of the Congress,
 10

while the Janata (published weekly) represented the Leftists and

the Ki sans. The Yogi did not' represent any political party but it
definitely allied itself with the Congress.
So far as the Urdu papers are concerned, there is nothing new
to report. The Ittehad (bi-weekly) continued to be anti-Congress,
pro-Muslim League and pro-British, while the Al-Helal (weekly)
showed itself to be anti-Muslim League and has had a Congress
leaning and tried to eschew communal issues, confining itself
mainly to constitutional topics.
There were only two prosecutions under the Press Act, one
of which was subsequently withdrawn and the other ended in a
fine of Es. 35 for the accused. The joint editors and pubhshers of
the Adibasi were prosecuted under section 153-A, Indian Penal
Code, for publishing certain objectionable articles and convicted.
•The entire Tirhut Division was affected by floods, severer than
Floods previous year. In Saran-, the bhadoi
and paddy crops were completely destroyed
in the flood-affected areas. In Muzaffarpur and Champaran also,
some damage was caused to crops, while in Darbhanga crops were
washed away, particularly in low-lying tracts. In North Bhagalpur,
railway communication between Mansi and Koparia was closed
and the Kosi floods were more destructive than in the previous
years. In Purnea, the floods caused much distress in July and
August. Belief in the shape of taccavi loans and free gifts was
given in Saran, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga to enable persons in
the flooded areas to purchase seeds and to reconstruct their houses.
In North Bhagalpur, where high floods and heavy rainfall caused
much damage, gratuitous relief in the shape of house-building
grants and free seeds was given. Timely help in the form of gra­
tuitous relief and advances under the Agriculturists’ Loans Act
did much to relieve the distress caused by floods in Purnea. Owing
to the Ganges flood many villagers in the Diara area in Bajmahal
were rendered homeless. They were given gratuitous relief. A
total of Bs. 2,28,118 was allotted for flood relief and Es. 8,51,934
was actually distributed as taccavi loans.
There was no appreciable improvement in the material condi-
Eoonomlo Situation, tion of the people. Weather conditions were
favourable in the beginning of the season,
but the failure. of hathia rains adversely affected the winter rice
crop. Bains and pests damaged rabi crops both in the fields and
in the threshing floors. In Tirhut, less sugarcane was grown, so
that there was a keen competition for the cane and the higher
 11

minimum prices fixed benefited growers. Chilli and tobacco,

which fetch ready money, suffered damage from moisture and
frost. In Purnea, the winter rice crop was a bumper one but jute,
which is the chief money crop of the district, failed. Sugarcane
also suffered from floods and there was less demand for it owing
to inability of the sugar mill in the area concerned to consume all
the cane produced. In Chota Nagpur, the prices of shellac touched
the lowest level hitherto recorded causing considerable distress
amongst growers and labourers. The outturn of the paddy crop
was very low in parts of Singhbhum. The stock of grains in
possession of tenants, left over from previous years, was, however,
sufficient. The gradual deterioration of irrigation facilities on the
one hand and non-payment of rent on the other formed a vicious
Circle, as the landlords were without money and unable to do
anything unless rents were paid.
The total number of emigrants from Eanchi to the labour
districts of Assam was 13,425 including 3,995 dependants against
10,502 labourers including 4,517 dependants, the increase being
due to the fluctuations of the labour market. The figures for
Palamau decreased to 733 adults and 318 dependants against 1,170
adults and 490 dependants in the previous year. 452 coolies against
444 in the previous year were recruited from the Santal Parganas
for the tea districts and 26 coolies were sent to the Lushai Hills.
Labourers in that district had sufficient work in stone quarries,
sabai baries, lac factories, mills and collieries and on the construe-,
tion and repairs of roads. There was a small increase in the rate
of wages in the mica mines. In Ranchi and Palamau, the rural
uplift operations afforded employment to many field labourers
besides *” improving the water-supply and communications in
villages. In Manbhum, the wages of miners were increased in
most collieries. In Singhbhum, the industrial and mining centres,
as usual, gave employment to a large number of people. There
was improvement in the housing conditions of labourers and
arrangements for sanitaition and water-supply were effected in some
of the mining areas though in the majority of mines and factories
there was no arrangement for medical relief.
His Excellency Sir Thomas Alexander Stewart, k.c.s.i..
Administration. K.C.I.B.,. I.C.S., was appointed to act as
Governor of Bihar on the 16th May 1938 in
place of His Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett, k.c.s.i.,
c.i.B., I.C.S., during his absence as Acting Governor of the United
Provinces of Agra and Oudh. On the 16th September 1938, His
Excellency Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett resumed charge of his
©l&ee ©f Geveraer after celkiqiiislucig Ms aetipg appemtmealt as
Goveraer of the United ^romees of and ©udfe.
•Jh© Mon’hle Sir Courtney Terreil, Chief Jnstiee of th© Pataia
Sigh Court, was granted leave fiom the ’9ih' April it© the Stli May
WS©' and tbe Son’hte... Mr. Justiee A. W- E- Wort, was
appoirfted to aet as Chi^f ifustiee during this period. The
Hon’ble Sir Couidney Terrell (Med on the 5th May 3®3§ whSe on
leave i® EngJand. The Hon’hl'e Mr. Justice Easil Afi, Bar.^at-
Jjaw, was appointed to perform the duties of the Chief Justice froth
the i4th May to the 15th July 1938, while jfee Hon’ble Mr. Justice
A> W. ®. Wort, Bar-^a’hljaw, was appointed to act as Chief Justice^
fvem the ISth July 1938. The Hoo’bl'e Sir A. T. Harries was
appointed as the permanent Chief Justice of the High Court and
assumed charge of his office on. the 10th October 1938.
 CHAPTER 11.
Finance.
The budgetary position of the province during the year revealed
General the happy circumstance that while financial
solvency had been fully maintained, the foun­
dations for an ameliorative programme had also been securely laid.
The Ministry were able to provide for increased expenditure for
beneficial purposes, solely devoted to uplifting the masses’ condition,
despite the inelasticity of the resources of the province. Provisions
for new schemes and for schemes continuing from yeai- to year on
the availability of funds during the year amounted to Es. 37| lakhs
in aggregate, of which Es. bj lakhs was intended for recurring
expenditure and Es. 31J lakhs for non-recurring expenditure.
The ultimate cost of these schemes was Rs. 7| lakhs recurring and
Es. 38J lakhs non-recurring. The bulk of the available funds for
new schemes, namely Es. 5| lakhs recurring and Es. 13| lakhs
non-recurring, fell to the share of nation-building departments like
Education, Medical, Public Health, Agriculture, Co-operative and
Industries. The additional ultimate recurring commitments
which the Ministry had undertaken under these nation-building
heads since they took office amounted to Rs. 12J lakhs.
Taking the revenue' position as a whole for the year, there was
an increase of Rs. 23,77,000 under revenue and Es. 43,11,000
under expenditure on revenue account as compared with the figures
for 1938-39. Notwithstanding the large increase in expenditure,
the year under review closed with a revenue surplus of
Rs. 11,81,000. The closing balance of the year was
Es. 1,50,80,000, of which Rs. 75,15,000 was in cash and
Es. 75,65,000 in investments against xthe total balance of
Es, 1,40,68,000 in the previous year. There was thus an increase
of Es. 10,12,000 in the closing balance which was mainly due to
an improvement in the revenue position.
Along with the quest for economy and retrenchment wherever
possible, the Ministry tried to explore new sources of revenue to
hnance their elaborate ameliorative programme. Among the new
taxation measures introduced by the Ministry during the previous
year the principal one was the Agricultural Income-tax, the annual
yield from which was estimated at Es. 30 to 32 lakhs. This
tax-source was so exploited as to leave petty landlords and small

13
 14
farmers untouched. Bihar was first to venture into this field of
taxation, the proceeds from which were to be devoted entirely to
the improvement of the condition of the rural masses.
The Ministry proposed to launch upon a progressive and
expansionist programme of public expenditure. In this connection
the Finance Minister rightly emphasised that it was of the utmost
importance that the Province should maintain a sound financial
position, so that its credit in the market might enable it to borrow
at a reasonable rate for large productive schemes. One of such
schemes in view was the electrification project.
The third sinplus budget under provincial autonomy was*
Budget For 1939-40. Presented to the Legislative Assembly on
February 20, 1939, by the Hon’ble
Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Finance Minister. In introducing
the budget the Hon’ble Minister dealt first with some aspects of
the constructive achievements of the Ministry since they took
office. In the first instance, he referred to the various measures
taken by the Ministry for improving the tenancy laws in the
province and to the steps taken for reducing the incidence of rent
from the high levels to which it had risen. The efforts of Govern­
ment in this direction had given effect to the resolutions adopted
in this behalf by the Indian National Congress, but they have had
of course an influence on the budgetary position of the province
not. only by reducing the income received from rents in Govern­
ment Estates, but also by the reduction that must inevitably
occur in the estimated yield of Agricultural Income-tax, as the
.yield of this tax might as a result of rent reduction, be reduced
from 40 to 30—32 lakhs of rupees. Rent reduction must also
affect the realisations of road-cess, thereby reducing the income of
district boards which might make them turn more to Government
for financial assistance.
He next dealt with schemes of development and referred to the
various measures taken for the improvement of agriculture, develop­
ment of sugarcane, the rehabilitation of lac industry, and the
scheme for rural development. He also referred {o the decision of
Government to rehabilitate the co-operative movement and such
. central banks as were capable of recovery and to give such financial
assistance as might be necessary for this purpose.
He next dealt with the irrigation problems and indicated the
difficulties that surrounded the settlement of the flood problem in
Saran. Schemes for dealing with this problem were, however,
under consideration and it was expected that a supplementary
 15

demand would be put forward to give effect to them. The Private

and Minor Irrigation Works Bills were mentioned as indicating
the Government’s intention of proceeding with all schemes cal-,
culated to increase the productivity of the soil and to add to the
income of the province and the provision of considerable sums of
money in each district of .Chota Nagpur for small irrigation
projects.
He next briefly mentioned the Bihar Electrification Project
which the Technical Committee appointed by Government had
referred to as a project ” which it is incumbent on Government
to carry out ”. Steps were taken to appoint necessary technical
staff for the preparation of this project and when matters developed
it would be necessai-y to borrow a sum of Rs. 2^ crores for the
project itself and an additional Rs. | crore for tube-wells, as it
formed an integral part of the proposal that steps should be taken
to increase the opportunity for lift irrigation by the installation of
electrically driven pumps on tube-wells. The project has had a
two-fold purpose, namely, the industrial development of the
province and the improvement of the yield of the land and the
economic condition of the peasantry.
Passing on to the actual budget figures the Hon’ble Minister
dealt first with the revised estimates of the year 1938-39, which
worked Out somewhat more favourably than a year ago. Revenue
was estimated at Rs. 21 lakhs higher, the increase being due to the
imposition of the cess on the entry of sugarcane into local areas
(Rs. 12. lakhs), a less steep drop in Excise revenue than was
anticipated (Rs. 14 lakhs) and a slightly larger yield from the
Stamp Amending Act passed in the preceding year (Rs. 2 lakhs).
Against" these increases, however, there was a drop of Rs. 5 lakhs
under Agricultural Income-tax, as the passing of the Act and
framing of the rules took longer than was anticipated and notices
of demand were just being issued, while the land revenue
estimates were also down by Rs. 4 lakhs as a result of the floods
and some remission of arrears in Government Estates. Receipts
from loans were also down by Es. 2^ lakhs, mainly owing to the
postponement of'the recovery of instalments due on the loan
granted to the Provincial Co-operative Bank. The net increase
in receipts credited to ordinary balance over the original estimate
was, therefore, Rs. 18^ lakhs.
Against this increase expenditure debited to ordinary balance
was Rs. 6J lakhs more than the original estimate, which included
Rs. 8 lakhs of reserve for schemes which were not ready when the
budget was framed. These schemes had been introduced in the
 16

course of the year and included preliminary provision for the Mass
Literacy Movement, increased expenditure on anti-malarial
measures and rural development and organisation of cane-growers’
co-operative, societies. Additional expenditure was'also incurred
on rent reduction operations, various enquiry committees and relief
given in respect of distress 'caused by floods. Floods also
necessitated additional expenditure on takavi loans.
■As a result of these alterations in- Revenue and Expenditure
in the Revised, ordinary balance would increase during 1938-39 by
Rs. 13J lakhs'. Most of this increase Was, however, due to the
cess on sugarcane, the proceeds of which, as it was introduced
relatively late, could not be expended during the year, as schemes
for its expenditure were not fujly developed.
As a result of this increase,, the year 1939-40 was expected
to open with an opening balance of Rs, 70 lakhs. Revenue for
next year was taken at Rs.-538J lakhs, and expenditure qharged
to revenue at 537| lakhs, leaving a small revenue surplus of
Rs. J lakh. There was. also a small excess of loans recovered over
loans advanced amounting to Rs-. 7J lakhs. Capital expenditure
was estimated at Rs. 1 lakh mainly on the completion of earth­
quake reconstruction. The figures, therefore, indicated that
ordinary balance should increase by 7J lakhs and the budget was.
therefore, balanced. He, hqwever, anticipated that more than this
surplus would be required to meet supplementary demands arising
during the year, and he pointed out that the heavy requirements
for financing the continuance of the Excise prohibitiop programme
and of the various development schemes, which Government had
in contemplation, must be kept in mind. Therefore though no
additional taxation measures formed part of his budget proposal,
he indicated that he was contemplating additional taxation and
that its introduction must inevitably be necessary.
The increase in next year’s anticipated revenue over this
year’s revised was about Rs. 19 lakhs, after allowing for a further
reduction of Rs. 10 lakhs as a further instalment of the prohibition
programme. Therefore other revenue heads increased on balance
by Rs. 29 lakhs. Of this inctease, Rs. 5J lakhs resulted merely
from an accounting Change, Of the remainder, Rs. 20 lakhs was
the estimated yield during the year from Agricultural Income-tax,
the annual yield from which was estimated at Rs. 30—32 lakhs,
while the cess on sugarcane was expected to yield an additional
Rs. 3 lakhs as a result of a larger anticipated area under cane, and
a larger transfer from the Road Fund deposit account for
expenditure on Road Fund projects accounted for the balance.
 17

Expenditure charged to revenue exceeded the Revised by

Rs. 33J lakhs. Of this increase, Rs. 5J lakhs was caused by the
accounting change referred to above, while new schemes totalled
Rs. 31J lakhs non-recurring and Rs. 6J lakhs recurring, but of
these some were schemes which were repeated from year to year as
new schemes, as funds were not available to sanction, them
permanently.
Prominent among the new schemes was the provision of
New Schemes Jakhs for a revolving fund to finance
minor irrigation projects throughout the
province. In the past it had been found difficult to find money to
finance these projects, and the Hon’ble Minister, who stressed the
great value of such small irrigation projects to the prosperity of
the province, explained that the intention of the fund was that
money should be immediately available as advances to carry out the
projects, the advances being subsequently recovered from the
persons benefited. Another very important scheme was the
proposed introduction of free and compulsory primary education 5n‘
municipalities situated in district headquarters at a cost of
Rs. 3 lakhs of which Rs. lakhs was recurring. The' opening
of schools for basic education according to the Wardha Scheme
and expenditure on Wardha training accounted for new recurring
expenditure of Rs. 42,000, and considerable extra provision was
made for encouragement of female education. Provision was made
for a Military Training School at a cost of Rs. 55,000, an
additional sum of Rs. 40,000 was allotted to the Mass Literacy
Movement, and Rs. 30,000 for the establishment of village
libraries. Among Medical and Public Health schemes, in addition
to the usual semi-recurring schemes, there were provisions of
Rs. 22,000 for anti-leprosy work in Manbhum, Rs. 32,000 for the
establishment of a cheap tuberculosis sanatorium at Patna,
Rs. 60,000 for anti-malarial schemes and a further Rs. 60,000 for
provision of free quinine. A drive ,was also being made against
Kala-azar, the incidence of which -is increasing to an alarming
extent in North Bihar and, in addition to sums-already provided
by supplementary demand, further provision of about Rs. 1 lakh
was made for this purpose. Provision for rural water-supply was
increased to Rs. lakhs. New schemes under Agriculture and
Industries accounted for about Rs. 3 lakhs, .and this total was made
up of a large numner .of small'and important schemes, though
sanction to some of the more important sugar development schemes,
involving expenditure of about Rs. 4 lakhs a year, was being taken
by supplementary demand in March. Under jails, there was a
provision of about Rs. 52,000 for industrialisation of jail labour.
 18

Expenditure on road fund works was expected to total Es, 9| lakhs

but part of this was expenditure on schemes in progress.
As a result it was expected that the year would close with an
ordinary balance of Es. 77J lakhs, inclusive of minimum closing
balance of Es. 21 lakhs, while the balance in the debt deposit heads
would be an additional Es. 71J^ lakhs. The Hon’ble Minister,
however, pointed out that the commitments which Government
were likely to have to undertake in connection with the rehabilita­
tion of the co-operative movement and meeting interest on an
electrification project loan for its early years during which it might
be unremunerative was likely to swallow up the whole of the
ordinary balance.
Of the four supplementary schedules of expenditure relating
Supplementary Grants. ‘he year under review, one was authen­
ticated and the rest authorised by His
Excellency the Governor. The schedules comprised 69 supple­
mentary grants involving a sum of Es. 45,05,382 of which
Es. 19,62,365 was voted by the Legislature and Es. 25,43,017
authorised by His Excellency the Governor under section 93 of the
Government of India Act, 1935, and fifteen supplementary appro­
priations aggi-egating Es. 2,29,305 required to meet the expenditure
charged on the revenues of the province. A token grant of
Es. 5 each was obtained for 90 new schemes which could be
financed by reappropriation of savings within the grant or
appropriation concerned.
During the year Government decided to investigate fully the
Electrification Project. Possibility of the establishment of an
Electric Grid System for the supply of
electricity over a major portion of the province lying south of the
Ganges both for agricultural and industrial purposes. A Special
Officer was appointed and was charged with the duty of making a
rough survey of conditions obtaining in the province so far as it
related to the establishment of such a scheme. The Special
Officer reported that conditions were very favourable and he also
outlined a scheme showing roughly the capital cost involved. A
Technical Committee consisting of Mr. S. B. Forbes, Chief
Electrical Engineer, Government of Mysore, Mr. Mitra, Govern­
ment of India Mining Electrical Inspector, and Mr. J. Parkinson,
Chief Electrical Engineer, Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation,
was appointed to examine this report. The Technical Committee
unanimously supported the view of the Special Officer that
conditions were favourable in the province for the establishment
 ■®f W EteehuG System and r-eeomaaeaded die fra-i3a-i«g
detaits and lihe coMeetioa of more teetoioal ^ata. -©ovei’atHeat
afeo appointed a Standing ’Committee consisting of ali the four,
Ministers and representatives ©{ both SEouses of the Legislatui’e to
advise them on matters relating to Eleetrific^on. 'This Cona-
mittee recommended that^ fey way of experiment,, and wiili a view
, to gain aetuai experience of the reaction of the people of th©
piovioGe towards the pioject, an instalment of t^ie scheme be
coBsh^cted in the Pehri-Sasaram area and worked with eiech’ieity
purchased from Messrs. Bohtas Industries, Limited. Estimates
a®d plans were aecor-dingly piepared for it and negotiations started
with the Bohtas industries, Limited for the Supply of energy up
*0 3 ,006 kilowatts.

41 Kev,
 CHAPTER III.

The Legislature.
The second year of provincial autonomy saw much greater
legislative activity than the previous one.
Tn all there were 73 sittings of the Assembly,
of which 62 days were devoted to the tran­
saction of official business and the rest to rion-official business.
Notices of 1,983 questions were received, of which 1,538 on
Questions wide range of subjects were admitted. 412
were disallowed as they contravened the
rules of the Assembly, 33 withdrawn, 913 answered and 625
remained pending at the close of the year. In addition, 2,000
supplementarj questions were put and answered.
Out of 782 resolutions given notice of as many as 698 ranging
over a wide field of social and political
interest were included in the agenda for dis­
cussion and the remaining ones were disallowed as being inadmis­
sible under the rules. 231 of these related substantially to the same
subject. Only 18 resolutions were actually moved and discussed
of which 9 were adopted by the House, 6 were withdrawn and
3 were rejected.
Twenty-one motions for adjournment of the House were
I received, of which 10 were disallowed and
Adjournment Motions.
the -notices of four were ultimately not
pressed by the members concerned, The rest were moved and
discussed but talked out.
The presentation of the Budget took one day, while 3 days
The Budget were devoted to the general discussion and
voting of demands for grants occupied eleven
davs. In order to facilitate discuss'On, a system described as
‘ grouping of budget demands according to their importance ”
was introduced According to this system the demands for grants
were arranged in 6 groups, 5 groups to occupy 2 days each and the
6th group to be taken up on the last day available for the purpose.
Follow’ing the well-established parliamentary principle ‘ grievances
before supply members subjected the Budget to careful scrutiny
tabling no less than 890 motions either for reduction of the Budget
demands or for reduction or omission of items under such demands.

20
 21

But only 17 of such motions could be discussed, some of them

dealing with important subjects, such as the introduction of hand-
spun and hand-woven khadi uniforms, the necessity of opening an
Agricultural College in the province, the policy of Government in
matters of appointment, the Wardha Scheme and Prohibition.
Out of these 17 cut motions, 3 were negatived, 13 withdrawn
and 1 could not be put to vote as it fell under the guillotine.
In addition to the ni-hn Budget, there were as many as
51 supplementary demands. AU the demands were voted without
any alteration.
The year as the previous one was of great legislative
Legislation.
importance, inasmuch as 31 legislative
measures were dealt with by the Assembly
during the year. Among these important were :
The Bihar Bestoration of Bakasht Lands and Beduction of
Arrears of Rent Bill, 1938, affording relief to raiyats by providing
for reduction of rent on the ground of fall in prices as also by­
making {irovision for liquidation of arrears of rent and easy reali­
sation of the reduced arrears.
The Bihar Agricultural Income-tax Bill, 1938, the object of
which was to levy agricultural income-tax on agricultural income,
as defined (with a small alteration to suit local conditions) in the
Indian Income-tax Act, 1922.
The Bihar Prohibition Bill, 1938, which contemplated to
implement Government’s policy in regard to the prohibition of
liquor, tari and intoxicating drugs and gave Government authority
to introduce prohibition in selected areas with power to extend it
to other areas as time and experience would enable such extension
to be made.
The Bihar Money-Lenders Bill, 1937, which intended to give
relief to the debtors, to prevent the exaction of usurious rates of
interest and to regulate the business of money-lending.
The Bihar 'Stamp (Amendment) Bill, 1938, which proposed
to exempt an instrument of divorce of a Muslim at the dis.solution
of his or her marriage from the imposition of any stamp duty
thereon under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.
The Bihar Tenancy (Amendment) Bill, 1938, which provided
for the repeal of the -provisions in the Bihar Tenancy Act, 1885,
 22
relating to the right of landlords to take out certificates for recovery
of arrears of rent, abolition of transfer fee and definition of the
rights of raiyats in trees, plantations and jalkar in their holdings.
The Champaran Agrarian (Amendment) Bill, 1938, which
provided to cancel all enhancements of rents made by the land­
lords on the raiyats of Champaran in lieu of the condition imposed
on them for indigo planting when trade in indigo was in a
flourishing state.
The Bihar (Bihar and Orissa Public Safety) Repealing Bill,
1939, the object of which was to repeal the Bihar and Orissa
Public Safety Act, 1933.
The Bihar (Bihar and Orissa) Mica Repealing Bill, 1939,
which sought to repeal the Bihar and Orissa Mica Act, 1930, as
instead of putting a stop^ to mica theft to any appreciable extent
it w’as found to have put unnecessary restraint on mica trade.
Fifteen other bills were introduced, but could not be disposed
of during the year.
During the year the strength of the different parties in the
Assembly was as follows :— •
Party Organisations.

Congress 98
Bihar Nationalist Coalition 26
Muslim Independent Parly ...i 20
Seven members, including four 'of the Muslim League, did
not join any of the above parties.
The House expre.ssed regret at the death of four of its
members, Mr. Chaturanan Das, Mr. Abdul
Majid, Mr. Dpendra Nath Mukherjee and
Mr. Saiyid Ah Manzar and of seven others who were associated
with the Provincial Legislature in the pre-1935 Act days and at
the death of each distinguished personages as Dr. Sir Muhammad
Iqbal, Maulana Shaukat Ali and Mustafa Kamal Pasha and paid
warm tributes to the memory of the deceased.
Members were elected to the House Committee, the Library
Committees Of The Committee, the Committee of Privileges!,
House. etc.
There were six bye-elections to fill the vacancies in the Patna
and Tirhut cum Bhagalpur European Cons-
Bye-deotlons. tituency, Bihar Planters* Association
Constituency, South Madhubani General Rural Constituency,
 23

Hazaribagh Muhammadan Bural Constituency, Bhagalpur Division

General Urban Constituency and IWna Division Landholders’
Constituency.
The Hon’ble Mr. Eamdayalu Sinha, continued to be the
Officers Of The Speaker and Mr. Abdul Bari, the Deputy
Assembly. Speaker of the Assembly.
Altogether 56 meetings were held during the year, of which
6 days were devoted to the transaction of
Legislative Connell
non^oflicial business.
Sessions And Meetings,

Notices of 382 questions were received, of which 41 were

Questions disallowed and 44 remained pending at the
conclusion of the third session. 276 ques­
tions on different subjects were put and answered and as many as
635 supplementary questions were asked.
Notices of 32 resolutions were received, of which 2 were
Resolutions disallowed and 30 re.sohitions were tabled for'
discussion, of which 8 were actually
discussed, 6 were withdrawn, 2 were lost and the rest were crowded
out. Among the resolutions discussed were those relating te the
opening of a Club at Patna for aeroplanes and gliders, the forma­
tion of Chota Nagpur Division and the district of the iSantal
Parganas into a separate province and the reduction of rate of
interest on eartlujuake loans advanced under the Natural Calamaties
Loans Act, 1934. These were either withdrawn or negatived.
Two adjournment motions to discuss matters of urgent public
Adjournment Motions. ’“PO^ance were admitted. One regarding
— the order promulgated by the Subdivisional
Officer, Bihar Sharif, was talked out and the other regarding the
attempted sabotage of the 14 Down Express near Gidhaur was
negatived.
The Budget estimates for the year 1939-40 were presented to
the Council on the 20th February, 1939, and
The Budget. the estimates were discussed for several days.
The first, second and third Supplementary 'Statements of Expen­
diture for 1938-39 were laid on the table and several days were
devoted to their discussion.
• I
No fewer than 18 Bills passed by the Assembly were also
Legislation passed by the Council during the year either
with amendment or without and 15 non-
official Bills were introduced therein, some of which being allowed
to be circulated for eliciting public opinion thereon.
 The report of the committee appointed to frame draft rules of
Draft Council Rules. Procedure and Conduct of Business of the
Legislative Council under section 84(1) of
the Government of India Act, 1935, was presented on the J2rh
May, 1938.
The Hon’ble Mr. Rajivaranjan Prawid Sinha continued to be
Officers Of The CounoU. President and Mr. Saiyid Naqi Imam
. the Deputy President of the Council.
 CHAPTER IV.

Local Self-Government.
On the expiry of the term of five years general elections to
General district boards in the province were held
during the year. Government adopted
^several measures' to make the elections as democratic and repre­
sentative as possible by liberalising the franchise. After reconsti­
tution the four district boards of Chota Nagpur, namely,
Hazaribagh, Banchi, Palamau and Singhbhum exercised the right
of electing non-official chairmen like the other district boards of
the province. The Bhagalpur district board and the local boards
of the district, which were superseded in March 1936, continued
to be so throughout the year and the representative committee
appointed by Government to aid and advise the special officer in
the administration of the district board continued to function as
in the previous year. The board was reconstituted by election
shortly after the close of the year.
With a view to implementing the recommendations made by
the Santal Parganas Enquiry Committee, Government decided to
extend the Bihar and Orissa Local Self-Government Act to the
district of the Santal Parganas with certain modifications so as to
permit the setting up of an elected district board there. The
status of the Santal Parganas district board is similar to that of
the other district boards of the province with the exception that it
will have for the first five years an official chairman appointed by
Government.
An event of importance was the declaration of certain areas
in the district of Hazaribagh as a mining area under the Hazari­
bagh Mines Board Act, 1936, and the newly constituted Mines
Board under the Act began-to function during the year.
A larger provision than in the previous year was made for
grants to the district boards for construction of wells in rural areas
for supply of pure drinking-water. A substantial portion of these
grants was earmarked for providing wells in villages wholly or
hiainly inhabited by Harijans, including aboriginals in case of
Chota Nagpur Division and the Santal Parganas.

25
 26
The limited resources of^ the Boards did not permit any
District Boards appreciable advance in their activities during
the year but the funds available were
profitably utilised by most of them, and the administration of the
boards was fairly satisfactory except in Saran. All. the district
boards, except the district board of Hazaribagh, held meetings in
excess of the statutory minimum of 12 meetings during the year.
The Purnea district board held the largest number of meetings,
namely 31. The average percentage of attendance of members
at meetings was above 50 in all districts except Champaran, where
it was 49.1. The average 'percentage of attendance of official
members at meetings was very low in Champaran, being only
26.6, while in the other districts it varied from 44.3 to 88.5.‘ The
percentage of attendance of non-official members varied from 51.1
to 89.3.
The executives of the district boards of Patna, Shahabad,
Saran, Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Monghyr, Purnea and Singhbhum
made fully extensive tours and inspected the various institutions
and offices under their charge, while in the other district boards
the amount of touring done by the executives was inadequate.
The total opening balance of district boards, including deposits
and unspent Government grants, was
Income^And Expen- pg 33,12,000 on April 1, 1938 against
Es. 20,89,000 in the previous year. The
increase was shared by all the boards except Gaya, Bhagalpur,
Hazaribagh and Manbhum. The total receipts of the boards from
all sources, including Government grants but excluding the opening
balance, amounted to Rs. 1,38,95,000 against Rs. 1,61,36,000 in
the previous year. The total amount available for expenditure
during the year, including the opening balance, thus stood at
Rs. 1,72,07,000 out of which a total sum of Es. 1,45,34,000 was
actually spent leaving a closing balance of Es. 26,73,000. Leaving
aside the deposits amounting to Es. 4,12,000, the actual balance
at the credit of the boards thus stood at Es. 22,61,000 of which
Es. 6,46,000 represents unspent balances of Government grants.
The actual closing balances of all boards except those of Saran,
Champaran and Monghyr were above the minimum prescribed in
each case. Local rates, which form the bulk of the income of the
district boards, increased from Es. 70,28,000 to Es. 70,85,000.
The increase was shared by the district boards of Patna, Shahabad,
Champaran and the five boards of the Chota Nagpur Division.
The decrease in the districts of the Tirhut Division was due partly
to bad collection of cess and partly to the rent reduction operations,
 I

and that in the districts of the (Bhagalpur Division was due mainly
to the latter factor.
The total amount of grants made to the district boards from
the provincial revenues for various purposes amounted to
Es. 45,20,000 against Es. 66,20,000 in the previous year, The
grants for “ Education ’’ decreased from Es. 26,28,000 to
Es. 25,67,000 and “ Civil Works ” from Es. 35,66,000 to
Es. 16,00,000. On the other hand. Government contributions for
“ Medical ” and “ Public Health ” purposes increased from
Es. 3,06,000 to Es. 3,42,000 due to the launching of anti-malarial
' and anti-mosquito measures.
Though the total expenditure of the boards decreased from
Rs. 1,49,13,000 to .Rs. 1,45,34,000, the expenditure on such princi­
pal heads as “Education” increased from Es. 41,35,000 to
Es. 42,58,000, “ Public Health ” from Es. 6,25,000 to Es. 6,33,000
and “ Medical Eelief ” from Es. 14,55,000 to Es. 14,73,000.
In the sphere of education, the progress on the whole was
Eduoatlon satisfactory. The number of all classes of
schools, except middle vernacular schools
(both maintained and aided) and upper primary schools aided by
the district boards, and the number of pupils appreciably increased.
The number of middle English schools maintained and aided by
the boards rose from 299 and 177 to 333 and 239, respectively, and
that of middle vernacular schools dwindled from 77 and 15 to 55
and 12, respectively. The decrease in the’ number of middle
vernacular schools was due to the conversion of such schools into
middle English schools, the demand for which is reported to be
increasirig. The total expenditure of the boards on education
increased from Es. 41,35,000 to Es. 42,58,000. The increase was
shared by all the district boards except Champaran, Muzaffarpur
’and Bhagalpur. The conversion • of stipendiary aided and unaided
schools into board-managed ones, raising of the status of certain
schools, appointment of additional teachers, replacement of un­
trained teachers by trained ones, payment to the gurus of primary
schools at the prescribed minimum rates and periodical increments
in the salaries of teachers were among the factors leading to the
increased expenditure.
Though the progress of female education was handicapped by
the dearth of trained female teachers, it received great impetus in
the districts of Patna and Gaya and facilities for the same were
improved in both the districts, and the number of girls receiving
education in boys' schools generally increased.
 28

Certain district boards, notably Pumea, extended aid to schools

for boys and girls belonging to the aboriginal and depressed classes.
The free supply of books and writing material and the award of
prizes and scholarships and grant-of other concessions to such
students helped to promote the caaise of education of these classes.
The mass literacy campaign was^. enthusiastically taken up
by most of the district boards.
Some of the district boards continued to award scholarships
for technical, medical and other types of specialised education.
The expenditure incurred by the boards under this head
„ ,, , _ increased from Ks. 14,55,000 to Rs. 14,73,000.
The increase was shared by all the boards
except Saran, Darbhanga and Monghyr. The total number of
dispensaries maintained by the boards increased during the year
by 20 and the number of aided dispensaries also increased by 23.
The indigenous system of medicine (Ayurvedic and Tibbi) and
Homeopathy received encouragement by the opening and sub­
sidizing of dispensaries representing each of these branches in
certain areas. Some boards also financed tuberculosis clinics,
while others took special measures for maternity work. Provision
for the treatment of leprosy cases continued to be made by some
of the district boards and contributions for anti-rabic treatment
were also made by some boards. Most of the boards awarded
scholarships for medical education both in allopathic and indigenous
systems.
The total expenditure of the boards under this head increased
BnHin Uaaui. from Es. 6,25,000 to Rs. 6,33,000. The
increase was shared by a number of boards
but was most marked in Gaya, Champaran -and Purnea. The
activities of the boards in this sphere consisted, as usual, of provi­
sion of preventive and curative measures to combat outbreaks of
epidemics and of measures to improve the sources of drinking
water-supply in rural areas. The education of public opinion in
villages in general principles of sanitation and hygiene by lantern
lectures and demonstrations formed another important activity of
the health staff of the boards.
Vigorous measures were taken to combat the epidemic of
luaLaria in the districts of Bhagalpur and Tirhut Divisions, In
addition to permanent dispensaries, seven epidemic centres and
sub-centres were opened in the malaria affected areas in the Supaul
and Madhipura subdivisions in the district of Bhagalpur and there
 2»
Was free distribution of quinine, sago and sugar to the needy.
A scheme for anti-malarial work was formulated by the Bhagalpur
district board and it received a special grant of Rs. 11,500 from
Government towards the cost of the scheme. In Muzaffarpur,
Government sanctioned an intensive anti-malarial scheme to be
carried on in 6 units where 'malarial conditions were known to be
worst. Curative measures and anti-mosquito work were carried
out in all these units, and all water-logged areas in and around
the villages in these units were cleared of weeds and sprayed with
pyrocide mixture. The Government Waterways Division excavated
two channels during the year in Majorganj to drain off the spill
area of the Manusmara river and a third one is under excavation.
In Darbhanga, 70 temporary malaria centres were opened in
affected localities for distribution of medicines to the sufferers and
Government supplied 794 ft) 8. of quinine for free distribution.
The anti-mosquito measures were also reinforced. As a result of
this intensive campaign the incidence of malaria was reduced in
the affected areas.

The total expenditure under this head increased by Rs. 12,000

Veterinary compared with the previous year. The
increase was shared by all the boards except
Patna, Champaran, Darbhanga and Monghyr but was most notice­
able in Gaya and Purnea. In Gaya, it was attributed to actual
requirements of the year and the increase in the number of stud
bulls, while in Purnea it was due to the maintenance of two
additional touring veterinary assistant surgeons. In other districts,
where there was some increase in expenditure under this head, it
Was due chiefly to increased expenditure on medicines, sera and
vaccine.There was, on,the whole, an increase in the number of
cases treated at veterinary hospitals and by the touring veterinary
assistant surgeons. Goat virus inoculation was popular in Bbagal-
pur and Monghyr, and in the former district as many as 21,887
head of cattle were vaccinated against 9,766 in, the previous year.
A number of district boards continued to maintain stud bulls for
improvement of the breed of cows and buffaloes.
The expenditure under this head fell from Rs. 64,61,000 to
Civil Works 56,14,000. The decrease was shared by
the district boards of the Tirhut Division
and also by the district boards of Gaya, Purnea and Palamau.,
Out of the total expenditure under this head, the boards spent
Rs. 4,72,000 on building works and Rs. 41,12,000 on communi­
cations. The bulk of the expenditure on communications was
 30
incurred on repairs and maintenance of roads. In the matter of
communications noteworthy progress was made in the Patna and
Gaya districts. In particular, mention may be made of the
metalling of the Bihar-Kajgir road, an important, road connecting
one of the famous places of pilgrimage and a health- resort with
hot water springs. The total mileage of metalled, unmetalled and
village roads maintained by the district boards during the year was
2,396, ]5,12-5 and 10,046, respectively.
Water hyacinth is spreading in the rural areas of the district
Vater Hyacinth. Shahabad and its eradication demands
greater attention on the part of the district
board than it has received so far. In .Muzaffarpur, a bye-law for
the eradication of the weed i.s in force and this is reported to have
gone a great way in checking its growth. In Monghyr also,
similar byc-laws have been approved and it is hoped that their
proper enforcement will remove the ppst from the district. For
Bhagalpur and Purnea more active and concerted measures are
needed to put an end to this rapidly growing menace.
The total number and constitution of local board remained
Local Boards. unchanged during the year. The local
boards in Bhagalpur continued to remain
under supersession along with the district board throughout the
year. The majority of the local boards held the statutory minimum
of 12 meetings a year. The average percentage of attendance at
meetings was above 50 in all local boards with a few exceptions.
The local boards continued to exercise the;same powers as in the
previous year except that the Dhanbad local board, which exercises
very wide powers in respect of all matters, was deprived of the
privilege which it had long enjoyed of entering into contracts of
values varying from Es.'500 to Es. 5,000, such contracts being now
accepted by the district board direct.
The total number, of union committees remained the same and
Union Committees. continued to work with the same
number of members as in the previous year.
The union committees of Haveli-Kharagpur, Gogri and Khagaria
in Monghyr and Balrampur and Chas in Manbhum were reconsti­
tuted during the year. Out of 22 union committees 8 failed to
hold the prescribed number of 12 meetings during the year. The
activities of these committees were, as usual, confined to the
maintenance of roads, sanitaiy measures and conservancy arrange­
ments,' management of pounds, maintenance of primary schools
and dispensaries and the improvement of water-supply. Some
 31

committees also maintained street lighting with the funds provided

by the district boards concerned. The total receipts of these
committees from all sources during the year amounted to Rs. 91,417
(excluding the opening balance of Rs. 18,818) while the total
amount available for expenditure, including, the opening balance,
was Rs. 1,10,235 of which Rs. 91,356 was spent during the year.
The working of the Union Boards was not marked by any
' Union Boards. indication of real progress during the year.
The total numbei’ of union boards rose from
147 to 168. The increase was due to the creation of 17 new union
boards in the district of Purnea and 4 new boards in the district of
Hazaribagh. The distribution of union boards by divisions was;
80 in Tirhut, 30 in Patna, 44 in Bhagalpur and 14 in Chota
Nagpur. The responsibilities of the union boards were generally
confined to the maintenance and repairs of roads, primary educa­
tion, water-supply, drainage, sanitation, conservancy and medical
relief in addition to administration of rural police in the case of
those boards where Part III of the Village Administration Act
■has been brought into force. The relations of the union boards
with the police and the magistracy were satisfactory almost every­
where arid subdivisional officers continued to accept the nominations
of these boards for the appointment of Chaukidars. The assess­
ment of Chaukidari tax was generally fair. There was a further
fall in the average figure of grant-in-aid per union board made
by the district boards in the province which during the year was
Rs. 1.663 9 against Rs.'G ,724.8 in the previous year. In Patna
and Chota Nagpur Divisions there was an increase in the average
amount of union tax levied by union boards, whereas the average
tj^xation fell to a certain extent In the.other two divisions.
There were altogether 57 municipalities in Bihar, including
Municipalities notified area committees and the Patna
Administration Conimittee, against 55 in the
previous year. General elections were held in the municipalities
of Bihar, Dinapur Nizamat, Arrah, Jagdispur, Buxar, Sasaram,
Chapra, Revelganj, Siwan, Bettiah, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhu­
bani, Samastipur, Monghyr, Kishanganj, -Katihar, Deoghar,
Sahibganj, Duraka, Madhupur, Daltonganj, Raghunathpur and
Chakradharpur. The elections were contested in all these munici­
palities except in Samastipur, Katihar, Deoghar, and Raghunath-
pw and in certain W'ards of the Chapra, Bettiah, Sitamarhi,
Darbhanga and Madhubani municipalities. The candidates
belonging to the Congress Party were successful in most of the
 32

municipalities. Female voters took part in the elections to a cer­

tain extent but Muslim voters generally kept aloof. The general
©lection of the Dhanbad municipality had to be postponed on
account of certain irregularities in the preparation of the electoral
tolls. Single-seated wards were introduced in the Bihar, "Monghyr,
Pumea and Dhanbad municipalities during the year under review.
With the exception of a few municipalities, municipal administra­
tion in general continued to be unsatisfactory. The main causes
of municipal mal-administration appear to be reluctance of
municipal commissioners to levy adequate taxation, their failure
to collect taxes promptly and to take coercive measures prescribed
by the law where necessary, failure on the part of executives to
exercise proper control, prevalence of party factions and their
unwillingness to profit by the advice given by the inspecting
officers of Government from time to time. There were compara­
tively few instances where individual municipalities 'did good work.
Considerable improvement was reported .to have been made in the
affairs of the Deoghar municipality. The Duihka municipality
made a good start, the Jamalpur municipality worked satisfactorily
while in the Bhagalpur municipality the collection of the main taxes
showed signs of improvement, and the administration of the Katihar
municipality was reported to have been sound. The collection of
taxes by the Sahebganj municipality was satisfactory and its
executives were reported, to have been keen on effecting all possible
improvements. The working of the municipalities of Hajipur,
Lalganj, Eoserah, Sitamarhi, Samastipur and of the Notified Area
Committee of Dumra was satisfactory,. The municipalities of
Barh, Deoghar and Madhu pur were released from supersession
during the year and the Monghyr municipality was released soon
after the close of the year.’

The opening balance at the commencement of the year was

Bs. 11,68,032 against Rs. 11,77,477 in the
Income^An^Expen- previous year. The total income excluding
the opening balance, also fell from
Rs. 45,10,322 to Rs. 39,97,476. The decrease was due to the fall
in receipts under the beads " Municipal registration, license and
other fees ”, “ Realisation under special Acts ” and ” Grants and
contributions for general and special purposes ”. The decrease
was particularly marked in the Tirhut and Bhagalpur Divisions.
The total receipts including the opening balance decreased from
Bs. 61,71,210 to Rs. 55,95,044. The ordinary expenditure
decreased from Rs, 45,10,736 to Rs, 40,67,950.
 33
The total expenditure on education incurred by municipalities
Education and notified area committees increased from
Rs. 4,59,699 to Rs. 4,79,502 during the year,
including Rs. 3,97,900 on primary education. The provincial
percentage of expenditure on primary schools on the total ordinary
income was 14.1 as against 14.9 in the previous year. The
percentage of expenditure increased in Patna Division from 15.4
to 18.6 and in the Tirhut Division from 18.8 to 20, but fell in the
'Bhagalpur Division from 19.0 to 17.9 and in the Chota Nagpur
Division from 27.2 to 24.5.
The total number of meetings held in municipalities, including
, . notified area committees, was 1,100 as
against 1,003 in the previous year. The
largest number of meetings were held in the municipalities of
Patna City (48), Gaya (42), Madhubani (33), Lohardaga (33)»
Bhabua (32), Dumka (30), Khagaul (28), Chapra (28), Bettiah (28),
Hazaribagh (271, .^Eanchi (27), Sasaram (26) and Katihar (26).
The municipalities of Lalganj, Buxar and Madhupur and the
Notified Area Committees of Doranda and Jamshedpur failed to
hold the statutory minimum number of meetings, viz., 12 in a
year, while the total number of meetings which proved abortive
for want of quorum was 24 as against 41 in the preceding year.
As in the previous year, the average percentage of official members
present at meetings was less than 50 in 17 municipalities, the
lowest percentages being in Bihar (18), Arrah (18), Jamshedpur
Notified .'\rea Committee (12), Roserah (10) and Gaya (7). The
average percentage of the attendance of non-official members at
meetings”of municipal boards was above 50 in 48 municipalities
which was satisfactory. The highest percentage was in Madhupur
(90).
The expenditure decreased under all heads of outdoor adminis­
tration. except “ Public Safety ” and
Ontdoor Administration. “ Public Instruction ”, the increase under
the former being mostly due to increased
expenditure oh lighting and was shared by all the divisions.
Drainage arrangements were inadequate in the majority of
municipalities in the Patna Division. The drainage scheme of the
Patna City municipality from the Bakerganj Nala to the Training
School was completed and began to function during the year. The
Amlatola drainage 'extension scheme prepared by the Patna Admi­
nistration Committee at an estimated cost of Rs. 53,000 could not
be taken up for want of funds. A preliminary drainage scheme for
 34
the entire town of Gaya was prepared and a loan of Rs. 75,000
was sanctioned by Government during the year towards the cost of
this scheme. In the Chota Nagpur Division expenditure under
water-supply decreased,in all municipalities except three. Piped
water-supply seems to be a pressing need of the town of Hazari­
bagh but cannot be made available on account of the heavy cost
involved which is beyond the present means of the municipality.
A scheme for water-supply at an estimated cost of Rs. 2,22,000
was prepared for the Chaibassa municipality which proposed to
meet the cost by taking a loan.
There was a rise in expenditure under the head “ conser­
vancy ” in the Patna Division. It decreased in the Tirhut and
Bhagalpur Divisions and slightly in the Chota Nagpur Division.
The expenditure under the head “ epidemics ” slightly
increased in the Bhagalpur and Tirhut Divisions and slightly
decreased in the Patna Division. A- number of municipalities
continued to support the maternity and child welfare work and
maintained a number of qualified midwives'.

Government sanctioned during the year an aggregate grant of

Mlsoellaneoas. 1,21,000 to the municipalities and noti­
fied area committees out of the proceeds of
the motor vehicles taxation for the maintenance of roads and of
Rs. 56,000 for certain minor schemes for the improvement of
drainage and water-supply, etc. Besides these a grant of Rs. 50,000
was made to the Monghyr municipality for the town improvement
scheme and a loan of Rs. 75,000 was sanctioned to the Gaya
municipality for its drainage scheme and of Rs. 22,000 to the
Bhagalpur municipality for the extension of the water mains.
An official bill was introduced in the Bihar Legislative
Assembly to amend the Bihar and Orissa Municipal Act, 1922 and
was referred to the Joint Select Committee. Reservation of seats
for Muslims according to the percentage of their population in
municipalities, increase in the maximum number of municipal
commissioners to 50 instead of 40 as at present, provision for co­
option of commissioners up to a maximum limit of l/8th of the
total number of commissioners out of which l/12th may be mem­
bers belonging to scheduled castes who, in addition, will be free
to contest the election to any seat not reserved for Muslims and-
the right given to the niembers of the Muslim community to
contest also seats other than those reserved for their own commu­
nity are some of the salient features of the bill.
 CHAPTER Y.

Education.
Substantiol progress was achieved in all branches of education
General during the year, particularly in the education
of girls, Muslims, scheduled ' ofstes and
aborigines. Among outstanding instances of educational progress
and reform were adult education by means of the m.ass literacy
campaign, village libraries, the evolution of Hindustani as a
common language, Indian languages as the medium of instruction,
the introduction of the basic education experiment and the com­
pletion of plans for the inauguration of compulsory primary
education. There was an increase in the percentage ol literates
to the total population from 3.32 in 1938 to 3.51 in 1939. The
percentage of male scholars to male population also increased
from 5.84 to 6.13 and that of female .scholars from .78 to .87.
The number of educational institutions of all kinds increased by
643 accompanied by a rise of 61,909 pupils during the year.
There were 20,712 recognised institutions for the education of
males and 2,160 for the education of females throughout the
province besides 2,451 unrecognised institutions. Of the latter ,
2,154 were for males and 297 exclusively for fenrales. The
number of male scholars increased from 935,141 to 985,225, an
increase of 50,084, while that' of the female scholars increased
from 69,864 to 76,020, an increase of 6,156. The total expen­
diture on education rose from Bs. 1,62,93,776 to .Rs. 1,63,16,712.
Of this 27.53 per cent was met by Government, 29.88 per cent
from local funds, 27.36 per cent from fees and 15.23 per cent
from other sources.
The number of primary schools of all kinds for boys and
Primary Education. both European and Indian rose from
20,803 to 21,212 and that of their pupils
from 802,264 to 839,755, and the direct expenditure from
Rs. 48,92,750 to Es. 48,95,687. The number of primary schools
for Indian boys rose from 18,782 to 19,132 and that of their
pupils from 742,440 to 776,185, resulting in an increase of 33,745
pupils and of the direct expenditure from Es. 44,29,204 to
Rs. 44,42,862. The total annual grant for primary education
placed at the disposal of the local bodies during the year was
Rs. 28,47,586. The number of upper primary schools for boys

35
41 Rev.
 36
rose from 3,062 with 225,752 pupils to 3,164 with 238,416 pupils
and of the lower primary schools from 15,720 with 516,688 pupils
to 15,968 with 537,769 pupils. There was also an increase in
the number of recognised primary Urdu schools from 2,222 to
2,242 and of primary Sanskrit schools from 758 to 788. The
number of one-teacher schools for boys rose from 11,856 to 12,093
and their enrolment from 331,741 to 335,197, while the number
of one-teacher schools for girls rose from 1,636 to 1,663 and their
enrolment from 38,153 to 39,095. These figures give an average
of 28 against 28 pupils per teacher in a boys’ school and 24 against
23 in a girls’ school. The increase in the number of one-teacher
primary schools is reported to be due to the recognition of a
fairly large number of lower primary schools with one teacher, as
two-teacher lower primary schools are infrequently established at
the initial stages of recognition.
The number of trained teachers employed in primary schools
rose from 19,154 to 19,863.
During the year there were 61,132 girls in girls’ schools
against 57,292 in the previous year. From a comparison of the
figures it appears that the increase in the number of girls in boys’
schools is greater than that in the schools for girls, viz., 4,810 in
the former as against 3,840 in the latter. This demonstrates an
increasing acceptance of co-education on the part of parents at
the primary stage.
Compulsory education inaugurated in 1927*28 continues in the
Jamhore Union in the district of Gaya, but it is still confined to
two managed lower primary schools in the village. The number
on the rolls was 170 against 169 last year. In the Ranchi muni­
cipality also primary education for boys continues to be compulsory.
The percentage of attendance was 90.5 against 92.24 in the
previous year, the decrease being due chiefly to the increase in the
percentage of pupils absent on account of illness or other causes.
Out of 2,958 boys of compulsory age, 2,945 attended schools.
The extension of the Compulisory .Primary Education Act to
all municipalities was under the consideration of Government and
it was decided io introduce compulsion in all municipalities situated
at district headquarters. Schemes within the prescribed financial
limits were invited from those municipalities, Government offering
to bear the whole additional cost involved. A provision of
Rs. 1,68,750 recurring and Rs. 3,34,550 non-recurring for the pur­
pose was made in the budget for. 1939-40. The ultimate addi­
tional cost involved is estimated to be Rs. 2,27,550 recurring and
Rs. 1,34,550 non-recurring.
 37
The number of night schools rose from 120 to 130 and that
of their pupils from 3,335 to 3,465. The number of school post-
offices fell from 164 to 161.
An important development during the year was the decision
Basic Education. introduce as an experimental measure
the basic education scheme or education
through handicrafts outlined by the All-India Board of Basic
Education in a compact area in the Champaran district. The
scheme was entrusted to the Provincial Basic Education Board
which was set up under the chairmanship of the Eon’ble Minister
for Education to organise basic education in the province. Basic
training classes were opened in the Patna Training School in
September 1938 to train the reiiuiaite number of teachers for-the
basic schools to be opened.
The most outstanding event of the year was the inauguration
Mass Education. *>7 Hon’ble Minister for Education on
the 26th April, 1938, of the Mass Literacy
Movement by means of an appeal to the teachers and students of
Bihar to devote the summer vacation to the liquidation of illiteracy
and ignorance among the masses. This appeal met with the most
gratifying response. The first or voluntary phase of the campaign
lasted from May till October 1938 and during this period no
financial aid was given bv the Government, the expenditure being
met by-contributions from local bodies and private individuals.
All the preliminary executive work was done by an organising
committee. The course of instruction was of six weeks’ duration
and the instruction was given through charts and primers based
upon the-rapid method. The campaign entered in its second phase
ip November, 1938, when in addition to the general work being
done all over the province, an intensive scheme for one thana in
each district and in the two subdivisions of Simdega and Banka
Was inaugurated.
With the launching of the intensive campaign’ the movement
had to be given a more complete organisation and funds, and the
provincial Government set up a Mass Literacy Committee consist­
ing of 22 members under the presidentship of the Hon’ble Minister
for Education and sanctioned a sum of Rs. 80,000 for Mass
Literacy work during the remaining months of the year. In
addition to this Committee, district, subdivisional, thana and village
Centre committees were constituted. The organisation aimed at
making literate within six months all educable illiterate male''
adults within the intensive area between the ages of 15 to 40. Nor
Was the expansion of literacy amongst women neglected, though,
 38

in this the Committee was handicapped by the shortage of lady

workers and the prevalence of ‘ purdah ’.
Wherever possible, the Department placed one sub-inspector
of schools in charge of the thana selected for the intensive work.
At the end of three months, an examination in reading, writing
and arithmetic was held at the centres, and in some cases honoraria
were paid to‘teachers on the basis of the results. Despite several
difficulties and’handicaps,'thanks to the voluntary co-operation of
teachers, students, jail authorities, industrialists, officers of the
Executive, Police and hation-building departments of Government
and above all the public, it is calculated that about 4i lakhs of men
and women were made literate during the first year of the campaign*
at la negligible" Cost, a result which holds high promise for the
future.
One incidental atjhieyement of the„ movement was that it
helped the evolution, of a conjmon language as the Hindustani
primers printed in both the scripts Hindi and Urdu were in use
at the* centres.

Post-literacy work was started with a view to stabilise the

progress made with the.figass literacy campaign. Measures in
this direction included the publication .of a fortnightly news-sheet
“ Eoshni ”, the supply of a graded series of readers to literacy
centres, the supply of reading materials for new literates by such
methods as the opening of “ libraries on wheels and ” circulat­
ing libraries ” and the inauguration of a scheme for establishing
4,000 village libraries with 200 Hindi and Urdu booklets on topics
of every day importance.
During the year the number of high schools and middle schools
secondary Education, roseifromt 1,050 with 177,472 pupils to 1,140
with 194,110 pupils, while the direct
expenditure ro’se frorfi'Es. 46,98,258 to Es. 49,86,425. One of the
new high schools was a girls’ school. The increasing demand for
high school education already noticeabLe has been accelerated by
the creation of special facilities for .the.' educationally backward
communities and girls. The number -of middle English schools
fflianaged by local bodies or aided either by Governinent or by local
bodies rose from 603 to 660, but that of middle vernacular schools
managed or aided by local bodies fell from 85 to 68. The Patna
district board converted alt' its middle vernacular schools into
middle English schools during the year. The tendency towards
this conversion, which is accelerated by the somewhat 'greater expan-
siveness of middle vernacular schools as compared with the middk
 39

English schools, is lowering the standard of proficiency in the

mother tongue. It is satisfactory to note that as many as 7 high
schools and 17 middle schools found it possible to widen the range
of instruction by introducing vocational subjects such as agriculture,
tailoring, spinning, weaving, soap-making and carpentry.'
A reform of considerable and far reaching importance was
introduced when the medium of instruction was changed oyer from
English to the pupib’ mother tongue in class VIII_ of all high
fchools, with effect from January 1939. As in the case* of every
new scheme in the transition period, the multilingual schools are
faced with difficulties in the way of adjustment of time-tables,
staff and the medium of instruction for' non-language 'subjects,
which they are gradually solving in the light of exjTerience.
« • . J *
Private tuition in schools was the subject of comment by the
Corruption Enquiry Committee. This can only be eliminated by
the improvement m the standard and quality of teaching in the
schools and by paying special attention, to the more backward
pupils in the classes.
Co-education is gaining in popularity. The number of girls
attending high scliools and middle schools for Indian boys rose
from 127 to 165 and 1,593 to 2,106 respectively.
The Board of Secondary Education aided 130 schools, includ­
ing 11 schools for girls, as against 123, including 10 schools for
girls, in 'the previous year.
Successful attempts were made in some high* schools' to
provide light midday lunches to their pupils and it is hoped that
• his practice will extend to other institutions.
The progress in vocational training or education was niain-
Vocatlonal Training. . ^he number of technical, trade
and vocational schools,^ including ayitrvedzC
and tibbi schools at Patna., rose from 62 to GQ and that of their
pupils from 3,965 to 4^305 and their expenditure from lls. 6,81,354
to Ps. 7,11,348.
His Excellency iSir Maurice Garnier Hallett continued to be
Chancellor of the University during the
University And Colle­ year except for four months when he w'ent
giate Education.
over to act -as Governor of the United
Provinces. During the interregnum His Excellency Sir Thomas
Alexander Stewart acted as Chancellor. Dr. Saehehidananda
Sinha continued to guide the affairs of the University as Vice-
Chancellor.
 40
I’he facilities fot instruction have been considerably increased
by the admission of new colleges and of existing colleges in new
subjects. Two new colleges, viz., the Rajendra. College at
Chapra and the Mithila College at Darbhanga, were admitted up
to the T. A. standard in English, History, Logic, Persian,
Sanskrit, Mathematics, Principal Urdu, Principal Hindi, Elemen­
tary Economics and Public Administration and Vernaculars
(Hindi, Urdu and Bengali). The Patna College was admitted to
the B. A. Honours and M. A. standards in Urdu as a principal
subject and the D. J. College up to the I. A. standard in Hindi
as a principal subject. The results of the various University
examinations held during the year were on the whole satisfactory.
The number of degree colleges remained stationary at 6, but
there was an increase in the number of intermediate colleges
from 3 to 5. The number of students on the roll increased
from 4,120 to 4,461 and the direct expenditure from Es. 10,77,404
to Rs. 11,12,079.
The professional colleges in the province, namely, the Patna
Law College, the Patna Training College, the Bihar College of
Engineering, the Prince of Wales Medical College and the Bihar
Veterinary College, continued to show progress.
The many sided activities of the colleges, in the literary,
social and athletic spheres and in particular the enthusiasm dis­
played by the students and the stall in the ‘ Mass Literacy
Campaign ’, gave cause for satisfaction.
The number of recognised Sanskrit tols rose from 307 with
Oriental Studies. 1^,637 P^P’’^
number of recognised Sanskrit primary
schools rose from 761 to 790 but that of their pupils fell from 28,251
to 24,767.
The number of recognised madrasas rose from 37 to 41 and
that of their pupils from 3,109 to 3,622. The results of the exami­
nations held by the Sanskrit Council and the Madrasa Examination
Board-appear to have been satisfactory.
The net expenditure from public funds on Sanskrit education
other than that given in arts colleges and secondary schools, rose
from Rs. 87,690 to Rs. 89,085. These figures exclude the expendi­
ture on primary Sanskrit schools, which fell from Rs. 1,09,458
to Rs. 1,06,532. With the sum of Es. 27,333 at its disposal for
grants-in-aid the Sanskrit Association aided 175 tols against 174
last year. An additional sum of Rs, 5,000 was provided for new
and increased grants to deserving tols, while a sum of Rs. 19,906
 41
Was placed at the disposal of the Madrasa Examination Board for
grants-in-aid to inadrasas and the Board aided 32 madrasas during
the year. An additional grant of Bs. 2,000 was provided in the
budget for 1939-40 for aid to the madrasas.
The number of Government secondary training schools
remained four, one at each of the divisional
Training Of Masters, headquarters. The total number of pupils
rose from 216 to 238 excluding 60 in the Basic
Training Class at Patna. In view of the decision of Government
to convert the Patna Training School into a Basic Training School
with effect from session 1939-40, the first year students of that
school were distributed amongst the three other training schools.
The number of admissions into the training schools at Muzaffarpur,
Bliagalpur and Eanchi, respectively, was 39, 67 and 71,
The number of elementary training schools rose from 58 to
60, two unaided schools having been 'fecognised during the year.
The number of those managed by Government remained 65. The
number of pupils in the non-Govemment un-aided schools rose
from 11 to 65 but in the Government schools fell from 1,098 to
1,093. In addition to these, there were two aided schools in the
Chota Nagpur Division in which the roll rose from 44 to 63.
The direct expenditure on all the schools, secondary as well as
elementary, whether maintained or aided by Government, was
Es. 2,15,443 of which Es. 2,09,131 came from Government funds
against Rs. 2,15,268 and Rs. 2,10,213 respectively last year.
The quality of work in the elementary training schools
continued to improve, particularly in the schools provided with
graduate' teachers trained in the primary section of the Patna
Training College. The number of masters trained in elementary
training schools fell from 926 in 1937-38 to 911 in 1938-39, while
the number of trained masters employed in primary schools for
boys and girls increased from 18,663. to 19,349. The number of
female teachers trained during the year was 80 against-104 in the
previous year.
The basic education scheme for teachers envisages a three-
year course of training. In Bihar, however, the course is being
covered in two years—one year of preliminary training to qualify
the teachers to take the first two grades of basic schools, and a
second year of final training for teachership in a full-fledged seven-
year basic school. During the year an emergency six months’
training course was arranged for in the Patna- Training School in
 42
order that the actual experimental ^work in the Brindaban area
of Champaran might be inaugurated as quickly as possible.
Female education made considerable progress during the year.
Female Education. C'^sses^ were opened in the Bankipore
Girls’ High School. The number of high
. schools for girls rose from 11 to 12 with an increase of 419 in the
number of pupils attending them. The number of middle schools
rose from 28 to 40, the first Urdu middle English school for girls
being opened at Sasaram. The number of primary schools rose
from 2,008 to 2,067 with an increase in the number of pupils from
69,307 to 63,067.
The direct expenditure on girls’ “ education rose from
Ks. 8,15,007 to Rs. 8,71,563. The special grant to municipalities
for girls’ education was increased from Es. 15,750 to Rs. 30,000
and 20 additional scholarships were created for award for college
education. It is satisfactory to find that slowly but steadily
untrained teachers are being replaced by trained ones.
There were three training classes for women managed by
Government and six controlled by missions but aided by Govern­
ment. All prepare students for the junior vernacular teachers’
certificate examination and three have opened senior vernacular
teachers’ training classes as well. The number of students attend­
ing these classes rose from 277 to 295 and the direct expenditure
from Es. 57,810 to Es. 66,549.
The number of technical, industrial and agricultural schools
for girls rose from 10 to 13, the number of their pupils from 431
to 527 and the direct expenditure from Government funds from
Es. 4,241 to Rs. 11,442.
The number of atus (schools) increased from 34 to 40 and
the number of their pupils from 945 to 1,093. The number of
peripatetic classes rose from 12 to 17, and the number of pupils
reading in them from 219 to 374. The number of central gathering­
classes remained 2 but their roll number fell from 76 to 60. '
The Girl Guides movement made satisfactory progress during
the year.
The activities of the Bihar Council of Women were guided
throughout the year 1938-39 by its new presi­
Bihar Council Of-
Women. dent, Lady Hallett. Her appeal to women to
play their part in the drive against illiteracy
had good response. The Council and its members did much , to
spread the literacy movement among women. Good progress was
recorded in the various branches of the Council’s work. Th©
 43

Education Sub-Committee visited, a number of schools, both upper

and lower primary, during the year and helped them with useful
advice and distributed books and writing materials to the various
institutions. The’ Hospital Committee, the Blind School
Committee^ the Deaf and Dumb School Committee all did their
work well.
The number of schools for Anglo-Indians and Europeans
_ _ remained 17. Four of these were secondary
^^And^’AngJ^^'dianT"^ girfs) and 13
elementary (three for boys and ten for girls).
The total number of pupils rose from 1,328 to 1,372. The direct
expenditure fell from Ks. 2,14,641 to Es. 2,13,666, but the indirect
expenditure rose from Es. 1,43,348 to Es. 1,44,176. The total
number of teachers rose from 98 to 102 and that of trained teachers
from 70 to 73. No candidates from European schools were
presented at the annual Matriculation Examination but two girls
were sent up for the supplementary examination in June 1938, both
of whom were successful. 20 out of 29 candidates passed the
Cambridge School Certificate Examination.
The Joint Board foj; Anglo-Indian and European Education
for the provinces of Bihar and Orissa met once during the year.
The Inter-Provincial Board for Anglo-Indian and European
Education met in Bombay on the 6th February 1939. Its resolu­
tions included proposals to extend the syllabus of the Cambridge
Junior Certificate Examination so as to include a wider range of
practical subjects; to request the Inter-University Board to examine
the position of the Cambridge School Certificate Examinations in
relation to the University degi'ee courses; and to,.prepare a more
suitable scheme of Indian History teaching in European schools.
The education of Muslims made satisfactory progress at all
KJ 11 «« wr It
Eduoatlon Of Muslims.
stages.
. °
The number of Muslim pupils under
instruction in the province rose from 156,448
to 165,439. The percentage of Muslim pupils to'the total number
of pupils was 14.54 as compared with the percentage of Muslims
to the total population of 12.79. These figures show that the
Muslims still remain above, the general educational level of the
province, though, if they are to maintain it, they should make
special efforts in the matter of female education. The number of
recognised primary Urdu schools rose during the year by 42 and
there was a corresponding increase of 3,898 in their pupils. The
number of Muslim pupils in the middle stages rose from* 7,536
‘ to 8,260, in the high school stage from 5,136 to 5,682 and in
colleges from 644 to 707.
 AU Momin students reading in colleges were granted free
studentships and besides 147 special scholarships were awarded to
them at a cost of Bs. 7,000. A grant of Es. 5,000 was sanctioned
for scholarships to deserving students of educationally backward
classes among Muslims other than Momins.

The number of Christian aborigines under instruction rose

from 37,321 to 42,704 and that of other
Education Of Aborigines aborigines, including those professing Hindu
And Harijans. to'58,939. For the
expansion of primary education among the aborigines a grant of
Es. 10,000 was made by the Government during the year.
The number of children of scheduled castes under instruction
rose from 56,667 to 65,903 and the number of primary schools
specially meant for these castes from 187 with 6,026 pupils to
207 with 6,904 pupils. Special facilities were granted for the
education of these castes, by offering them special scholarships,,
exempting them from the payment of admission fees and by
enforcing rigidly the rule for the grant of free-studentships in
schools and colleges. The total sum spent from public funds for
the special benefit of the scheduled castes was Es. 44,450 against
Es. 29,540 last year, while the total sum spent from Government
funds specially for the benefit of the aborigines was Es. 63,868
against Es. 51,310 last year.
The members, of. the criminal tribes in the province now
number 4,836. The number of their children
Educatton Criminal 278 to 359, including
10 in the middle stage. The number of
special schools*(01 these pupils rose from 6 to 8, two in Tirhut, four
in Bhagalpur and two in Chota Nagpur.
The number of factory schools rose from 50 to 52. The
o v 1 industrial undertakings concerned employed
aoory o oos. x,677 boys and 180 girls. The rolls include
2,515 boys and 163 girla who arfr either employed or are children
of employees, besides- 314- other boys and 41 other girls. The
expenditure on- these schools rose from Es. 25,795 to Es. 28,407.
'Vhe. number of. pupils at the Ranchi and the Patna Blind
schools was 57 and 38, respectively. These
Ednoatlon Of Defeotives. two schools received from Government
recurring grants of Es. 2,924 and Es. 1,920,
respectively. The,, Shahabad district board maintains a pupil at
the Blind School at Patna at a cost of Es. 7 a month^ while a few
 45
blind pupils are supported by Government at the Bihar National
College at Patna by the grant of suitable "Scholarships.

There were 18 pupils at the Deaf and Dumb School at Patna

which received a grant of Es. 1,200 from Government, while the
school at Ranchi had 15 pupils on the roll. A number of district
boards maintained defective children at various institutions.
There were 304 pupils at the school attached to the leper asylum
at Purulia which received from Government a grant of Rs. 720.

The numbei* of boys in the Reformatory School at Hazaribagh

rose from 236 to 245, including 117 from
Hazarlbagh^^eformatory 98 from Bengal, 17 from Assam and
12 from Orissa, and one from the Baramba
State in Orissa. The gross expenditure on the school was
Rs. 73,353. The number of boys under surveillance rose from
77 to 100, of whom 88 were reported to have lived an honest life,
six were reconvicted and six remained untraced.
The number of boys in the artisan classes attached to the
school for outside boys rose from 32 to 44. Eight boys who com­
pleted the three years’ course were granted certificates. Govern­
ment have since sanctioned the replacement of the three years’
course by a five years’ industrial diploma course.

The number of unrecognised institutions rose from 2,328 to

Unrecognised Institn- 2,451 and the number of pupils in them from
- tion. 70,726 to 76,395.
« - -• ••
The number of recognised hostels rose from 591 to 612 and
Misoellaneons number of boarders residing' in them
from 22,391 to 22,888, but their expenditure
fell from Rs. 3,79,295 to Es. 3,66,116. The number of hostels
under the Students’ Eesidence Committee at Patna fell from
15 to 13. The average number of boarders in all the hostels under
the Committee rose from 281 to 305 and that in hostels managed
or aided by Government from 189 to 196. The total expenditure
on hostels was Es. 19,427, including Es. 10,497 from Government
funds.

The Education Ee-organization Committee, the Education

Code Revision Committee and the Hindustani Committee continued
their labours during the year.
The Boy Scouts (including the Hindustani Boy Scouts), Girl
Guides and Bratachari Movements made progress.
 A seheine i&t the est^tishoaeut 0$ a Qai'litcU'j ti-ailaiQ^. school
wifch a view to ^o®b out' ihstraetois in paiiitjwry ita’affling Cot ^e
schools' aad colleges io ' the |)tovi£iee at an estinaated cost of
]Ks. &3,316 recurring and Ks. 18j00& nOnijpecuKring Was nndet the
eonsidOratioQ: ©I ^Vernment.
There was sporadic trouhle in educational iustitutions over Hie
hoisting of flags and the ginging of Baodematrana, leading to
eti^iEnunal tension'. Thanhs to tactful handling and ©overnnaent’®
clear pronounceihent on the question, the situation did not take
a more sCtious tarn.
 CHAPTER YI.

Public Health and Medical Relief.

There have been unmistakable signs of a growing consciousness
of the value and significance of public health. Much more atten­
tion was paid to the problems of rural sanitation and medical relief
by the popular Government and many improvements werei effected
in these directions during the year.
The total number of births rose fro'in 1,100,657 in the previous
Vital Statistics. 1.116,178 in the year under review,
while the total number of deaths rose from
729,454 to 763,733, the increase being chiefly due to the occuiTence
of a comparatively larger number of deaths from fevers. The
excess of birth over deatli rate was 10.9 as compared with 11.5 in
the previous year. Registration of vital occurrences is compulsory
only in municipal areas. A certain percentage of the reported
vital occurrences was investigated and verified by the officers of the
Public Health Department. The reporting agency for vital
occurrences, both in municipal and rural areas, is the police though
lately the Health Officers of some of the bigger municipalities have
been appointed as Registrars of 'Births and Deaths and the res­
ponsibility of collection and verification of vital occurrences has
been transferred to them. This measure has brought about a
distinct improvement in the registration of vital statistics in the
municipal areas concerned.
The highest birth rate (46.8) was recorded in the Gaya district
and the lowest birth-rate (25.3) in the district of Singhbhum.
The following table gives comparative incidence of the chief
diseases :—.

Urban. Bural. Combined.

—
Ten years Ten years Ten years
1938. 1938. 1938.
average. average. average.

Cholera 0-7 0-2 1-6 0-6 1-6 0-4

Smallpox 06 0-4 0-4 0-2 0-4 0-2
Plague 006 0'07 01 006 01 006
Fevers 6-6 6-6 17-7 19-6 17-2 190
Dysentery and diarr­ 0-6 0-7 0 1 009 01 01
hoea.
Respiratory diseases 0-6 0-5 007 007 009 009
Injuries 0-6 0-6 0-3 0-3 0-3 0-3
All other causes 4-8 4-6 3-3 3-3 8-4 3-4
Total 13-8 13-6 23 6 24 0 231 23-6

<7
 48

The total number of deaths from cholera rose from 13,949 in

Cholera the previous year to 14,750 during the year
though the death rate from the disease
remained the same, viz., 0.4 per mille of population, The districts
of Champaran and Darbhanga and the towns of Bettiah and
Roserah recorded the highest number of deaths.
To assist the local bodies in combating the disease, Government
deputed 24 doctors on epidemic, duty to the infected areas and
disinfectants and cholera vaccine were distributed by the Public
Health Department. The number of doses of cholera vaccine
issued during the year was 593,375 as against 640,000 during the
previous year. Anti-cholera inoculation has how become a popular
preventive measure and the faith of the public in its efficacy is on
the increase.
As a result of its extensive use during the last 9 years cholera­
phage has now fully established its utility both as a curative and
as a prophylactic agent.. It is now definitely found that its use
as a curative agent gives the best results when used in the early
stage of the attack and as a prophylactic agent it invariably cuts
short the epidemics provided immediate steps are taken to phage
the total population exposed to infection. 160,350 phials of cholera­
phage were prepared during the year in the Bacteriophage
Laboratory at Patna and 119,402- phials were distributed to various
towns and districts of the province.
The total number of deaths from small-pox decreased from
Small-pox 7,485 in the previous year to 5,977 during the
year and- the death rate was the same as last
year, viz., 0.2 per mille of population. The low death rate is
attributable to the immunity conferred by fairly extensive vaccina­
tion and revaccination. The highest death rate was registered in
the districts of Palamau, Gaya and Saran. Among the towns',
Gaya, Muzaffarpur and Monghyr reported the highest death rates.
1,500,764 vaccination operations were performed in the province
during the year, of which 505,969 were cases of revaccination.
Primary vaccination is compulsory in all the municipal towns and
also in the rural areas of nine districts. The control of vaccination
has been transferred to those local bodies which have initiated
health organisation schemes and the health officers of these districts
have been appointed Superintendents of Vaccination. Although
the total annual vaccination operations now amount to over a
million and a half, the proportion of vaccinated persons in the
province still remains far below th© figure necessary to prevent
epidemic outbreaks,
 49
The number of deaths from plague rose from 1,470 in the
Plague previous year to 1,838 during the year. The
death rate was the same as in the previous
year, viz., 0.08 per thousand of population. Though the incidence
of plague has greatly declined in the province in recent years, the
disease still persists in some of the districts. The district of
Saran recorded the highest death rate followed by Muzaffarpur and
Champaran. The town of Bettiah also remained infected almost
throughout the year. To combat the disease a plague hospital was
opened in January 1938 at Bettiah and a number of cases- were
treated with plague serum under Dr. Wagle of the Haffkine
Institute of Bombay at the instance of the Public Health Depart­
ment. It is interesting to note that deaths among the cases treated
with serum were only about 27 per cent against over 56 per cent
among the control cases treated with Iodine.

There were 3,725 deaths from this group of diseases as against

Dysentery And
4,006 deaths in the previous year. The
* Diarrhoea. towns which recorded the highest death rates
were Lalganj (2.6), Colgong (2.4), Gaya (2.0)
and Kevelganj (1.9). The fact that the highest number of deaths
occur from these diseases usually during the monsoon months
demonstrates that the incidence of these diseases as well as other
bowel diseases is closely associated with the nature of conservancy
service and the state of water-supply.

The high incidence of malaria dm-ing the year under review is

Malaria reflected in the increased number of
deaths from fevers which were 615,966
as against 584,873 in the previous year. A fact which is
.sometimes not fully realised is that over 80 per cent of the total
deaths in the province is annually attributed to “ fevers ” and
although a large number of deaths from other diseases in which
fever is a prominent symptom are included under this group, it is
believed that a large proportion of them is caused by malaria.
92,000 cases of Kala-azar were treated in the hospitals
Kala-Azar dispensaries in 1937 and out of this
83,961 cases were treated in the districts of
North Bihar. As it was obvious that the incidence of-the disease
Was high in these areas. Government sanctioned a grant of
6,200 for establishing five Kala-azar'treatment centres in North
Bihar, viz., two in the Kisharigan]’ subdivision in the district of
Purnea and one in each of the districtg' of Bhagalpur, Darbhanga
and Muzaffarpur.
 50
The number of^persons treated for this disease in hospitals and
Tuberonlosls dispensaries of the province was 24,753 as
against 21,492 in the previous year. A great
drive against the disease was made during the year through the
agency of King George V Tuberculosis Association, branches of
which now exist all over the province. Sixteen anti-tuberculosis
clinics functioned during' the year. Besides examination and
diagnosis of patients complaining of chest diseases by honorary
physicians attached to the clinics, visits were made to affected
areas and suspected cases were kept under observation. The
Association secured facilities for free sputum examination of the
clinic patients at atdr hospital laboratories and X’Bay examination
at a reduced rate. Active propaganda through leaflets was under­
taken to educate the general public against the daggers of tuber­
culosis infection and necessary preventive and curative directions
were given.

There were 44 outdoor leper clinics in the year against 41 in

Leprosy the previous year. At these clinics 9,598
patients were treated during the year against
17,967 in the previous year. The number of leper asylums in the
province remained the’same, i.e. seven as in the previous year. In
addition to the out-patients treated at the above-mentioned outdoor
clinics, 2,223 in-patients and 2,843 out-patients* were treated in
these asylums during the year against 2,415 in-patients, 2,843 out­
patients in the previous year. Marked improvement’was observed
in those cases which were treated early and regularly'but early’
cases rarely attend the clinics in some places while advanced cases
are pre-dominant. Persons were instructed by lectures and posters
regarding the benefit of the treatment and the precautions they
should observe in their own interest, and of the general public.

In order to keep in touch with the old patients and discover

new ones a survey was carried out by the staff of the Saldaha Leper
Colony in the district of Santal Parganas through weekly visits to
villages. Thirty-three new cases were found and 92 old patients
urged to continue treatment. In all 33 villages were surveyed.'
The Purulia Leper Home and Asylum showed marked progress in
its activities. The outstanding feature was the great increase in
the number of children who came for treatment; There were
103 leper childten in residence and in the first 6 months of 1938
no less than 33 children offered for curative treatment at the out­
patient clinic.
 51

The Public Health Bureau carried on public health propaganda

as in the previous year. A large number of
’’®SpeclarKs"ures?^“^ pamphlets and leaflets vpere issued from
time to time to the local bodies for distribu­
tion among the visitors at the fairs and festivals in the province.
Pictorial health posters, models and charts were sent out to be
exhibited at the fairs and festivals. Special precautions, as usual,
were taken to enforce sanitary measures for the control of epidemic
diseases on the occasion, of important fairs and festivals. The Red
Cross Health Museum housed in the Patna Museum continued to
attract a large number of visitors from all parts of the province.
153,855 persons as against 143,082 in the previous year visited the
Museum. Of .these 23,755 persons visited the Museum on one
single day on the occasion of the Sonepur Pair.
13,403 boys and 1,460 girls were examined during the year.
School Hygiene. P®’^
gii'ls were found to be suffering from various
forms of ailments such as enlarged tonsils, pyrrhoea and dental
caries, errors of refraction, malnutrition, etc. Major defects of
eye and heart and pulmonary tuberculosis were also noticed in a
few cases. As usual, the particular defects from which the children
■Were suffering were brought to the notice of parents and guardians.
Without sincere.co-operation of the latter no appreciable improve­
ment injihe health of students of school-going age can be effected,
and in view of the fact how essential it is, it should continue to
receive speqlal attention.
During the year 3,640 samples were examined chemically and
bacteriologically as compared to 2,905 of the
^LaborSor^*^ year. Of these four samples were
received from private bodies. 50 samples
of ghee received from various districts were analysed for experi­
mental purposes. Besides 1,331 samples of water were examined
bacteriologically. 2,284 samples of foodstuffs, 867. samples of
ghee, 903 samples of mustard oil, 140 samples of sweetmeats,
79 samples of milk, 222 samples of atla and 73 samples of other
articles were chemically examined and analysed. In view of the
problem of food adulteration such examination assumes great
importance. Of the samples of ghee analysed under the Food
Adulteration Act, 342 or 41.86 per cent were found below the
standard or adultered as against 52.87 per cent of the
previous year, while of the.samples of mustard oil 200 or 22.15
Per cent were found'below the standard or adulterated as against
12.98 per cent of the previous year. Of the samples of sweetmeats
6 41 itev.
 52

74 or 52.86, per cent were found to have been made of adulterated

g'hee or oil,,as against 69.29 per cent of the previous year. Of the
samples* of milk, 39 or 49.11 per cent were found to be adulterated
as against 65.71 per cent. 72 prosecutions were instituted •
under thq-Food Adulteration Act. of which 50 ended in conviction.
<
Increased attention was paid during’ the -year to problems
Nutrition Research. connected with nutrition. A nutrition
research scheme was sanctioned by Govern­
ment at the beginning of April 1938 and field work was started
about Jhe middle of the year. The obiect .of the scheme is to
suggest an adequate and balanced diet of a minimum cost and to
advise on the nutritive value of each kind of foodstuff usually
consumed by the people of Bihar. During the year under review a
good deal of useful work was done by the Nutrition Officer and his
staff. A diet survey was carried out in certain college hostels and,
also among 200 families in different parts of Jamshedpur and
over 150 aboriginal families in the district of Santal Parganas.
One of the important deficiency noticed during the survey was
the lack of green leafy vegetables in the dietary irrespective of
the economic status of the respective bread-winners or ‘ earners *.
This defect could easily be remedied if the house-holders took to
maintaining a modeSt kitchen garden consisting of a few creepers
and plants like kaddu, kohra, gandhari or tharia nag^ etc. The
lack of sufficient animal protein (milk, eggs, meat or fish) was'
also noticeable. It is quite understandable that lowest income
groups (up to annas 0-12-Q, Re. 1 or Rs. 1-8-0 daily) could not afford
to consume enough of these costly edibles but one "fails to account for
their non-inclusion in adequate amount in the highest income
group (over Rs. 3 per day). Proper adjustment of the food budget
in the light of modem knowledge can only be possible if the
people are enlightened on the advantages, of healthy food habits.
Of the children examined 13.9 per cent Were foynd malnourished.

The Jharia Mines Board of Health cPntrols the sanitation of

Jharia and the neighbouring mining fields
Jharia Mines Board
Of Health.
which extend over an area of 787 square
miles and cover the whole of the Dfianbad
subdivision with the exception of the Dhanbad municipality and
Serves a population of well over half a million.- Eight more
collieries were connected to the Jharia Water Board mains, thus
bringing the total number of the connected collieries to 200.
Collieries not yet linked up 'with the Jharia Water Board Supply
were served with notices requiring then} to link themselves up will}
*
 53

the Jharia Water'Board mains, because It was thought necessary

to do so in’ the interest of other collieries.
The drainage scheme in Jharia continued to be in full function­
ing order during the‘year and steps were taken to construct road­
side drains in Poddar Kulhi ^nd Jharia.
A five-year housing programme of the Board introduced in
1936 remained in force. Licenses for 29.16 dwelling houses
were issued during the year tind of these 27,167 licenses were
issued for permanent structures.
The total number of births during the year was 14,736 giving
a birth rate of 27.21 as against 27.56 of the previous year, while
the total number of deaths was 8,847 recording a death, rate of
16.34 as against 15.50 of the preceding year. The death rate
rose by 0.84 due to the increase in the number of deaths from
malaria, dysentery-, diarrhoea and cholera. The infant mortality
rate was reported to, be 115 as compared with 92 in the previous
year.

The work in connection with maternity and child welfare

scheme was continued during the year and the whole area continued
to be divided in three circles and served by qualified, health
visitors. A number of trained midwives and dais were, also
.employed on this work.

The year witnessed an all-round increase in the number of

Medical Institutions, hospitals and dispensaries. A feature was
the introduction of a scheme for subsidizing
doctors in rural areas. The number of hospitals and dispensaries
nt the beginning of the year was 600. Twenty-four new dispen­
saries were opened, including .a travelling motor dispensary. Of
these two were closed and ‘one each of class VI and class VII was
transferred to class V(n) and class m, respectively. The year
thus closed with 620 dispensaries, 516 rural and 104 urban.
The total number of patients treated for all diseases in all
classes of hospitals and dispensaries increased from 7,502,226 to
8,300,126 during the year. The total bed capacity of the hospitals
also increased from 3,704 to 4,198 for men and from 1,944 to
2,275 for women. In all 411,478 surgical operations were performed
against 389,045 in the previous year, of which 97.91 were success­
ful and cured the patients as against 93.65 in the previous year.
There were 6,628 deaths ’from various diseases in the hospitals
and dispensaries of the province against 6,144 in the previous
 54

year. The total' expenditure incurred by Government over

the maintenance arid supervision of medical institutions was
Rs. 27,20,519 during the year.
With a view to bringing medical treatment to the very door
of the people in the rural areas, a scheme of subsidizing doctors in
these areas wns sanctioned by Government and introduced by local
bodies during the year. The scheme gained, immense popularity
and many district boards started subsidised dispensaries to provide
for medical facilities in remote rural areas.
The hospitals for women at Patna, Barh, Gaya, Ranchi,
Medical Aid To Women. Monghyr, Bettiah, Bhagalpur, Hazaribagh
and Chakradharpur were maintained as
previously and did useful work. In almost all cases women’s
wards were attached to- the general. hospitals and at places even
separate arrangements existed for the distribution of medicines.
Competent lady doctors are employed at most of the Sadr and sub­
divisional hospitals.
The Bihar Maternity and Child Welfare Society continued to
render useful service. Eight centres started by the Society pro-
. grossed satisfactorily^ The Society made contributions to the
various centres which also received financial help in the shape of
subsidies from the local bodies concerned. Seventeen Maternity
and Child Welfare Centres functioned during the year in the
province and of these 13 were located in the urban and two in the
rural areas. Seven health visitors, including one maternity
supervisor, entertained by Government, 80 trained midwives and
72 trained indigenous dais were employed throughout the province.
Of these 32 trained midwives and 23 trained dais worked in the
j*nral areas. Over and above these, the industrial areas under the
Jharia Mines Board of Health and Tata Iron and Steel Company
maintained their own Maternity and Child Welfare organisations.
The Prince of Wales Medical College, Patna, entered on its
Medical Education. fourteenth session during the year. Seventy­
eight applications were received for admis­
sion into the college, of whom 43 candidates were admitted to the
First Year class of the College including two girl students. Of the
22 students who appeared for the Final M.B.B.S. Examination,
12 were successful. Various departments of the College increased
their usefulness by the addition of most hp-to-dato instruments
and appliances to their laboratories.
In the Darbhanga Medical School 45 mule and 3 female
students were admitted to the First Year Class during the year.
 55
Eighty-two appeared for the Final examination of whom 46 were
successful. 230 students were taught in the Licentiate Class
during the year.
The Indian Mental Hospital at Hunchi continues to receive
Mental Hospitals patients from the Provinces of Bengal, Bihar
and Orissa. The allocation of beds to the
Provinces being the same as in the previous year, viz., Bengal
75 per cent, Bihar 20 per cent and Orissa 5 per cent. The sanc­
tioned accommodation of the hospital, including the emergency
beds was the same as in the previous yeai', viz., men 1,108, and
women 272, making a total of 1,380. The total admission during
the year was 135 men and 40 women patients. The following is
the ratio per cent of cases recovered to total admissions for the-
year 1938 and the two previous years :—

Year. Male. Female. Total.

1038 ... 28-16 27-50 28-00

1937 ... 27-87 31-26 28-57

1936 ... 21-15 25-58 23-42

The Superin tendeur emphasizes the advantages of early

treatment of mental diseases. During the year 1938, 175 patients
were admitted into the hospital for treatment, majority of whom
wer^ old chronic cases for whom nothing could be done but the
palliative treatment with no hope of recovery. Mental disease is
Us much curable as a general disease in its early stage. Those
hospitals in the west which are fortunate enough to receive early
cases for treatment, achieve 70 per cent recovery in their cases and
it is possible to achieve this percentage in Indian hospitals if cases
were brought for treatment in their_early stages.
As usual, modern methods of treatment are followed in the
institution. Occupational Therapy taking a prominent place.
A new feature was the introduction of remedial exercises on the
lines of Margaret-Morris Movement as practised in several modern
mental institutions in England. The physical exercises in Marga­
ret-Morris Movement classes are set to Schubert marches and
Waltzes which are played either on piano or on gramophone
records. However, in Mental Hospitals, where it is more
important to get a response from patients than to educate their
musical taste, any music is beneficial which appeals to them. In
 56

tnental patients the participation in 'such exercises provides

a strong mental stimulus sustaining the patients’ interest when
treatment has to be continued over a long period and makes co­
operation between patients habitual. The knowledge that they
are u part of a group and not separate units tends to take their
minds off their troubles and help the self-consciousness to forget
themselves. The Bfatachari Movement, which has many points
in common with the Margaret-Morris School of dancing, was
introduced in this hospital. Ten attendants have to be trained
in the Bratachari Movement and it is proposed to hold regular
remedial classes under this trained staff.
The Ranchi European Mental Hospital continues to receive
. patients from Assam, Bihar, Bengal, Baluchistan, the Central
Provinces and Berar, the North-West Frontier Province, Orissa,
the Punjab and the United Provinces. Patients from the Indian
States and the French Settlement of Chandern'agore are also
eligible for admission. Subject to certain conditions, it waS
decided during the year to make 10 beds available for Indian
paying-patients of European habits in the Hospital. The total
number admitted .during the year was 65 (mules 34, females 31)
as compared with 46 (males 21, females 25) in the previous yeur.
The total population of the hospital for the year was 316 (148 men
and 168 women) as compared with 275 (127 men and 148 women)
m the previous year.
The ratio per cent of cases discharged Us ” cured ” and
“ improved ” to direct admissions during the year was 42.88
cured and 3.90 improved as against 31.85 and 8.69, respectively
in the previous year.
All modern methods of treatment were practised in this insti­
tution. Of the newer methods of treatment, ‘ convulsion
therapy ’ yielded fairly successful results.
The total expenditure over the European Mental Hospital
wns Rs, 4,30,718 as compared with Es. 4,29,795 and over the
Indian Mental Hospital Rs. 4,63,509-2-1 as compared with
Rs. 4,83,678-5-4 in the previous year.

During the year 233 applications were received for admission

_., - . , into the Itki Sanatorium of whom only
KM sanatoHum. admitted. The. total strength of
the Sanatorium was 252, including 95 cases coming on from the
previous year. The analysis of cuses under “ Occupation ”
showed that of all the patients' admitted, students formed the
 67

largest number. The medical statistics showed that 82.2 per cent
of cases seeking admission belonged to the advanced stage. Of
the 140 cases discharged, 20 were arrested, 50 much improved,
19 improved, 39 were stationary, 1 worse and 11 died. It is
impossible to expect any improvement, not to speak of full
recovery, in such advanced cases within a short period. Un­
fortunately, about half the number of the above cases had to
abandon their treatment on account of their unfavourable financial
condition.
All the modern methods of treatment were adopted.
A sum of Rs. 28,410 was sanctioned by Government for
building a recreation hall for the Sanatorium.
The total number of patients treated at the Patna Radium
The Radium Institute. Institute in 1938 was 2,906 against 2,875 in
the previous year. Eighty-seven cases were
examined but not treated as they came at a very advanced stage
of their disease when nothing could be done for them or were
otherwise unsuitable for radium treatment. Forty-nine cases
abandoned treatment for either not obtaining the desired benefit
or for other reasons. 116 cases did not show any improvement
and failed to respond to treatment and 15 cases died, the latter
being most extreme cases. 365 cases improved under treatment and
more or less relieved of their sufferings, while 184 cases became
clinically free from 'all signs and symptoms of theii* diseases and
36 were completely cured.
The fees received from the patients during the year for radium
treatment amounted to Rs. 6,430.
Although several centres are now available for radium treat­
ment throughout the country, Patna still continues to draw
patients not only from all the provinces and States of India but
from outside countries 'also such as Burma, Afghanistan and East
Africa. The great majority of the cases continue to be the ' dead­
wood ’ of other hospitals and they, therefore, do not respond to
treatment. The importance of early diagnosis of cancer and early
treatment has been emphasised more than once by the Superin­
tendent of the Institute.
Decentralisation of Anti-rabic treatment in the province
continued. Several centres for this pur-
The Pasteur Institute, p^gg were opened at a number of Sadr
hospitals and such centres now number 11. Altogether 6,800
patients received treatment at the Institute and its subsidiary
eentres.
 st
The year great expansieii iatt' the aWvities of ;i3ae- Bihar
, St. Jeh'B Ambalamee ARsoeiatioia, Ijog^-
•' Asseciatiea were started at att
'd'istriet headquarters and six other speeial
local: centTes were opened at the ©aihhanga Medacal School,
Brince of Wales M^ical Sottege, Bataa, iDbanbad-Jharia, .Coah
helds, Jatoshedpur, ^oharo and ©iridih. AH these centres held
free instructional classes and imparted training to candidates in
first aid, home nursing, hygiene, sanitation, etc., accerding to the
prescribed syWabiis. Amfenlance and: janrsing .divisions were also*
formed wheiever possible. Efforts were also made to start some
A. E. B. classes m ■^e Provinee. "■ ■ ,
The membership of the Association considerahly increased
during the year. 4,000 persons were iastracted in the various sub-
jects and neaidy 2,000 were certificated. Many students from
various schools and colleges and members of the IJniversi^
Training Corps and Boy Scouts received the necessary training.
Eighteen Brigade Units, includdog Ambulance and Nursing
Divisions, were formed. The services nf these Divisions are
available, when necessary, for public duty or any other emergency.
 CHAPTER ¥11.

"Maintenance of Peace, Administration of Justice and Jails.

Por the second year in succession there was a marked increase
Police crime throughout the province. The
police-had, tlierefore, a difficult time during
the year largely because of their preoccupation in dealing,with
threats of agrarian and communal troubles or actual riots of this
character and industrial strikes. And this general agrarian and
economic unrest may be regarded as .the principal factor in the
increase of crime. With the advent of the sowing season numerous
disputes arose concerning the cultivation of bakasht lands in Gaya,
in the Sasaram subdivision of Shahabad, in Monghyr and the
bordering areas of the Patna district. In the Barahiya Tai
(Monghyr) there was a long and obstinate contest between land­
lords and tenants attended with violence and crop-looting. Beora
in the Gaya district was another storm centre.
The communal situation also deteriorated to such an extent
that any trivial incident was apt to precipitate rioting.
A satisfactory feature was that the police were able to enlist
the co-operation of the general public in the detection and
prevention of crime. Village defence forces were formed in the
.areas specially affected by robberies .and dacoities.
A sum of Rs. 19,689 was spent in rewards to 4,463 police­
men and Rs. 7,331 to 1,701 members of the public for the
assistance given to th© police. 118 criminal charges were made
against the police. .Of these cases, 3 were declared true, 22 false,
39 dismissed, 12 convicted, 12 acquitted, 6 withdrawn and 24 were
pending at the close of the year. The total number of police officers
and men on whom judicial and departmental punishments were
imposed was 66 and 459 against 93 and 471 respectively in the
previous year. .Of these, 3 officers and 49 men were dismissed,
and 53 officers and 94 men preferred appeals against major punish­
ments. In 81 cases, the orders passed were upheld, in 44 they
were modified or reversed, in 2 enhanced and 20 c^ses were
pending at the close of the year-.
The total expenditure on the police force during the year was
Rs. 71,50,488. The grant for construction and maintenance of
 eo
ipoiice buildings was Rs. 1,86,486 or Rs. 2,15,186 less than in the
previous year. Besides Rs. 1,97,863 was allotted for the construc­
tion of buildings damaged in the earthquake of 1934.
Among the improvements effected in the police forcq were the
spread of literacy amongst chaukidars in pursuance of the mass
literacy campaign, the imparting of instruction in First Aid to all
policemen at the Constables’ Training School and the Police
Training College, so that they may qualify for St. John Ambulance
certificates and assist in the formation of ambulance units, the
introduction of Khaddar for police clothing wherever possible and
the enlistment of a large number of scheduled caste men into all
ranks of the force.
The services of the Military Police were requisitioned in con­
nection with industrial strikes, communal and agrarian troubles.
Detachments from the Bhagalpur Military Police were deputed to
Musabani and Dhanbad, from the Gurkha Military Police to
Jamshedpur, Ghatshila and Dhanbad in connection with industrial
strikes, to Patna and Bihar Sharif on account of communal
trouble, to Gaya on account of agrarian unrest and the Mounted
Military Police to Bikramganj (Shahabad) for the Bakr-ld and in
connection with other agrarian, communal and industrial troubles
in different places. All units maintained a high standard of
eflSciency and discipline. The Gurkha Military Police were
honoured by the gift of a new bag-pipe by His Excellency the
Governor of Bihar,
Literacy is now one of the: essential conditions of recruitment
to the pohce force. Of the 446 constables (including 53 aboriginals
and three belonging to the scheduled castes) enlisted, 86.3 per cent
were able to read and write well, 11.2 fairly well, while only 2.4
could neither read nor write. Training in “ First Aid ” was
given to 144 men at the Constables’ Training School, and of these
124 qualified. All the 74 cadets under training at the Police
Training College passed in “ First Aid ”.
The work of the village police was, on the whole, satisfactory
and the reporting of ordinary crime was fairly prompt but a
tendency to suppress information in communal and agrarian cases
was noticeable and was firmly dealt with by the authorities. In
Saran, the efforts of a dafadar and a chaukidar averted a riot during
the Bakr-ld. In Champaran, a chaukidar managed to lure
4 Dorns, absconding frorn the Criminal Tribal Settlement of
Chauterwa, to his house where he trapped them with the help
of villagers. In Monghyr, a dafadar captured an escaped prisoner
 61

single-handed. At Eanchi, a chaukidar arrested a person who had

committed a murder on the previous night and in Singhbhum
another chaukidar effected the arrest of an accused in a murder
case. There were a number of other cases in which chaukidars
rendered valuable services in the detection of crime.
A noteworthy development was the introduction of literacy
amongst chaukidars. In accordance with the Hon’ble the Prime
Minister’s instructions that all chaukidars below 40 should try to
achieve literacy within six months, 22,000 attended their local mass
literacy centres.

There was only one terrorist outrage during the year. 'On the
Revolutionary Crime.
absconding in the Pipradih Train dacoity
case of the United Provinces visited Gaya along with Nikeshwar
Dutta. They aroused the suspicion of a taxi-driver and when the
latter refused to take them to Koderma, Earn Singh whipped out
a revolver and threatened him and his cleaner. Subsequently the
absconders fled towards the Brahmjoni hill and a police party
located them. Earn Singh opened fire, injuring a Police Sub­
Inspector. Nikeshwar was arrested next morning and Earn Singh,
who escaped, was arrested later in Gonda district. United Provinces.
They were convicted early in 1939, Ram Singh being sentenced
to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and Nikeshwar Dutta to
4 years’ rigorous imprisonment.
Cognizable cases'rose from 35>596 in the previous year to
" 40,128 during the year under review.
The increase was mainly under offences •
against the person and offences against property and is attributed
to agrarian and industrial unrest, failure of crops due to floods and
a poor rainfall and an influx of foreign criminals. True cases of
culpable homicide, rioting, dacoity, burglary, theft, cattle theft
and robbery increased by 10.8, 7.5, 2.3, 12.3, 13.7, 8.5 and 10.9
per cent respectively, while murder only decreased by .7.0 per cent.
The number of reported non-cognizable cases was 64,656 against
63,917 in the previous year. The increase was mainly under minor
offences against the person. The value of property stolen was
Es. 15,78,931 against Rs. 21,53,628 in the previous year and of
property recovered was Rs. 1,28,984 against Rs. 1,39,970.
There were 255 cases of murder against 273 in’ the previous
vear. In 26 cases the victims were alleged
• to have practised witchcraft and 19 were
murders for gain. 21 per cent of the cases were the outcome of
 62
intrigue with women and 11 per cent due to revenge. In a case
in Gaya, the accused, suspecting his wife’s fidelity, murdered her
and two other members of his family. In a case in Eanchi, the
father struck his newly born son in a fit of insanity and caused
his death. In the same district, a girl’s paramour was done to
death by his rival and an unmarried girl was murdered by her
lover.' In Singhbhum, the accused killed his aunt who was believed
to have brought about his wife’s death by witchcraft. In Jam­
shedpur, a Pathan stabbed another Pathan to death in a squable
over the use of a Water hydrant. Out of a total number of 114
cases involving .311 persons that were tried only 56 cases involving
91 persons ended in conviction.

Eiots and unlawful assemblies rose by 8».l per cent from 698
in the previous year to 755 during the year.
The increase was mostly noticeable in
Bhagalpur, Santal Parganas, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Hazaribagh
and Shahabad. The increase in Bhagalpur was mainly due to
a series of communal riots which occurred in the town in connec­
tion with the Eath Jatra festival. In the Santal Pai-ganas,
Hazaribagh and Muzaffarpur it was due to land disputes and in
Darbhanga to Kisan agitation. Industrial and agrarian unrest
accounted for the increase in Shahabad. The decrease was most
marked in Purnea and Manbhum. 525 cases involving 6,439
persons were tried of which 401 cases involving 3,137 persons ended
in conviction and 124 cases involving 3,302 persons were acquitted.
54 riot and unlawful assembly cases were due to communal clashes
and two cases to “ Bitlaha ’’ (a Santal custom of ostracism).

There were 325 cases of dacoity against 259 in the previous

Dacoity year. The most noticeable increases
occurred in the Santal Parganas, Patna,
Gaya, Shahabad, Manbhum, Champaran and Hazaribagh. The
increase in most cases was due to the influx of outside criminals.
Flying squads and other schemes were organised to combat the
increase. The percentage of cases placed on trial rose from 31 to
34.4 while that of successful prosecutions fell from 68.3 to 52,6.
The percentage of persons convicted was 38.7 against 46.4 in the
previous year.

There were 264 cases of robbery as against 235 in the previous

Robbery And Burglary.
16,588 during the year. Of the foimer, 47
were highway robberies, 1 a train robbery, 1 a mail robbery and
 63
1 was a robbery by administering poison. Marked increases
occurred in Purnea, Shahabad, Patna and Manbhum and satisfac­
tory decreases in Monghyr, Darbhanga and Eanchi. The
increase in Puniea was due to better reporting and in Patna to the
activities of certain bad characters who were suitably dealt with.
The rise in Shahabad is attributed to the influx of labourers and to
some extent industrial and agrarian unrest and in Manbhum was
due chiefly to the economic depression. On the Bengal and North-
Western Railway, an Advocate travelling in a second class
compartment was relieved, at the point of a dagger, of his diamond
ring and cash. The culprits were ultimately traced and convicted.
The districts in which an increase in cases of burglary was reported
were Darbhanga, Muzaffarpm, Patna, Manbhum, Santal Parganas
and Champaran. Generally speaking, the increase in most
districts was due to better reporting.

True cases of ordinary theft rose from 9,501 to 11,018.

Appreciable increases occurred in Purnea,
Santal Parganas, Patna, Bhagalpur,
Monghyr and Manbhum. In Purnea the increase was attributed
more or less to the same causes as in the case of other forms of
crime. 2,855 cases involving 9,898 persons were tried. Of these
89.2 per cent ended in conviction against 90.6 per cent in the
previous year, and of the persons tried 44.2 per cent were convicted
against 42.8 per cent in the previous year.

There were 19 cases of note-forgery against the same number

last year. 15 cases of coining involving 22
ended in conviction. 4 persons
were rounded up in tlie Champaran district
while manufacturing counterfeit coins and all were convicted.
There was an increase in the number of true cases of culpable
Fatalities homicide, the figure being 166 against 148
in the previous year while infanticides fell
from 22 to 15. Cases of suicide rose from 618 to 630, the largest
number being contributed by the Chota Nagpur Division. The
total number of cases reported as death by accident was 13,188 of
which 20 were cases of murder, 5,229 of drowning and 4,662 were
due to snake-bite.
There were 241 cases of arson against 220 in the previous year.
Other Crimes these 37 cases were sent up for trial and
16 ended in conviction. This form of crime
was particularly prevalent in the districts of Shahabad, Bhagalpur,
 64

Monghyr^ Santal Parganas and Manbhum. Of 145 cases of mis­

chief to animals against the same number last year, 67 were sent
up for trial and 49 involving 75 persons ended in conviction. The
only case of flaying goats alive ended in the conviction of the
accused. There were 668 cases of swindling, including 164 of
professional swindling. Of these 226 cases involving 964 persons
were sent up for trial and the percentages of persons and cases
convicted were respectively 28 and 90 as against 33 and 90 in the
previous year. Out of 166 professional swindlers tried, 71 were
convicted. There were 8 cases of note-doubling against 2 in the
previous year.
True cognizable cases on the Railways rose from 1,057 to
1,133. The Bengal and North-Western
Railway Crime.
Railway registered an increase of 22 cases
and the East Indian Railwav 54. The increase on the latter
Railway was chiefly due to the increase in pick-pocketing cases.
Railway accidents accounted for 382 deaths against 510 in' the
previous year. Besides, there were 81 cases of suicide and 3 cases
of collision in which 17 persons were injured. There were 27
cases of obstruction, the most serious being the derailment of the
Punjab Mail in which 2 persons were killed and 41 injured, Of
the 27 cases, 5 involving 8 persons were sent up for trial, all
ending in conviction.
As compared with the previous yeUr, a slightly larger per­
False Cases.
centage of the persons, who brought
maliciously false cases, were prosecuted and
a smaller percentage of those prosecutions resulted in convictions.
The number of cases declared maliciously false during the year
was 1,463 against 1,203 in the previous year. The largest per­
centage was in Dhanbad and the smallest in Darbhanga. The
percentage of awards of compensation under section 250 of the
Criminal Procedure Code to cases declared false after trial increased
from 50 per cent in the previous year to 67.8 per cent during the
year.
The year closed with 24,402 persons on the police surveillance
Snreeillanoe whom 3,193 were in jail, 2,195 were
untraced and 19,014 were under surveillance.
333 persons were arrested by constables who recognised bad
characters on sight. The number of arrests by picketing parties
rose from 519 to 527. Results were good in Purnea, Hazaribagh,
Palamau, Manbhum, Dhanbad, Patna and on the East Indian
Railway where all the arrested persons were convicted although
the nimiber of arrests were few, 2,528 officers arid jnen were
 65

employed on town patrol duty. Bui-glaries in town rose from 2,767

to 2,911. The most noticeable increase was in Patna, Muzaffarpur
and Darbhanga. Poor street lighting is one of the causes of bur­
glary. There were 17,964 street lamps at the.close of the year
against 17,984 in the previous year. In addition to the regular
road patrols, certain crime affected areas were given the services
of temporary road patrols.
The history of 94 professional criminals were added to and
39 eliminated from the .records leaving a
Criminal Investigation
Department.
total of 3,997. 23 references involving 24
persons from Bengal, Orissa and Delhi were
dealt with. There were 4,836 registered members of criminal
tribes at the close of the year belonging to ten tribes and 70 gangs
as against 5,038 in the previous year. 399 members were convicted
of ^offences under the Criminal Tribes Act or .the Indian Penal
Code or bound down.under the preventive sections of the Criminal
Procedure Code as against 428 in the previous year. The number
of questioned documents increased from 103 to 143 and the Hand­
writing Experts gave evidence in 59 cases against 30 of the previous
yeai. The Photographic Section prepared photographs of *136
criminals, 1,191 manuscripts and 479 finger-prints in addition to
other m.’scellaneous work. The Finger Print Bureau examined
5,649 slips and identified 1,052 old criminals, while 8,233 new slips
were placed on record and 1,804 slips eliminated thus leaving a
total of 185,668. Finger Print Experts gave evidence in 392 cases
of which 346 were private cases and furnished opinions on 8 cases.
The Bureau continued, to be self-supporting, the fees received
being Rs. 26,061-5-0 and the cost of its maintenance approximately
Rs. 23,400.
The number of motor vehicles rose during the year from 8,176,
Motor Vfthioiaa including 524 lorries and 1,168 buses, to
otor vehicles. including 618 lorries and 1,229
buses. The amount of tax collected during the year was
Rs. 5,89,215-13-6. 440 persons were injured in motor accidents
as against 488 in the previous year. 87 of these proved fatal
against 89 in the previous year. There were 2,455 prosecutions
under the Motor A'ehicles .Vet, 1,888 under the Motor Vehicles
Taxation Act and 243 under the Indian Penal Code against
2,451, 205 and 256 resi^ectively in the previous year.
During the year, 94,870 criminal offences were reported, of
_ , T. which 57,384 were offences under the
Criminal Justice. - t . -i
Indian Penal Code and 37,486 under special
and local laws, an increase of 4,823, or 9,2 per cent, and a decrease
 66
of 3,333 or 8.2 per cent, respectively, as compared with the figures
for the previous year. The number of offences reported increased
in 9 districts and decreased in 7, the largest increases being in
Manbhum and Shahabad. The increase in the former was due to
an increase in the number of offences both under the Indian Penal
Code and under special and local laws, while the increase in the
latter was reported to have been due to a large number of offences
under the Vaccination Act. The largest increases were in Saran
and Patna.
Complaints were dismissed in 16,466 cases and the number of
cases declared to be false after trial or enquiry was 1,391. These
two classes together constituted 18.8 per cent of the total ndmber
of cases reported as against 17.2 per cent in the previous year.
At the opening of the year, 3,357 cases were pending before
Magisterial Courts. Magistrates. During the year, 66,084 cases
were brought, to trial including references
under sections 347 and 349 of the Criminal Procedure Code and
also cases committed to the courts of sessions. Of these 65,176
cases were disposed of, including cases committed to the courts of
sessions, and 4,256 remained pending at the close of the year.
The number of cases brought to trial during the year was less than
the number for the previous year by 1,557. There was an increase
in -8 districts and a decrease in 7. The increase was largest
in Gaya, while the most conspicuous decrease was in Saran. Of
the cases disposed of, the District Magistrates tried 34, Subordinate
Stipendiary Magistrates 54,431, Honorary Magistrates 9,279,
Benches of Magistrates 214 and Special Magistrates 40. The total
number of cases tried by Magistrates in exercise of special powers
under section 30 of the Criminal Procedure Code was 236 against
260 in the previous year. The use of special powers under section
30 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was reported to have lightened
appreciably the burden of Sessions Judges employed in districts
within the partially excluded areas and enabled them to dispose
of mote expeditiously the civil business.
Of the total number of cases disposed of by the Magistrates,
690 were committed or referred to the courts of sessions, while
64,486 were finally disposed of by Magistrates. In the latter cases
118,965 persons were accused as against 115,676 in the previous
year; 53,122 or 44.7 per cent were convicted and 65,843 or 55.3
per cent were acquitted or discharged. Of the persons acquitted
cases of 35,731 were compounded, withdrawn or dismissed for
default. In the result the percentage of convictions in the case of
 67
persons actually tried was 63.8 as compared with 65.1 in thd
previous year. The number of persons whose cases were com­
pounded, withdrawn or dismissed for default was the largest in
Darbhanga, being 3,932 out of 6,105. Of the persons tried for
offences under the Penal Code, 22,341 or 28.7 per cent were
convicted and 55,428 or 71.3 per cent were acquitted or discharged.
Excluding the cases of 29,705 jrersons which were compounded,
withdrawn or dismissed for default, the percentage of conviction
was 46.5 against 46.2 in the previous year. Of the persons
convicted, 1,494 were tried summarily, 1,486 by Subordinate
Stipendiary Magistrates and eight by Honorary Magistrates. Those
sentenced to rigorous imprisonment (excluding 624 persons
imprisoned in default of furnishing security for good behaviour
but including youthful offenders sent to a Reformatory School)
numbered 11,535, to simple imprisonment 531, to fines 40,103 and
to whipping 79. No sentence of solitary confinement was passed
•during the year as against one such sentence in the previous year.
Twenty youthful offenders were sentenced to detention in the
Reformatory School as against 36 in the previous year.
The number of witnesses examined in the courts of Magistrates
was 189,027 as against 175,504 in the previous year. The number
of witnesses discharged without examination was 48,866 or 20.5
per cent of the whole number in attendance against 21.4 per cent
in the previous year. The amount paid to witnesses for expenses
rose from Rs. 1,62,379 to Rs. 1,74,171.
Th» number of cases committed for trial or referred during the
Courts Of Sessions. ye®*^ 690 and the number tried, includ­
ing the ■‘pending cases of the previous year,
652. Of the cases tried, 494 were tried by Sessions Judges and
158 by Assistant Sessions Judges. Sessions Judges and Additional
Sessions Judges spent approximately 3,015 days and Assistant
Sessions Judges 733 days on criminal work against 2,763 and 714
days, respectively in the previous year.
The number of persons under trial before the courts of sessions
was 3,273, being 557 more than in the previous year. Of the total
number of persons tried, 1,141 wfere convicted, 1,149 were acquitted
or discharged, while the cases of 84 persons were referred to the
High Court under sections 307 and 374 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure.
Of the persons convicted, 46 were sentenced to death, 85 were
transported for hfe, 901 sentenced to rigorous imprisonment,
6 41 Rev,
 1 sentenced to simple imprisonment, 61 were fined and 7 were
given the sentence of whipping.
The average duration of sessions trials from the date of com­
mitment to the date of decision was 94 days
Duratlon^^Ofg Sessions against 80.9 days in the previous year. The
duration was especially long in the districts
of Saran (213 days), Gaya (135 days), the Santal Parganas (134
days), Palamau (125 days) and Hazaribagh (124 days). In Saran,
the average duration rose from 55 to 213 days. Increases were
due to the fact that there was a large number of sessions cases
with prolonged trials. In Gaya, the average duration rose from
92.9 to 135 days and was due to the fact that mostly the cases were
very long and contested. In the Santal Parganas, where the
duration (134 days) was shorter than the previous year, no reduc­
tion could be effected due to the congestion of sessions file at
Bhagalpur. In Palamau, the average duration rose from 99 to
125 days and in Hazaribagh it fell from 128 to 124 days. There
was an increase in average duration in eight districts and a decrease
in eight. Notice was, as usual, taken by the High Court of cases
of unusual delay of commitment, particularly of cases in which
more than two months intervened between apprehension and
commitment. There were 223 such cases, during the year.
The number of persons tried by jury during the year was 766
Jury Trials the verdict of the jury was accepted in
respect of 729 persons. In respect of
37 persons references were made to the High Court under section
307 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Opinions on the working
of the jury system were, as usual, divided. The High Court
made recommendations to the Provincial Government for improv­
ing the working of the jury system and suggested an early revision
of the existing jury lists.
The number of persons tried with the aid of assessors was
1,452. In the cases of 687 persons the Sessions Judges agreed
with the opinion of the assessors, while in the cases of 514 persons
they differed from the opinion of one or more but not from the
opinion of all and in cases of 251 persons they- differed from their
unanimous opinion.
In sessions courts there were 326 appeals pending at the
beginning of the year and during the year
Appeals. 2,979 appeals were preferred. The number
decided during the year was 3,038 and 267 were pending at its
I
 60
close. There was an increase in seven sessions divisions and a
decrease in four, the largest increase being in the sessions division
of Champaran-Muzaffarpur ( + 89) and the largest decrease in
Darbhanga ,(-77). The number of persons concerned in the
appeals decided by Sessions Judges was 6,110 of whom 3,628 or
59.4 per cent failed completely, and the appeals of 1,468 or
24 per cent were summarily dismissed. Of those whose appeals
were admitted, 2,160 or 46.5 per cent were altogether unsuccessful;
1,006 or 21.7 per cent obtained a reduction or alteration of
sentence: 1,423 or 30.7 per cent were acquitted; in cases of 51 or
1.1 per cent a new trial or further enquiry was ordered and in the
cases of two persons the proceedings were quashed. Five persons
died or escaped during the year.

In the courts of Magistrates there were 222 appeals pending

at the beginning of the year, while 2,755 appeals were preferred
during the year. The number decided was 2,761 and 216 remained,
pending at the close of the year. The number of persons whose
appeals were decided by courts of Magistrates was 6,654. The
appeals of 1,048 (or 15.7 per cent) were summarily dismissed and
the sentences of 2,232 (or 39.8 per cent) of those whose appeals
were admitted, were confirmed, 3,280 appellants or 49.3 per cent
were thus wholly unsuccessful. Of the remainder, 1,009
appellants or 15.2 per cent obtained a modification of the sentences
passed on them and 2,233 or 33.5 per cent were acquitted. In
the cases of 131 appellants or 2 per cent a new trial or further
enquiry was ordered and the case of one was referred to the High
Court.
During the year, 264 appeals were preferred and 271 appeals
were decided in the High Court, and at its close 25 remained
pending. Of the appeals preferred, 238 were against sentences
passed by Courts of Sessions, 23 were against sentences passed by
Magistrates acting under section 34 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure and three were under section 476-B of the Code of
Criminal Procedure.
The orders of the lower courts were upheld in 182 out of 271
appeals decided, reversed in 36 and modified in 47. In three
cases the sentence was enhanced and in three new trial was ordered.
Of the persons concerned, the appeals of 263 were summarily
dismissed under section 421 of the Code of Criminal Procedure;
in admitted appeals the sentences on 83 appellants were confirmed,
on 100 reduced or altered, on 116 annulled and on 17 enhanced.
In the case of four persons new trial was ordered. The percentage
 70
of appellants who were entirely unsuccessful was 62.3 as against
64 in the previous year.
Ten references involving 37 persons were made to. the High
Reference Under Section
Court under section 307 of the Code of
307 Of The Code Of Criminal Procedure. Seven references
Criminal Procedure. involving 28 persons were disposed of.
‘ 'Thirty-seven references under section 374 of the Code of
Death Sentences. Criminal Procedure, for confirmation of the
sentence of death, were made to the ‘High
Court during the year and ten references involving 11 persons
were pending from the previous year. Pourty-one references in
which 51 persons were concerned were disposed of.. The sentence'
of death passed on 20 persons was confirmed, while 13 persons had
the sentence of death passed on them commuted to transportation
for life and nine others had the sentence set aside and were
acquitted. The convictions of nine persons were altered and they
were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment varying from two to ten
years. Six references with six persons remained pending at the
end of the year.
There were 128 panchayat courts in the province during the
Panchayat Courts. y®ar, ^4 of which Wfere in the district of
Muzaffarpur. The number of cases (1,686)
disposed of by the panchayat courts in Muzaffarpur was slightly
less than in the previous year. On the whole, however, the
panchayat courts rendered some assistance to the Magistrates and
Munsifs in the subdivisions where they were functioning and it is
hoped that in course of time better type of men would be available
to serve on them and many of the defects now found would be
removed.
During the year 691 cases were instituted on the complaints
_ . . X T, z.
Complalnts By Courts.
of Courts and 103 were pending»
at the
3 open-
■ ,
mg of the year. Four hundred and sixty-
- six of these cases ended in conviction and 179 in'acquittal, 13 cases
were withdrawm, 12 were dismissed, in two the accused persons
escaped, proceedings in two cases were dropped, in one case the
accused person was committed to the court of sessions and 199 cases
remained pending at the close of the year.
Fees and fines realised in criminal courts amounted to
Receipts 8,68,437. Of this amount Es. 3,38,480
were fines, Ks. 78,441 process fees,
Es. 1,61,763 copying and comparing fees, Es. 2,61,566 court-fee
 71

stamp receipts other than the above and Es. 28,187 miscellaneous
receipts.
The magisterial staff of the province at the close of the year
Magisterial Staff consisted of 290 Stipendiary and 90 Honorary
Magistrates. Of the 290 Stipendiary Magis­
trates, 160 exercised first class, 97 second class and 33 third class
powers. Of the Honorary Magistrates, two were special Magis­
trates under section 14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The number of original suits instituted in the province was
Civil Justice 210,314, an increase of 11,302 on the
previonj? year’s figures. There was an in­
crease in litigation in seven districts and a decrease in four. The
increase was most marked in Gaya (4-5,686), Monghyr ( + 3,177),
Bhagalpur ( + 3,017) and Darbhanga ( + 2,982) and the decrease in
Manbhum-Singhbhum (-4,182) and Sasan (-2,265). Of the suits
instituted, 35,467 were for money oi‘ movable property, 161,668
were rent suits, and 13,179 were title and other miscellaneous
suits. The value of the suits instituted amounted to
Es. 4,06,76,754, a decrease of Es. 33,06,677 as compared with the
last year’s figures. This decrease was mainly due to the institution
of suits of lower value in some of the districts of the province.
The increase in the number of title suits, which had been a feature
of recent years, continued. There was a decrease of 3,405 in the
number of money suits. On the other hand, the number of rent
suits largely increased.
The following table shows the number of suits instituted in
each district :—
1. Muzaffarpur 32,222
2. Darbhanga 28,833
3. Saran 25,557
4. Shahabad ... 22,172
5. Patna 19,180
6. Monghyr 19,003
7. Bhagalpur 18,774
8. Purnea 18,402
9. Gaya 16,541
10. Manbhum-Singhbhum 5,750
11. Chota Nagpur 3,880
The total number of suits instituted during the year-(210,314),
added to the number pending from the previous year (105,392), and
to the number revived or otherwise received during the year
 72

(15,980) provided a total of 331,686 suits for disposal. The

number of suits disposed of was 216,858. The number of suits for
disposal increased by 15,340 and the number disposed of by 21,380
as compared with the previous year. The average disposal of suits
in the courts of Subordinate Judges increased from 191.2 in the
previous year to 212.8 in 1938, and that of suits in the courts of
Munsifs increased from 2,660.5 to 3,197.2. Of the suits disposed
of 212,615 were disposed of by Munsifs (including 22,297 by small
cause court procedure), 4,202 by Subordinate Judges and 41 by
District and Additional District Judges. Of the 19,643 suits
decided after contest, 247 or 1.3 per cent were decided on reference
to arbitration. Of the remaining 98.7 per cent, 83,per cent or
16,303 suits ended in favour of the plaintiff and 15.7 per cent
or 3,093 suits in favour of the defendant. The number of suits
compromised was highest in Manbhum-Singhbhum (1,648).
There was a rise in the average duration of suits decided both
on contest and without contest in the courts of the District Judges.
The duration of suits decided on contest was the largest in the
district of Shahabad (585 days). The duration of contested suits
under the ordinary procedure in the courts of the Subordinate
Judges was above the average for the province in six districts, the
highest figures being 727 days in Bhagalpur and 602 days in
Purnea. In the Munsif’s courts the average duration of suits
decided on contest under the ordinary procedure was above the
average for the province in three districts, the highest figures being
in the districts of Darbhanga (632 days) and Manbhum-Singhbhum
(364.2 days). The number of suits pending at the close of the
year fell from 105,392 to 99,657 (5.4 per cent); and the number
of suits pending for over one year from the date of institution
rose from 1,722 to 2,385 (38.5 per cent).
There were 60,618 applications for the execution of decrees
pending from the previous year and 129,758 applications were made
during the year. Full satisfaction was obtained in 84,873 and
partial satisfaction in 9,724 cases; in 32,643 cases the proceedings
were returned as wholly infructuous, while 60,807 remained
pending at the close of the year. The total percentage of
infructuous cases was. 25.7 as against 24 in the previous year.
The total amount realised in courts, other than small cause
courts, was Es. 1,47,11,515. The coercive measures employed
were, in 164 cases, the arrest of the judgment-debtor; in 294 and
42,889 cases, respectively, the sale of movable and immovable
property; and in 33,598 cases, the attachment of property followed
 73
by it's release. Possession of immovable property was given in
957 cases.
The number of applications for retrial was 3,357 or 2.1 per
cent of the total number of cases dismissed for default and
decided ex parte. Of the total number of applications disposed
of (3,367), 21.6 per cent were successful as compared with 17.2
per cent in . the previous year.
In respect of miscellaneous cases of a non-judicial nature,
institutions and disposals numbered 1,217 and 1,023, respectively.
The number of applications for deposit of rent was the highest
in Monghyr (42) and Shahabad (41).
The number of civil appeals and miscellaneous cases preferred
Civil Appeals before the High Court during the year was
2,541. In addition there were 2,438 cases
pending from, the previous year. Of the total number, .3,080 were
decided during the year and 1,899 were pending at the end of
the year.
In the Appellate Courts Subordinate to the High Court appeals
instituted numbered 4,575, being 406 less than in the previous
year. The largest decreases were in Patns. and Shahabad. " Appeals
disposed of numbered 5,151, 33, less than in the previous year, of
which 2,243 or 43.5 per cent were decided by District and Addi­
tional District Judges.and 2,908 or 66.5 per cent by Subordinate
Judges, the corresponding percentages in the previous year being
48,6 and 51.4 for District Judges, including Additional District
Judges, and for Subordinate Judges, respectively. In 2,790 cases
or 54.2 per cent of the whole, the judgment of the lower courts
was afSrmed; in 757 cases or 14.7 per cent it was modified; and
in 858 or 16.6 per cent it was reversed; 158 appeals, or 3.1 per
cent were remanded, and 589 or 11,4 per cent were either dis­
missed for default or otherwise not prosecuted. In addition to
the regular appeals, 1,776 miscellaneous appeals were instituted
of which 1,619 were disposed of and 690 remained pending at the
close of the year.
Besides the permanent personnel of the High Court, two
Judicial Staff. temporary posts of Additional Judges
created during the previous year continued
throughout the year under review. The permanent civil judicial
staff subordinate to the High Court consisted of 17 District Judges,
including 6 peripatetic Additional District Judges, 24 Subordinate
Judges and 79 Munsifs. Five Munsifs on probation were confirmed
 74
and’ four new probationers were appointed. Five temporary
appointments of Additional Subordinate Judges were also made
-during the year.
The new rules regarding the issue of commissions requiring
Misoellaneous.
a knowledge of surveying worked satisfac­
torily. Out of 1,116 commissions issued 33
or 3 per cent were executed by persons with civil engineering
degree and 829 or 74 per cent by pleaders holding certificates of
proficiency in surveying and 254 or 23 per cent by other pleaders.
The total amount of fees paid was Rs. 36,997. The number
of commissions of other kinds issued was 828 and the total
amount of fees paid in respect of them was Rs. 19,269.
The accounts of estates under the fiduciary control of the
civil courts with an annual income of over Rs. 4,000 continued to
be audited by the Local Audit Department with appreciably good
results.
The provisions of the Usurious Loans Act, 1918, were applied
by the subordinate courts in all cases where it was necessary
to use them and the rates of interest were reduced where they
were found excessive. In a large proportion ot cases the courts
acted suo motu. In Patna the provisions of the new Money-
Lenders’ Act were also applied in dealing with such cases.
The system • of permitting service of summons on witnesses
by parties or their agents as provided by the addition made in
1929 to rule's of Order XVI of the Code of Civil Procedure,
still appears to be working satisfactorily. 33,479 such processes
were made over to the parties during the year as against 31,698
in the previous year. The innovation did not, however, make
it possible to reduce the process-serving establishment in any
judgeship other than Chota Nagpur.
The Registrar system was introduced as an experimental
measure in the judgeship of Monghyr in April 1938. The system
proved of much benefit to the litigant public. As at Patni and
Gaya, the office of the Registrar was held by a Munsif at Monghyr.
It may be possible to extend the Registrar system to other judge­
ships as soon as finances permit.
The number of permanent jails of all classes except subsidiary
jails remained the same as in the previous
year, viz., 4 cfentral, 9 district and 1 juvenile.
The number of the subsidiary jails increased from 40 to 41 owing
 75

t’o the reopening of the subsidiary jail at Madhipura, which was.

amalgamated with that at Supaul in 1935 on account of floods. Of
the three reduced district jails, viz., those at Chaibassa, Daltonganj
and Arrah, which were temporarily restored to the status of district
jails, the first two were restored to the status of subsidiary jails
while the one at Arrah continued to function as a district jail.
The prison population at the commencement of the year was
10,792 against 11,565 in the previous year. The number of admis­
sions, including transfers, rose from 55,369 to 59,632. The year
closed with a population of 10,778 or 14 less than in the previous
year. The daily average number of prisoners of all classes was
10,895;90 or 132.63 less than in the previous year. Of these the
total number of convicts was 8,656.77 or 527.37 less, of under­
trials 2,223.33 or 408.79 more and of civil prisoners 15.80 or 14.05
less. One convict who volunteered for service in the Andamans
was transported with the sanction of the local Government, while
61 long-term convicts were released during the year on the recom­
mendation of the Revising Board.
There was no state prisoner. The number of terrorist
prisoners ip jails in the year was 26, including one received from
the Lahore jail and another received from the Delhi jail. All of
them were discharged during the year.
The daily average “number of undertrial prisoners was 2,223.33
against 1,814.54 in the previous year ,Showing an appreciable
increase. As against this there was a fall in the period of detention
of undertrial prisoners both in Sessions ” and “ other ” cases,
viz., from 70.08 and 26.79 days, respectively, in the previous year
to 68.29 and 23.94 days during the year under review.
A new feature was the introduction of mass literacy campaign
in the jails of the province. Education was
Education Of Prisoners, imparted to all the illiterate prisoners, con­
victs and undertrials and the progress and
enthusiasm shown by them was very satisfactory. The jail staff
also helped in imparting education to the illiterate prisoners. Out
of 20,271 illiterate prisoners, both male and female, 13,295 attended
literacy classes. Of these, 6,251 were made to read, while 3,836
‘were made to read and write and 2,853 were made to read, write
and do simple arithmetic.
There were 33 Star class or non-habitual prisoners in the
Hazaribagh Central Jail. 16 were admitted to the class dming
the year. These prisoners were kept separately from other prisoners
 -76
and yvere trained in weaving of various kinds and were given
elementary instruction ^nd physical drill.
Only five prisoners, viz., four undertrial and one juvenile,
Discipline escaped from jails during the year, of whom
two were recaptured. The total number of
offences committed by the convicts was 3,160 against 3,215 in the
previous year. All were dealt with by the jail authorities except
five which were referred to the criminal courts. Fetters for sale
custody were imposed in 49 cases against 64 cases in the previous
year. Ordinarily, long-termers and transportation prisoners who
are considered to be dangerous are kept in fettefs for safe custody
pending their transfer to central jails.
The total strength of the permanent warder establishment
during the year-was the same as in the previous year, viz., 1,076.
In addition to the permanent strength, 63 warders had to be
appointed temporarily owing to over-crowding in the jails and for
guarding condeihried prisoners.
The total number of punishments inflicted on warders and
Head-warders was 461 against 604 in the previous year. The
number judicially punished was 2 against 3 in the previous year, 5
were dismissed against 9 in the year before, 5 degraded, 216 fined,
74 given extra drill and 159 formally censured or otherwise punished
against 4,240, 69 and 179, respectively, in the previous year.
The system of granting remission of sentences to convicts as
a reward for good behaviour continued to work satisfactorily and
4,921 such prisoners were released during the year as against 5,140
in the previous year.
The working of the manufactory department did not show
Jail Manufacture. improvement. On the contrary,
there was appreciable fall in the net profit.
The net profit fell from Hs. 1,22,121 in the previous year to
Rs. 68,046 during the year and the average net profit per head of
convicts from Rs. 13-8-0 to Rs. 8-1-0. The decrease was mainly
attributed to less sale of blankets in the Bhagalpur Central Jail
and paucity of orders for tents in the Buxar Central Jail.
The principal industries of the jails are tent-making, tailoring
and cotton-weaving on power-looms at Buxar, while blanket­
weaving, tailoring, blacksmithy, carpentry and spinning were
practised at Bhagalpur. In Gaya, the labouring prisoners were
employed chiefly in the Government Forms Press and at Hazari­
bagh they were engaged in cotton and silk-weaving and tailoring.
 77
Hand-spinning ism charkhas was also introduced a&d; gbod preg^ss
was reported lliereiaB'.
^he year >as satisfaeiory fooiaa tbe health poiht of vietr of
Ittealthi prisoners. The total anoaber of adfiaissiofis
to" hospital' as 'well as the "daily average
riiuniher of sick showed' a fwth^ _eojisidetahle fall during the year,
fhe figures feeing 3,^32 and 2^.92, respectively, agai'nst 4,219 and
254.53 in the previous year'.' The adtnission^rate and constantly
siek-rate per mile of ^yisragp §trengfe also .fpM from 332.@ aod';23.1,
, the previous ye,a^ tp<- 3^©.^ ,and respectively, dhri^g 'the
year. ihe total nuinfeo^ '9^ deatl^ frerU' ali causes and the death­
rate per mdle of the total' strong^ also dropped frona 143 and .1^.9
to 103 and -9,9, respeetiv^ly. The death-ra^ per mille of strength
was the lowest ever recorded in .this proving.
The fetal expenditure on the jails, excluding the cost of feuild-
Misoellaneoas. and 'impairs, yvas'1^. 13,49,533 against
Es. 13,21,901 in ^e previous year. The
average cost per head also increased from Bs. 119-13*0 to
Bs. 123*0-0. ' ' ' . ' ■
Numero.us measures of feform for .the improvement of the jail
Prison Reform. adminisbration, -in particular regarding the
diet, dress, comfort, recreation and education
of the prisoners wer.e inh^duced:. The pressing of .mustard seed by
hand labour was
 CHAPTER YIII.

Excise.
J
Prohibition being one of the chief items in the Ministry’s
General progi-amme, all efforts have been directed
to forging ahead with the policy of prohi­
bition of intoxicating drinks and drugs. Prohibition became an
accomplished fact in the district , of Saran during the year. •
The sale and possession of all the excisable articles other
than medicated wines, foreign liquor and opium was prohi­
bited in the district. 95 country liquor shops, 71 ganja shops,
3 bhang shops and 1,957 tari shops were abolished as a result of
the introduction of prohibition, while the number of opium shops
was reduced from 13 to 7 and the sale of opium was allowed only
to registered opium eaters to a limit of half a tola against one and a
half tolas in non-prohibited areas. Though there was some
opposition off and on from interested parties, the experiment
worked smoothly on the whole. The Government wish to see how
it works in mining areas and hilly and jungly tracts inhabited
mostly by aboriginal tribes. With this end in view, they extended
prohibition to four more districts from April 1, 1939, namely, to
the coalfield area in the Dhanbad subdivision in the district of
Manbhum and 5 police-stations in each of the districts of Ranchi
and Hazaribagh. Hajipur subdivision in the district of Muzaffar­
pur also had to go dry on account of its proximity to Saran.
There is a 5 miles shopless zone only round the combined
prohibition area of Ranchi and Hazaribagh while there is no such
shopless zone, round Manbhum, Muzaffarpur or Saran prohibition
areas. Retail prices of drugs were also heavily increased from
April 1, 1939, to restrict consumption. No new excise shops were
opened during the year and no temporary fair licenses were issued
as was the custom in the past. A notable feature of the year was
that the Sonepur fair, which is perhaps the biggest fair in India,
went practically dry.
During the year 3,323 persons were convicted for offences
against excise laws against 2,923 persons in the previous year.-
Of these there were 794 illicit distillers against 809 last year.

78
 ^9
I'here was a slight increase in the number of persons convicted of
smuggling, illicit distillation and sale of outstill liquor. The local
excise staff generally spai'ed no pains in keeping crime under
control, but excise crime is so closely linked with the economic
life of certain classes and tribes that without effective co-operation
from the general public it is hardly possible for the Excise
Department to expect more than partial success from its efforts
to keep this class of crime under control. There is undoubtedly
need of a more enlightened and organised public opinion in
matters concerning excise policy and administration. The
introduction of prohibition is easy enough, but the practical
problem is how to make it a permanent reality backed by powerful
and sustained enthusiasm. Want of faith in the ideal, and the
facile optimism which refuses to take note of the practical
difficulties and believes that prohibition can be enforced in a day,
will alike retard progress towards the goal.
As regards the financial result of prohibition in the Saran
district. Government lost the whole of the revenue amounting to
Rs. 6,43,399 which they had derived from country spirit, tari,
ganja and bhang in this district during the previous year. The
enhancement of the treasury price of opium in the district kept
the revenue under this head almost steady, i.e., Rs. 19,550 against
Rs. 20,952. The revenue from foreign liquor, however, went up
from Rs. 3,373 in 1937-38 to Rs. 5,562 in the year under report.
This was due to the fact that some well-to-do consumers of
country spirit who could not abstain from drinking patronised
foreign liquor. The economic effect of prohibition on the people
was reported to be satisfactory.
The Bihar Prohibition Act VI of 1938 was passed by the
Legislature during the year but only sections 1, 3 and 19 of the Act
regarding prohibition of liquor advertisements came into force
simultaneously with the passing of the Act.

The total gross revenue of the province from excise for the
Revenue. 7®®’^ ®®- 1,20,07,054 against
Rs. 1,22,17,458 in the previous year. The
decrease was due to the introduction of prohibition in the Saran
district. The incidence of excise revenue per head of the»
population was 5 annas and 11 pies against 6 annas in the preceding
year. The figures for the previous year for the adjoining
presidency and provinces were : Bengal 5 annas. United Provinces
4 annas and 11 pies. Central Provinces 7 annas and 2 pies, and
Orissa 7 annas and 1 pie. The following table will show at a
 glance the position of the excise revenue and charges of the
province for the last 5 years

Percentage
Period. Revenue. Charges. Refunds, Net revenue. of
charges.

1 2 8 4 6 6
"T"
Bs. Bs. Rs. Bs.

1034-36 1,14,07,167 12,20,876 16,080 1,02,62,712 10-60

1036-36 1,21,00,687 12,86,680 28,806 1,08,76,202 10-66

1036-37 1,16,37,110 12,73,603 27,044 1,03,36,482 10-04
1037-38 1,22,17,468 12,64,103 18,144 1,00,36,211 10-34
1038-30 1,20,07,064 12,03,740 34,764 1,06,78,560 10-74

Difierence between —2,10,404 -)-20,637 -t-16,610 —2,66,661 -t^O-40

the year under
report and the
preceding year.

The total expenditure on the Excise Department amounted to

Excise Charges. 12,93,740 against Rs. 12,64,103 during
the previous year, an increase of Es. 29,637.
The increase was due to a larger quantity of opium being indented
from Ghazipur Factory and under contingencies due to the
introduction of prohibition in the district of Saran.
The contract distillery system and the outstill system were
Con t S Irit operation'in .the districts of Gaya,
" ® * Shahabad, Champaran, Monghyr, Bhagalpur,
the Santal Parganas, RanchiManbhum and Singhbhum,., The
districts of Hazaribagh and Palamau were wholly under the outstill
system. The cohtiuct distillery system of supply prevailed in the
remaining four districts. The total quantity of country spirit
issued oh payment of duty from the bonded warehouses was
647,824.4 L. P. gallons against 719,863.8 L. P. gallons in the
preceding year. Out of the total decrease of 72,039.4 L. P. gallons
prohibition in the district of Saran alone accounted for the decrease
of 52,826-2 L. P. gallons. Besides this there was a decrease in
consumption in all the districts except in the districts of Shahabad,
Champaran and Singhbhum. The total number of hcenses for
.. the retail vend of country spirit in the distillery area was 885
 81
against 994 in the preceding year. The decrease was due to a
number of shops having been abolished due to various reasons,
including six shops in the Kasba thana in the district of Purnea
as a measure of temperance. The total revenue from distillery
spirit and outstill liquor amounted to Ks. 65,02,864 in the year
against Rs. 65,20,026 in the preceding year. The incidence per head
of the population of the .revenue from country spirit remained at
3 annas and 2 pies.
The* total number of licenses issued during the year for the
' Pachwai retail sale of pachwai was 445 against 449 in
the previous year, the decrease in the
number of licenses being due to the abolition of 3 licenses
in (Manbhum and 1 hcense in Hazaribagh. In addition to
the licenses for retail sale, 2,182 licenses for home-brewing
were issued against 3,029 iu previous year. The conces­
sion enjoyed by the aboriginals for free home-brewing of
pack Udi remained unchanged. The total revenue from the issue
of pachwai licenses amounted to Es. 2,21,361' (Rs. 2,19,160 from
retail licenses, Rs. 2,192 from home-brewing licenses and Rs. 9
from special licenses) against Rs. 1,93,396 in the previous year.
The increase is due to the settlement of shops at higher fees.
The total quantities of oversea foreign liquor consumed in
Foreign Liauop province were 12,375 gallons of spirit,
3,575 gallons of wine and 73,725 gallons of
beer against 13,235 gallons, 4,467 gallons and 77,789 gallons,
respectively, in the previous year, while quantities of India-made
foreign hquor consumed were 6,423 gallons of spirit and 3,555
gallons of beer against 4,802 and 11,583 gallons respectively in
the preceding year. These figures do not represent the actual
consumption of foreign liquor in this province, as many private
consumers and bona fide clubs, who are not required to take out
licenses for sale of liquor to members for consumption on the
premises and who are treated as private persons,, obtain their
supplies direct from other provinces. . The use of foreign liquor
was confined mainly to Europeans, Anglo-Indians and a limited
number of well-to-do classes ,of Indians. The total number of
licenses of different kinds for the sale of potable foreign liquor
other than commercial spirits was 225 against 221 in the preceding
year.
The revenue from potable foreign liquor during the year
amounted to Rs. 1,40,535 against Rs. 1,09,283 in the preceding
year. The increase in revenue was firstly due' to the fact that
the amount of duty relating to the export of India-made foreign
 8^
liquor from the distilleries and 'bonded warehouses in Bengal
during the preceding year was transferred to this province during
the currency of the. year under review and secondly due to tlie
increase in consumption of India-made foreign liquor in the
district of Saran, where prohibition of other excisable articles was
in force.
With a view to exercise effective control over the production
of ganja, the cultivation and manufacture
oh the drug were carried on in the district
of Bhagalpur as in the previous year in an area within a 'radius
of 8 miles from the Bhagalpur cutchery. Six licenses were
issued for cultivation of ganja. The total area under' cultiva­
tion during the year was 150 acres and produced a crop of 996
maunds and 30 seers of ganja, of which 619 maunds and 10 seers
was flat and 377 maunds and 20 seers was of the round variety.
The cost price of ganja during the year was fixed at Es. 140 per
maund both for the flat and the round variety. The number' of
licenses for the retail sale of ganja in the year was 1,066 against
1,136 in the previous year. All the 71 shops in. the district of
Saran were abolished due to the introduction of prohibition and
two other shops one each in the districts of Muzaffarpur and-
Darbhanga were also aboJished. A uniform rate of duty and
retail price, i.e., Es. 35 and Es. 70 per seer respectively prevailed
in the province except in shops on the Nepal border where the
price was Es. 60 per seer. The total quantity of ganja issued
on payment of duty was 28,746 seers against 32,506 seers in the
previous year. Consumption increased in the districts of Gaya,
Shahabad, Manbhum and Singhbhum and decreased in the rest
of the districts of the province. 1,390 seers of ganja was exported
to Nepal on payment of duty (Es. 25,400) against 1,103 seers
(duty Es. 22,060) in the preceding year.
The total amount of revenue from ganja was Es. 17,98,037
against Es. 19,07,128 in the previous year, The incidence of
taxation during the-year was Rs. 61.0 per seer against Es. 58
per seer in the previous year.
The exclusive privilege of collection and wholesale supply of
bhang continued to be the monopoly of a
single individual as in the previous year.
The drug was supplied from the Central Gola at Bhagalpur to
the warehouses of this province as well as to the provinces of
Bengal, Assam and Orissa and Mayurbhanj State in Orissa. The
quantity of bhang issued under bond to wholesale dfealers of this
province was 263 maunds and 30 seers against 242 maunds and
20 seers ■of .the preeediug year, white-225 maufid's of the drug was
expeiMied juiBdei; hend to Bengal against 220 mam^ds hi' tiie
previous year, 36 seers of hJia^igF. was exported to the province of
Assauj 00- p^j’meu't of duty i® that proyipce against 1 maund and
22 seers, i© the previous year. 3100 uyaunds of bhang was exported
to Orissa against li0§ naausads ha the previous year. The total
reveuiue from. bhang during the yestr 'amounited to Bs. 65^922
agai'ust Bs. 61,3196 in the preced^ing yeaa\
The total number of licenses issued, drwipg the yeai' foiytho
‘ ' Opium retail' sale, of Excise opihna was 399 as.GGm-
pared' ydth 403 in the preceding year. . Nh
new shop £or tlie retail sale of opinm was npehed .'during lAie yeaa\
Bix shops wei'e’ aholished in the.. district ot Saa'an due. to the
introdnction of prohibition and one each in the distiicts of
Sifuzalfai-pur and Baihhajiga. The number of druggists’ permits
issued under the ©piunn and the dangerous drugs rules were 176
and 194, i^e^ectively. The total quantity of opium issued during
the year to shops witiiin the province was 3,299 seers against
3,410 seers in the preceding year. Consumption decreased in the
’ districts of .^aran, Muzaffiarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, Bufnea
and Banchi and increased in the remaining districts .of the
province. The retail' and treasury price' of opium remained the
.same as in the previous year <i.e, , Bs. 100 per seer) except in the
: district Saran where it was raised to Bs. 160 due .to the introduc­
tion of prohibition. The total revenue from' opium amounted to
Bs. 3,39,540 against Bs. 3,34,365 in 'the preceding year, ©light
increase in revenue is attributed to the settlement' of shops at
higher' fees.

41 Bev.
 CHAPTER IX.
The Land and the People.
Among others the following factors had an important effect
General upon the welfare of the agricultural
population of the province during the year :—
(i) The continuance of the economic depression and the low
level of prices for agricultural produce; («) the extensive loss of
crops through repeated floods and the irregular monsoon; and
(nt) the widespread agrarian agitation which frequently demanded
special measures to maintain law and order, especially in those
areas where wholesale demands were made for the restoration
of Bakasht lands. The various tenancy measures enacted by the
Ministry, however, helped to afford the much-needed relief to the
peasantry.
The pressure of the population on the soil continues to increase
and this is regarded as the ultimate cause of the province’s economic
troubles. This once again emphasises the vital need of making
efforts to increase the yield of crops and to stimulate and develop
the village industries. The population of the province as recorded
by the last census was 32,558,056, and it is expected that tiic
figures of the census of 1941 will show a considerable increase.
The total current demand for land revenue was reduced from
Land Revenue And Cess, l,25.,63,403 to Es. 1,23,98,218 and the
principal causes are said to be—
(1) the revision of the assessment at the settlement and re­
settlement of temporarily-settled estates and the estates under
direct management;
(«■) the reduction by 25 per cent of the rent demand of estates
under direct management in the Santal Parganas and the heavy
fall in the receipts from the Hiranpur and Sahibganj cattle markets
in that district; and
(tit) the transfer to the Central Government of the revenue
formerly paid to the Provincial Government by the Karharbari
colliery of the East Indian Railway in Hazaribagh under the
financial arrangements consequent on the new constitution.
The percentage of total collection on total demand fell from
88.69 per cent in the previous year to 86.53 per cent. The out­
standing balance at the end of the year was Es. 14,71,379 compared

84
 85
with Es. 15,21,074 ,at the end of the previous year. In the
permanently-settled estates the percentage of total collection on
total demand was 97.53 per cent, in the temporaiily-settled estates
the percentage was 70.85 and in the permanently-managed estates
the percentage was 46.99. In the temporarily-settled estates Gov­
ernment allowed remissions of land revenue amounting to Es. 37,942
and' in the directly-managed estates remissions of rent amounted
to Es. 3,65,852.
The cess demand increased froni Es. 75,03,416 tO Es. 78,05,891.
This was due to the revision of the assessment in the Muzaffarpur
district, the assessment of collieries under the Bihar Cess (Amend­
ment) Act n of 1936 in the Hazaribagh district and the increase
in the despatches of iron-ore in the Singhbhum district. The
percentage of total collection on current demand Was 94.84 compared
with 97.63 in the previous year. The fall in the collection is
attributed to the continuance of the economic depression, the
extensive damage to crops, the agrarian agitation and the with­
holding of payments of rent by tenants in the expectation that the
rents would be reduced in the rent redaction operations.
In consideration of the prevailing economic and agrarian con-
Coercive Measures. revenue sale laws were leniently
administered, and the Board of Eevenue
accepted all the recommendations of the Divisional Commissioners
for the annulment of sales on the ground of hardship. There was
no default in payment or sale in the Eanchi, Manbhum and
SlngKbhum districts. Defaults and sales in other districts were
slightly lower in number than those of the previous year. 9 estates
with a Government revenue of Es. 558 were purchased on behalf
of Government.
The total cost of msnslgefnent of Government estate^ amounted
Oo.ernm.n. £.«(». * WmpMed «ith Bs. W0,672.
Expenditure on works of improvement m
these estates increased from Es. 87,239 in the previous year to
Es. 1,21,226 in the- year under review. Government made liberal
reductions or remissions of rents in Government estates. In the
Santal Parganas alone over Es) 3 lakhs of arrear rents were remitted
and the rents reduced by 25 per eent.
The; ntfffiber of estates tfftder the management of the Court
Wards And encumbered- of Wards' St the^ beginning of the year Was
Estates. fd which 10 new estafee were added,
making s total of 71 estates oftdef manage­
ment at the close of the year. The total demand (including firfe&rs)
 86
for Government revenue and cess during the year was Es. 12,38,099,
and the estates paid a sum of Rs. 10,17,967 on this account. The
rent and cess payable to superior landlords decreased from 61.2 per
cent to 54.3 per cent of the total demand. The rent and cess
payable to the estates during the year was Es. 99,37,609 but only
Rs. 35,00,586 was collected. Excluding the arrear demand, the
percentage of collection on the current demand decreased from
86.6 in the previous year to 71.2 during the year. The standard
of 100 per cent collection on current demand was attained only
in six estates as compared with 17 in the previous year. This was
attributed to the unsettled conditions produced by the rent reduc­
tion operations and the consequent decision of many’ tenants to
withhold the payment of rents. The outstanding balance of rents
and cess due to all estates again increased during the year from
Rs. 49,04,314 to Rs. 63,17,585, i.e., 128.4 per cent on the current
demand and 63.5 per cent on the total demand compared with
96.0 per cent and 51.7 per cent respectively in the previous year.
The outstanding balance of rent and cess at the close of the year
was 70.7 per cent of the total current demand in Tirhut Division, _
251.6 per cent in Bhagalpur Division and 180.5 in Chota Nagpur
Division. The aggregate debts--of the estates under management
decreased from Es. 61,99,286 to Es. 52,68,193 during the year.
The deterioration in the finances of a large number of Wards and
Encumbered Estates was pronounced in a comparatively small
number of estates and it was felt that the energies of the autho­
rities responsible for those estates should be vigorously directed
towards the restoration of the financial strength of the estates.
The percentage of the cost of management for all estates during
the year rose from 11.8 to 12.2. The expenditure of the estates
on contributions to schools, dispensaries and charities fell from
Rs. 2,36,754 in the previous year to Rs. 1,73,265 during the year
under review. The Bettiah estate alone spent a total sum of
Rs. 1,37,221 on these charities against Rs. 1,67,950 in the previous
year. The medical institutions of the Bettiah estate continued
to perform valuable services which were widely appreciated.
Relations between landlords and tenants recorded a further
Relations Between Land- deterioration during the year. In several
lords And Tenants. districts feelings culminated in violence and
rioting. The deterioration is attributed to
tbe agitation among the kisans, the wholesale claims by tenants to
bakasht lands and the withholding of the payment of rents during
the rent reduction operations. The tenants are now generally much
more alert in exercising their.right to obtain legal remedies against.
unlawful exactions and have learnt to organise and to combine
tlieir forces. In several districts there were particularly acute
problems, for example, the bakasht problem was of exceptional'
dilficulty in the Gaya district. In other, areas trouble was caused
because j)etty landlords depended on Jiari-begari for the cultivation
of their bakasht lands or because they failed to carry out some of
their obhgations to the tenants. Elsewhere methods of land
settlement and forest restrictions caused discontent. In the Santal
Parganas,,the relations between tenants and landlords were on
the whole satisfactory except in the Deoghar subdivision. In
Chota Nagpur, the relations were generally good except in Palamau,
Ghatra-and Dhalbhum.

No new proposal for a major survey and settlement was made

Survey And Seitlement. during, .the year. The survey of Jamalpur
municipality was sanctioned but the work
did not commence during the year. The proceedings under section
112 of the Bihar Tenancy Act -for the settlement, of rent in the
districts "Of Patna, Gaya, Shahhbad and Monghyr were continued
during the year. The total dumber of holdings whose rent was
reduced was 146,072 and the total‘■ywiHa of Bs. 41,40,866 after
reduction came to Rs. 30,75,284. The average reduction in the
gross rental ranged from 31 per cent in Aurangabad and Jehanabad
to 16 per cent in Sasaram. The disposal of 462 petitions under
section 90 of the'Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act entailed by the revi­
sional Settlement of Dhalbhum and the deposit of settlement records
in the office of the Deputy Commissioner was completed. The
Survey and Settlement records in several districts being out of
date," the Board of Revenue has been asked to frame a programme
of work in the districts where the revision of records is most
urgently needed.
The total number of suits of all classes instituted during the
Revenue Cases. Nagpur rose from 34,526 to
47,141 and 20,909 cases remained pending at
the close of the year. The number of applications for commutation
of produce rents into cash rents rose froin 835 to 4,568 in Patna,
60 to 13,975 in Tirhut and 117 to 811 in Bhagalpur. The increase
in Patna is attributed mainly to the amendment of the Bihar
Tenancy Act according to which the landlord can nd longer oppose
commutation on the ground that the irrigation arrangements are
elaborate and costly. Tenants also want to take advantage of
the low agricultural prices to have the c’ash rent fixed at a low
rate. The increase in Monghyr and Bhagalpur is reported to
 88
bp due io the present agrarian troubles. The number of cases filed
against landlords for failure to grant rent receipts in the prescribed
form fell from 377 to 350.
A sum of Es. 8,68,202 was advanced during the year under
Loans tbe Agriculturists’ Loans Act. It was
mostly granted in the districts of Tirhut
(Es. '5,76, 499) and Bhagalpur (Es. 2,74,189) Divisions. Including
arrears, the amount of principal due for collection was Es. 16,77,462
of which Es. 834 was remitted, Es. 2,94,528 collected and the
collection'of Es. 6,60,920 was held in suspense. The amounts of
principal and interest were suspended in all the districts of the
Tirhut Division except Saran. Of Es. 32,292 advanced during
the year under the Land Improvement Loans Act, Es. 27,163 was
distributed in the districts of the Chota Nagpur Division and the
balance in the districts of the Patna and the Bhagalpur Divisions
excepting Patna and Purnea.
There were 7 cases of treasure trove, viz., 3 in Champaran.
Treasure Trove. “ .Ranchi and 1 each in Bhagalpur and,
Hazaribagh. In Champaran 82 and 30 silver
coins were unearthed in the Sadr and Bettiah subdivisions, res­
pectively, and 64 Kushan copper coins in village Lauriya in that
district. The silver coins were sent to the Patna Museum. In
Patna two stone images and one round stone piece were unearthed
in the Bihar subdivision. They were reported to be of archaeolo-
gical interest but were not removed to the Patna Museum, as the
images were installed in a temple by the Hindus for worship.
There is ample evidence to prove that denudation of forests
Forests - proceeding in Chota Nagpur, where
' most of the surviving forests in the province
are centered, at a pace that threatens the extinction of the forest
area within a limited time and there is good reason to believe that
of recent years the rate of destruction has been progressively
accelerated. With the denudation of forests it is increasingly felt
that in an agiicultural. country inhabited for the most part by
aboriginals there-is also a- great economic danger. The free or
cheap supply of wood so necessary for the agricultural population
will come to an end and the grazing area will be diminished and
the cattle population will suffer severely. Wood being no longer
available for fuel, cowdung replaces it and is lost as a manure.
The catchment areas have been denuded quite in ignorance of the
evil consequences which become manifest slowly in course of time
jh the erosion Pf SoH, the silting up of pverg fipd in ^evtistftting
 89
floods in the plains below, Hence the urgent need for the preser-
vation and protection of as mliny private forests as possible,
Government have offered, and are now prepared to offer, liberal
terms to those private landlords who want to transfer their forests
for management by the Forest Department, but the progress in
this direction has been very slow.
The total area of all classes of forests in Bihar was 2,766
square miles, comprising 1,310 square miles of Government reserved
forests, 277 square miles of other reserved forests, 662 square miles
of Government protected forests, 414 of other protected forests,
3 square miles of unclassed State Forests and other areas under
the Forest Department and 100 square miles of unclassed forests
not under the Forest Department. An area of 14,490 acres of
protected forests in Hazaribagh district and 67,392 acres of private
estate forests in Eanchi and Singhbhum districts or a total of 81,882
acres or 128 square miles was under settlement proceedings at the
commencement of the year, of which art area of 14,163 acres of.
private forests or 22 square miles of Dhalbhum Estate in Singh­
bhum district was finally settled and declured as protected forests
during the year. New areas of private estate forests brought under
settlement proceedings during the year were 250 acres in Dhalbhum
Estate and 10,160 acres in 12 different lots in the Eanchi district.
Small-scale experiments in afforestation are being carried out
in the Chaibassa aUd the Santal Parganas Divisions. Further
experiments with Contour trenching are to be made’' before the
potenTial value of this method c&n be estimated. In the Palamau
Division the Forest Department continued to make experiments
with the planting of exotic coniferous seeds and Other hill species
on the Netarhat plateau.
The total revenue from forests was Es. 7,73,314 against
Rs. 7,00,926 in the previous year, while the total expenditure was
Rs. 5,96,656 against Rs. 5,69,143 in the previous year. There was
a net profit of Es. 1,77,658 compared with Rs. 1,31,783 in the
preceding year.
The total number of forest offences reported during the year
was 2,511 compared with 2,280 iri the .previous year. The total
number of cases taken to court, including 112 eases pending from
the' preceding year, was 644, of which 372 cases ended in conviction
and 7'5 in acquittal. The total arett of reserved forests enjoying
fire protectionWas UfiChanged (721.678 aCfeS). The percentage
of the success attending protective measures' •was' 66.5 as against
89.2' in the previous year. In the protected forest area fire protec­
tion wfts attempted in 49,371 acres compared with 49,193 acres
 90
in the previous year. The usual protective measures of cleaning
and the burning of fires, boundary lines and road traces, and the
, employment of fire patrols in the fire season were adopted. • In
order to make protective measures .more effective,, the Forest
.Department are attempting .to secure the co-operation of th©
villagers, hving in the neighbourhood.

The important canal systems of the province are the Son

Irrigation And Flood South Bihar and the Tribeni and
Protection. Dhaka canals in North Bihar, irrigating an
area of 701,687 acres. The total length of
the Son canals is 1,587 miles and 3,016 feet, irrigating an area
of 594,501 acres, while the Tribeni canal irrigates 96,000 acres,
Dhaka canal 9,129 acres and Teur canal (which is a minor canal)
.2,057 acres.

52. The net revenue from the Son canals amounted to

.Rs. 15,34,458 after meeting the expenditure on working expenses
which amounted to Rs. 9,24,357. The total amount of water
rates realised from the other canals was Rs. 2,96,862 from the
Tribeni canal, Rs. 36,030 from the Dhaka canal and Rs. 7,926
from the Teur canal against the total expenditure of Rs. 78,512
over maintenance of and repairs to these canals. The cultivators
in the Son canal Urea were given relief in the shape of reduction-
of water-rates with effect from Ist April 1938 which amounted
to Es. 75,970 on the Dehri Division and Rs. 1,21,362 in the Arrah
Division, making a total 'of Rs. 1,97,332.

3. The Irrigation Department as usual looked after the

protective measures against floods by the maintenance of embank­
ments and drainage systems. So far as the Tirhut embankment
is concerned, all the spurs were badly damaged during the floods
but the embankment was saved by means of protective measures.
The Champaran embankment was also breached but the cons­
truction of a retired line saved the situation. All the spurs in the
Saran embankment were badly damaged during the floods but
no serious situation developed.
4. We Tirhut Waterways Division, which was formed
temporarily in 1934 for investigating the conditions arising out
of the earthquake continued to function and collected useful data»
on schemes for flood protection and drainage of the flood-affected
areas. The activity of the Division was greatly increased during
the year and 37 new schemes relating to flood prevention and
drainage were investigated.'
Diagram showing the price in rupees of one standard
maund of common rice month by month in
1937 and 1938.

1937 1938

Drawn <t Zincographed in the Bihar Surrey Office Gutrarbagh, Patna.

 CHAPTER X.

Agriculture, Livestock And Co-operation.

The monsoon of 3988 was not satisfactory. Heavy rains
almost all over the province, except Chota
Weather And Crop.
there was deficient rainfall,
considerably reduced the yield of the maize and the autumn rice
crops. The damage , was the heaviest in Tirhut, where in certain
areas the crops were completely destroyed by floods. Compared
with the average production of the previous ten years, the outturns
of maize and autumn rice in the province were estimated at 63
and 80 per cent respectively of the normal. The winter rice
started well but suffered later through the failure of the October
rains, so that the yield of rice was 16 per cent less than in the
previous year. There were also some local hail-storms in February
and March which along with the untimely rain .during the months
damaged the standing crops to some extent in almost all districts.
The general condition of the bhadai crop was reported to be
Autumn Crops. 6°°^ everywhere except in Saran,
Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Purnea and parts
of Bhagalpur and Singhbhum where the crops suffered on account
of unfavourable weather conditions at the beginning of the season.
Later the crops suffered on account of excessive rain and flood in
Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Purnea-and deficient rainfall
in Manbhum and Singhbhum. The outturn of the bhadai crops
was esFimated at 79 per cent of the average of the past 10 years,
while the total yield for maize and autumn rice decreased from
444,900 tons and 632,300 tons to 351,900 tons and 538,700 tons,
respectively.
The winter rice is the most important crop of the province.
Winter Rice affected due to shortage of
rainfall in October and unfavourable weather
conditions. The prospects of the crop for the province were fair on
the whole though some damage was caused in some districts by
heavy rainfall and flood. The final outturn of the crop was
estimated at 79 per cent of the ■normal on lan area 14 per cent less
than the normal resulting in an yield of 42,229,300 cwts. as
against 50,166,500 cwts. in the preceding year.
Bihar is the chief rabi-growing tract. The outturns of wheat
Rabi Crops spring oil-seeds were estimated at
384,900 tons and 288,100 tons as against
432,700 tons and 250,200 tons, respectively in the previous yeai^.

91
 92
The main jute-producing area in this province is Purnea, but
jjjjg the crop is also grown on a small scale in
the districts of Champaran, Muzaffarpur,
Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and the Santal Parganas. The area sown
was estimated at 315,500 acres as compared with 445,000 acres in
the previous year, while the outturn was expected at 435,600 bales
as against 896,400 bales in the-previous year.
The weather in general was favourable for* the sugarcane crop
Sugarcane “ districts of the province except in
parts of Saran, Purnea and Champaran and
the condition of the crop was fair to good everywhere except in
Champaran. The total area planted with sugarcane was estimated
at 375,300 acres against 360,500 acres in the preceding year.
Taking the provincial yield at 10 tons per acre for north of the
Ganges, and 14 tons elsewhere the gross outturn of cane works
out at ’3,692,700 tons or 100,523,500 maunds as compared with
3,790,900 tons or 103,196,700 maunds of the preceding year.
The districts in which cotton is grown on more than 1,000
acres are Saran, Muzaffarpur, the Santal Parganas and the
districts of Chota Nagpur Division except Singhbhum. The
weather and general condition of the crop in these districts were
on the whole fair. The estimated yield was 7,131 bales as
compared with 8,265 bales of the preceding year.
The total area cropped for the year, which includes the area
CroDued Area cropped more than once, was estimated at
23,350,700 acres as against 23,810,000 acres
in the preceding year.
3'he area under winter or aghani paddy, which is by far the
most important crop in the province, showed an increase of 1.23
per cent as compared with that of the last year, and the area under
autumn or bhadai paddy decreased by 0.96 per cent. The area
under maize and marua, the other important bhadai crops, showed
decreases of 2.07 and 3.18 per cent respectively on account of
•unfavourable weather conditions, while the area under jute,
another important bhadai crop, also suffered a reduction of 29.10
per cent due to excessive rainfall and flood in the most important
jute-growing district of Purnea.
Of the rabi crops, gram, barley, wheat, rape and mustard and
linseed are the most important" and the areas under these during
th^ year showed reduction of 1.40, 0.54, 0.55, 3.79 and 1.77 pet
cent, respectively as compared-with the previous year due mainly
to deficient rainfall in October,
Graph showing price per standard maund in
rupees of Important agricultural commodities
from 1934 to 1939.

Drawn d Zinco^rsiihed in 'he fiihaf Survey Office Gulzerhagh, Patnn.

 03
The prices of staple food-grains were on the whole slightly
Prices And Marketing, previous year except in the
districts of Darbhanga, Monghyr and Purnea.
The scheme of a^icultural marketing, financed by the
Government of India with a view to study the whole problem in
regard to the marketing of agricultural commodities to enable the
primary producer to obtain better prices for his produce, made
good progress during the year. The most important marketable
commodities have been surveyed by the specialised staff engaged
for the purpose and preliminary reports have been completed.
Developmental work in starting grading stations for eggs, ghee, oil,
rice, tobacco, mangoes, etc., has been in progress and stations for
the grading of ghee, tobacco and mangoes have been established in
one or two centres which have definitely brought higher returns
to the growers. It is proposed to appoint a Gur Development
Officer to develop better m'arkets for gur and to improve the quality
now being sold in the market.
The research work carried on by the Department of
Agricultural Research. Agriculture falls under two distinct heads,
one financed by the Imperial Council of
Agricultural Research and the other financed from the provincial
revenues.
The rice research scheme falling under the former category
is being continued with a view to tackle the problems facing the
cultivator regarding the rice crop,, which is the major food crop of
the province, and thereby assist him in recovering better quality
and higher yield from the crop through the evolution of improved
varieties and better methods of production. The Rice SpeciaUst
has succeeded in selecting various promising- strains from
established pure lines, and these have been tested at various centres
and have proved superior to the existing standard varieties now
recommended by the Department. A number of these give promise
of very high yields. It has been shown that the best time for
planting paddy is during the month of August with- six weeks old
seedlings, 6 inches apart being the optimum spacing with three
seedlings per hole.
Acclimatisation of exotic varieties of rices is in progress and
the work in this direction is proceeding satisfactorily.
Work on the manurial side of this crop has shown that
ammonium sulphate is superior as a source of nitrogen to nitrate
of soda, and where phosphates are necessary, it is better to apply
superphosphates in combination with ammonium sulphate. The
value of green manure has been established. By adopting thia it;
is possible to get a substantial increased return per acre.
 94
Under the sugarcane research scheme, financed by the
Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, several promising
varieties of proved merit and high yields have been introduced and
distributed to the growers. They are Coimbatore 299 in the early
medium group, Coimbatore 213 in the medium and Coimbatore
331 in the late group. Other promising varieties such as Coimba­
tore 395, Coimbatore 393, Coimbatore 371, Coimbatore 383, BO 4,
Coimbatore 513 and Coimbatore 421 are still being tested.
On the manurial aspect of the crop, it has been established
that castor cake is definitely a suitable manure for promoting the
yield of the crop; that there was no definite benefit in applying
half the rnanurial dose at the time of planting and the other half
at earthing up. The use of potash brought no economic gain in
yield. Rotational experiments have shown that it pays to green­
manure a cane crop rather than leave it fallow before planting a
crop.
Attempts are being made to utilise the waste products of the
sugar industry to greater advantage for the benefit of the crop.
The research work on fruits in the province, also financed by
the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, is'confined to such
important fruits grown in .the province as mango, litchi and papaya.
The work, however, is being chiefly concentrated on the problem
of the alternative bearing of the mango to discover the cause of
this phenomenon which is a-serious handicap to the fruit growler.
A physiologist was sent abroad to be trained specially to take up
this aspect of the work and he returned in September, 1937, and
is now in charge of this scheme.
A collection of 55 varieties of mangoes from various parts of
India have been planted at Sabour, which is the headquarters of
this scheme, to see if any of these varieties can be introduced with
benefit in Bihar. A few of these have been fruiting for the last
two years, and there are indications that some could be grown
with advantage.
Cultivation of the litchi is confined to only certain parts of the
province and attempts are being made to extend the cultivation
to other areas. Another problem is in regard to’its propagation
(and it is found that the system of propagation'known as “ goote ”
IS the most superior and economical.
At present there are no pure varieties of papayas and steps
are being taken to discover suitable strains for the province.
Another major scheme known as Sugarcane Improvement
Scheme is designed to develop the cultivation of sugarcane on more
 95
improved lines and to give the growers every facility towards
achieving this object. This scheme is financed from the sugar
excise fund at an annual expenditure of Es. 3,00,092. Through
the medium of this scheme, 7,827 sugarcane demonstrations were
carried out and 60,434 maunds of sugarcane were sold to the public,
chiefly for* seed purposes during the- year.
Provision also exists for the free distribution of improved
seedcane, green manure seed and fertilisers to encourage growers
in then’ use.
An Entomological section was started during the year to
investigate the problems dealing with the insect pests of cane. A
scheme was also sanctioned for starting a sugarcane mycological
section to study the fungus pests of sugarcane.
In addition to the above, there are several minor schemes
which are either financed by the Imperial Council of Agricultural
Eesearch or from provincial revenues. Some of these are, (0 sun­
hemp scheme, {ii} fodder analysis scheme, {Hi) flue-curing of
tobacco and {iv) rock drilling. Work in connection with these
schemes is in progress.
Apart from- these schemes, research work is being carried on
in the Chemical, Agricultural Engineering and Botanical Sections
of the Department which are situated at the Eesearch Institute at
Sabour. The Agricultural Chemist, the Agricultural Engineer and
the Assistant Economic Botanist are in charge of these sections
respectively and the cost of these sections are met from provincial
revenues.
One of the main items of work in progress in the Chemical
Section is the completion of the soil survey of the province.
This work was started in 1935 and it is hoped before long
to have a complete soil suiwey map of the province which will
furnish all details regarding the types of soil found in the province
along with useful information regarding their chemical and
physical properties. The Chemical Section undertakes the
analysing of all the sugarcane juice samples throughout the harvest­
ing season from centres all over the province. In addition to this
special work, samples of soil, manures, fodders, etc., are also
analysed for other sections of the Department as also for the public.
Problems relating to the rnanurial and water requirements of crops
and mineral requirements of livestock are being studied by this
section.
The Engineering Action deals mainly with improvement of
jrrigational facilities for the cultivators by improving the output
 96
of water through the sinking of open borings and tube-wells and
in the conservation of rain-water for irrigational purposes by the
construction of tanks and the bunding up of small streams and
ravines. A special staff for the installation of tube-wells and open
borings is maintained for the benefit of the cultivators. Work is
also undertaken to design suitable water lifts for irrigation
purposes.
Attempts are also made to design improved agricultural
implements and machinery. This section has so far succeeded in
designing recently a suitable hand-power winnowing machine
capable of dealing with six maunds of grain per hour which is
expected to be particularly useful in winnowing wheat and gram.
Pour of these machines were made and distributed to the four
ranges. After the machines have been thoroughly tried and tested,
it is proposed to make them available to the cultivators at a price
of Es. 100 each. A further improvement in the present design
of the rahat pump has also been effected during the year.
The Botanical Section deals chiefly with the breeding and
production of improved varieties of crops. Work in connection
with the breeding and selection of improved varieties of linseed,
sun-hemp, gram, juar, maize rahar, vegetables, chillies, etc., is
in progress and improved strains are being selected.
The Department took part in the different fairs and held
agricultural exhibitions for demonstrating
rSmSratiSm agricultural improvements. In the grounds
of the Sonepur fair, which is the most
important fair in the province, the Department possesses a per- .
manent demonstration plot which is run on the same lines as a
model farm. During the fair all kinds of improved implements
and their uses are shown to the people. The use of different kinds
of water lifts suitable for agriculture are also being demonstrated.
The Department distributed 38,641 maunds of seeds of
improved varieties, which included 36,256 maunds of sugarcane
seed. The Department has succeeded in introducing several
improved varieties- of cane and has arranged with several planters
for the multiplication of wheat seed on its behalf.
In order that the departmental staff may be helped in carrying
on propaganda and demonstration work for
development of apiculture, 62 Agricul­
tural Advisory Committees were appointed,
each subdivision being an unit. A total grant of Rs. 14,070 was
distributed among these' committees to enable them to carry on
that work. In each subdivision one overseer and three kamdars
 97
Were engaged for propaganda work with a view to spread agricul­
tural knowledge among the villagers as effectively as possible.
Other developmental activities in connection with such
Other Aotlvlties industries as are connected with agriculture
are bee-keeping, goat-keeping and poultry.
A staff of overseers trained at Bangalore and Cuttack for a short
course in the art of bee-keeping were employed in the establish­
ment of apiaries at the central farms of the Department and in
training other overseers of the Department in this art. A small
flock of Jamnapari goats were purchased from the Mission Goat
Breeding Farm, Etah, United Provinces and they are being kept
at the Gaya Farm with a view to investigating the possibilities of
developing this branch of animal husbandry, while a small flock of
sheep is maintained at the same Farm with a view to studying
the question of sheep-breeding at first hand. Two flocks of white
leghorn poultry are being maintained by the Department, one at
Kanke and the other at the Patna Farm. The Kanke flock is
progressing satisfactorily and the work towards better egg­
production is being continued. The Patna flock, on the other hand,
received a set-back due to outbreaks of dangerous poultry diseases.
The assistance of the Poultry Disease Investigation Ofl&cer was
sought to combat these diseases.
There were 4 central experimental farms with their range
Ajrtcultard F.,n,s. tarn. «■; Sabour
and Kanke. The Patna Central Farm con­
tinued to tackle the agricultural problems on general crops hke
sugarcane, paddy and wheat. At the Pusa Farm fodder crop such
as berseem and hot weather maize are grown, while a portion of
dhab laud is now being utilised for studying the problem of deep
water paddies suited to the commonly flooded tracts which now
provide a serious problem for finding out suitable crops and varieties
for the flooded parts of the Tirhut Range. At the Sabour Farm,
a very large number of experiments with all the principal crops
of the Range were conducted, jute and cotton being the new crops
to be taken up later, while a portion of thfr farm has been trans­
ferred to rice section (or research work. At the Kanke Farm
experiments on paddy sugarcane, fruit, fodder crops, etc., are
being conducted. A feature of the work at the farm is the
experiment in bee-keeping. A special shed has been erected at
which bees have been successfully hived.

In the beginning of the year the general condition of the

Cattle Diseases. cattle was satisfactory. But duripg the,
monsoon which broke out earlier, a. large*
 08
number of outbreaks were reported frorrt all parts of the province.
The principal contagious live-stock diseases, viz.,’ Rinderpest,
Haemorrhagic Septicaemia, Black Quarter and Foot and Mouth
diseases were reported from almost all the districts of the province.
Anthrax appeared in Purnea and all districts south of the Ganges
except Manbhum, while Bovine Surra occurred in most of the
districts in a sporadic form. During the year 5,524 outbreaks of
different contagious live-stock diseases were reported and of a total
of 63,574 animals affected, 18,062 succumbed as compared with
2,884 outbreaks, 36,593 attacks and 12,644 deaths recorded in the
previous year. The increase am the figures of outbreaks and
deaths is due to the fact that all the principal contagious live-stock
diseases except Foot and Mouth Disease. were rampant in a
virulent form in the Central Range. A total number of 5,144 out­
breaks were attended to By the staff of tlie Department 'during the
year. Altogether 616,720 cattle were protected through inocula­
tions in a total bovine population of 777,098 in the 1,261 villages,
in which the outbreaks occurred. The immunization was success­
ful, the percentage of deaths of the immunized animals being only
.04 though this was high compared with the figure of .005 during
the previous year. Inoculation of cattle against Rinderpest by the
“ Serum alone ” and the increasingly popular *' Goat-Tissue-
Virus ” methods wa.s carried out in all the districts.
Twenty-nine veterinary hospitals functioned during the year,
Veterinary Hospitals. altogether 119,576. animals were
treated as compared with 103,459 during the
previous year. In addition, 132,171 old cases 'were treated and
18,798 animals not brought to hospitals were supplied with
medicines. Altogether 430,088 fresh > cases were treated by the
Veterinary Assistant Surgeons on tour as well as at the head­
quarters. In addition, 25,926 old cases were treated.
A feature of medical facilities for the treatment of cattle­
diseases was a net-work of rural field veterinary dispensaries. One
hundred and seventy-five such veterinary dispensaries were at work.
Altogether 178,036 fresh cases were treated at these institutions
as compared with 143,441 in the previous year.

The total strength of the herd at the Patna Cattle Breeding

Cattle Farm and Dairy Farm at the end of the year was
592. The total milk yield during the year
was 370,382i lbs. In addition, over 544 lbs. Qf cream, 188 lbs.
butter and over 112 lbs. of ghee were sold. The total revenue of
the farm amounted to Rs. 53,566 against the total expenditure
pf Rs. 68,901-6-6,
 I'he college entered upon its 9th session during ihe period
under review. 46 new students were
The Blhar^^Veterlnary admitted, while 55 out of 63 old students
returned for further studies, making a total
of 101 students on the roll. The new admissions included
29 students from other provinces and States, including 18 from
the United Provihces admitted under a reciprocal arrangement
entered into with the Government of that province whereby they
undertook to admit 10 students from Bihar into.the Cawnpore
.Agricultural College in return for 20 of their students admitted
into the Bihar Veterinary College. A revision class was started
for the first time in January 1939 for the plucked students of
class * A ’. 7 out of 8 such students joined the class. Out of
26 students, 22 passed the Diploma Examination, and out of 56
and 25, 48 and 20 passed the Annual Examination of Classes * A '
and ‘ B \ respectively. The college hospital did useful work.
The Research Laboratory carried out experiments in several
diseases.
Altogether 7,508 lectures on different subjects, e.g., common
livestock diseases and their prevention, care
Propaganda And
Research. and management of animals, etc., were
delivered by the departmental staff at
important centres, fairs, gatherings and rural veterinary
dispensaries and primary schools.
Experiments in Rinderpest with the object of evolving suitable
methods for cultivating the Virus in Vitro were continued and a
method of getting cell-free Rinderpest Virus from blood cells by
means of Glycerine was evolved.
'Efforts were made by the Disease Investigation Officer to
come to grips with the diseases of cattle that were of immediate
concern to the stock-owners.
The work under this head is done by the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Bihar.
The departmental staff attended 919 cases
which were prosecuted or brought to their
notice. In addition, 6 cases of flaying goats alive and 5 cases of
cattle poisoning were reported. The total income of the Society,
including the imposition of fines, was Rs. 14,678-7-0, while the
total expenditure was Rs. 7,852-15-6.
23. The total number of working societies of all kinds, includ­
ing the Co-operative Fedeiation and the
Provincial Co-operative Bank, stood at
’emen • 702 against 7,246 in ihe previous
8 41 Bev.
 100
year. There was a net increase of 516 societies whicfi included
469 cane-growers’ co-operative societies. Further organisation of
new credit societies is not being encouraged pending the-considera­
tion of the rehabilitation, scheme and formulation of new rules to
be followed in order to avoid the pitfalls of earlier organisation.
The percentage of classification of societies audited during the
year is as follows
A (Model) .9
B (Good) ••t 6.4
C (Average) 66.4
D (Bad) * 21.4
E (Hopeless) 4.9
The Central Co-operative Bank, Limited, Aurangabad, had the
highest percentage of model societies, i.e., 17.4 while the highest
percentage of good societies stood at 22 and was attained by the
Siwan Central Co-oper£Ctive Bank, Limited. The Central Co­
operative Bank, Limited, Sitamarhi, had the highest percentage
of bad and hopeless societies, i.e., 56.3 and 11.4, respectively.
Efforts to eradicate corruption in the co-operative institutions
were continued during the year and the Department succeeded in
further reducing the number of such cases. Only 7 cases of mal­
practices were detected during the year against 19 in the previous
year.
There was a further decrease in the working capital of the
Provincial Co-operative Bank from
The Provincial Co­
operative Bank.
Es. 96,30,144 to Rs. 91,29,546. This fall
was mainly due to heavy refund of deposits.,
The paid-up share capital also decreased from Es. 5,89,400 to
Es. 5,84,400. As in the last five years, no dividend was declared
on the shares for'want of any'distributable profits. The statutory
Reserve Fund increased from Es. 4,54,345 to Rs. 4,55,905, while
the Reserve for contingencies rose from Es. 3,57,900 to
Es. 3,60,542. The total amount of deposits of all kinds held by
the Bank was Es. 53,39,000 against Es. 64,27,000 in the previous
year. The position of the Bank improved with the assistance
which Government gave in the form of a loan of Rs. 10 lakhs and
a declaration of their intention to stand behind the Bank. The
rates of interest paid on the different kinds of deposits continued
to be the same as in the previous year except that oh fixed deposits
even for more than a year the same, rate was allowed as on fixed
deposits for one year only.
 101
In the matter of fresh financing the Bank continued to follow
a very cautious policy. No fresh loans except some short-term
loans to the Baharia societies in the Rajmahal subdivision in the
district of Santal Parganas were given to any Central ‘Bank or
Union. Collection from these societies was 98.9 per cent and
100 per cent respectively of the total demand on account of
principal and interest. This should serve as an example to other
co-operative institutions in the province. The total demand from
Central Banks was Rs. 43,95,000 as principal and Rs. 8,54,000
as interest against a total collection of Rs. 78,000 as principal
and Rs. 58,000 as interest. The Bank made a profit of
Rs. 1,21,000 including the sum of Rs. 1,18,000 brought over from
the previous year. The year’s profit was, therefore, Rs. 3,000
only against Rs. 30,000 in the previous year.

The number of Central Banks and Unions was 53 as before.

The aggregate paid-up share capital on the 31st
Central^JBanks And December 1939 was Rs. 16.07 lakhs against
Rs. 16.22 in the previous year. The working
capital also decreased from Rs. 164.50 lakhs to Rs. 160.73 lakhs.
The total statutory Reserve stood at Rs. 7,45 lakhs, being only
4.6 per cent of the working capital. The proportion of owned to
borrowed capital was 1:4.
The total reserve of Banks and Unions increased by Rs. 44,000
and stood at Rs. 14.30 lakhs. The statutory Reserve also increased
from Rs. 7.38 lakhs to Rs. 7.45 lakhs. The total deposits held
by Central Banks and Unions decreased from Es. 82.22 lakhs
to Rs. 78.49 lakhs. The Ranchi Central Co-operative Bank had
the largest amount of deposits from societies, i.e., Rs. 71,888,
while the largest amount of deposits from individual members
stood at Rs. 76,013 which was held by the Daheriasarai Central
Co-operative Bank. The total collection on account of principal
which amounted to Rs. 4.04 lakhs represented 3.6 per cent of
the total demand against 4.8 and 3.6 per cent in 1937 and 1938,
respectively. The Deoghar" Bank had the highest percentage of
collection, viz., 55.9, the Godda Bank came next with 35.8 per
cent, the Dhanbad and the Siwan Banks had 31.7 and 21 per cent,
respectively. Collection in four banks ranged between 10 and
20 per cent, while in eight banks it varied between 5 and 10. In
the remaining thirty-seven banks it was below 5 per cent. The
total collection of interest was 4.61 lakhs against Rs. 4.98 lakhs in
the previous year. The percentage of collection was 7.8 against
9.9 in the previous year. The combined percentage of collection
of principal and interest came to 6 against 5.4 in 1938. The banks
 102
advanced only Rs. 1.84 lakhs to their affiliated societies against
Rs. 1.98 lakhs in the preceding year.
The Bihar Village Welfare Scheme, financed by the Govern-
Rural Development. “ent of India grant, was amalgamated
with the bigger scheme of Rural Development
under the control of the Chief Organiser, Rui-al Development
Department. Some of the Central Banks, however, continued to
interest themselves in rui’al reconstruction work as before.
Village roads were constructed and repaired, old wells excavated
and new ones sunk with the joint effort of the members.
The total number of working agricultural societies of all types
Societies increased during the year froni 7,039 to
7,486 with 179,838 members against
169,078. The paid up share capital and working capital of the
societies amounted to Rs. 10.71 lakhs and Rs. 142.55 lakhs,
respectively, against Rs. 11.24 lakhs and Rs. 147.12 lakhs in the
previous year. The statutory reserve and the other funds stood
at Rs. 25.93 lakhs and Es. '1.33 lakhs, respectively, against
Rs. 26.64 lakhs and Rs. 1.22 lakhs in the preceding year. The
percentage of owned to borrowed capital was 36.3.
Among the Agricultural Societies there were 23 grain golas,
2 Sale Societies, 1 Dairy Society, 1 Better Farming Society,
27 Cane Marketing Unions and 826 Cane-growers’ Societies.
The scheme for the organisation and operation of Cane-
gTowers’ Co-operative Societies was transferred to the control of
the Cane Commissioner, Bihar, who was vested with the powers
• of Joint Registrar. The membership of these societies stood at
17,924 and the societies contracted for a. supply of 4,513,424 maunds
of cane to sugar factories during the crushing season 1939-40 on
behalf of these societies. The most significant feature of the
activities of these societies was that they introduced a very large
amount of improved and greater sucrose yielding varieties of cane
and improved agricultural implements in their areas of operation.
The number of primary credit societies decreased from 6,628
to 6,606 and the membership from .152,873 to 152,745. The
working capital and the reserves stood at Rs. 141,24 lakhs and
Rs, 26,99 lakhs, respectively, against Rs, 147 lakhs and 27.62 lakhs
in the pi’eceding year. The total amount of loans advanced to
members during the year was Rs. 2.06 lakhs against Rs. 2.51 lakhs
advanced in the previous year. Out of the total demand of
principal of Rs. 95,24,991 only Rs. 5,21,420 or '6.4 per cent could
be collected, while out of the total demand of interest of
Rs. 82,50,670, Rs. 4,92,437 or 5.9 per cent could be collected.
 103
The number of non-agricultural societies increased from 205
to 215 during the year and the membership from 33,048 to 35,068.
Out of the total demand in respect of principal of Rs. 2,69,336,
Rs. 1,34,965 or 50.1 per cent could be collected and out of the
total demand of interest of Rs. 1,46,134, only Rs. 8,836 or 6.04
per cent could be collected. Of these special mention be made
of the societies for the depressed classes which numbered 24, of
the Thrift Societies numbering 5 with 124 members, and of
Better Living Societies numbering 30 with 1,412 members.

The control of audit was taken over by Government and the

Federation continued to confine its activities
The Co-operative
Federation.
to the organization of the annual meeting
of co-operators, publication of magazines and
securing a uniform standard of work in all the banks, etc. A
contribution of 6 pies per cent on the working capital of central
banks and unions and limited liability societies was levied for
carrying out the restricted future' activities of the Federation and
maintaining the minimum staff required for the purpose. A sum
of Rs. 863-10-0 only was realised on this account against a total
assessment of Rs. 6,859-10-9 for the year. The Federation
started the year with an overdraft of Rs. 33,731-3-9 and closed
with an overdraft of Rs. 31,989-10-6 in the old cash credit account
with the Provincial Co-operative Bank. It received during the
year a subsidy of Rs. 8,051 from the Government for audit for
the year 1938-39 and another of Rs. 1,200 for the maintenance
of inspecting clerks in backward areas, while a sum of
Rs. 2,082-2-3 was also realised on account of arrear audit
contribution due from banks and societies.

, The Twenty-first Session of the Co-operative Federation

Congress was held at Muzaffarpur on the 19th and 20th August
1939 with Dr. Radhakamal Mukherji, Professor of the Lucknow
University, as President. The session was opened by the Hon’ble
Mr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, the then Minister-in-charge of
Finance and Local Self-Government.

The publication of the Bihar Co-operative Journal and the

Hindi magazine, Gaon, was continued during the year.

The Co-operative Training Institute continued to impart

training to field workers in the co-operative movement. The
training of the graduate stipendiaries was completed and the
refresher course training of the organisers and supervisors of
pane-growpxs’ co-operative societies was also taken up.
 104
(By the end of 1939, enquiries were completed in 21 banks
Progress Of Rehabilita- containing 2,437 societies with over 49,000
tion Enquiry. members.
For the purpose of administering the Sugar Factories Control
Cane Department. a separate department, known
as the Cane Department, was established
under a Cane Commissioner. The departmental staff consisted of
an (Assistant Cane Commissioner, Special Cane ’Inspector, Sugar
Chemist and eight Cane Inspectors. In addition to these, four
junior officers of the Indian Civil Service were deputed to the
Department to work as Cane Inspectors for the duration of the
crushing season. A Provincial Sugarcane Advisory Committee and
Advisory Committees for Saran, Champaran, Muzaffarpur,
Darbhanga and Purnea and for Bhagalpur-c«w-Monghyr and for
the Patna Division were set up. A. Sugar Control Board was
constituted to deal with important matters, affecting the sugar
industry.
The total quantity of cane crushed by the thirty-two factories,
operating in Bihar, during the year with which the Department
had to deal amounted to 4.88 crores of maunds. The seven
factories in the United Provinces with which the Department has
to deal purchased about 22 lakhs maunds of cane from this
province. The total quantity of sugar produced in the province
was 164,500 tons against 225,300 tons of the previous year, being
25.08 per cent of the total production of the country. The average
recovery for the provincial factories was 8.97 per cent as compared
with 9.58 per cent in the previous season. ’

In consultation with various statutory Advisory Committees,

a definite cane-growing zone was reserved to each factory. This
system ensured a rational method of supply of sugarcane to the
factories to the mutual advantage of the growers and the factories.
It was a very favourable year for the grower so far as sugar­
cane prices were concerned. Due to the shortage of the crop,
the grower obtained good prices for his cane. The price of cane
fixed at the beginning of the season was 6 annas 9 pies per maund
for cane purchased at the factory gate or within 5 miles of it,
6 annas 6 pies for cane purchased at outstations and trans­
ported at the cost of the factory from distances of 5 to 28 miles
from the factory and 6 annas 3 pies for cane transported at the
expense of the factory from a distance of more than 28 miles.
With effect from the 12th February 1939 an all-round increase of
3 pies per maund was announced and this figure remained in
 105
force till the end of the season. Actually due to the shortage of
the crop, growers in some eases realised as much as 5 annas per
maund over and above the minimum price fixed by Government.
The crop brought cash to the value of over rupees two crores .to
the growers during the year.
In addition to zoning, 'another innovation introduced during
the year was the levy of a cess of 6 pies per maund on every maund
of cane purchased by a factory in order to provide funds for the
development of cane cultivation. The total amount collected
during the year on this account was Rs, 14,58,694.
 CHAPTER XI

Commerce And Industry.

The industrial outlook was, on the whole, satisfactory during
General the year. The improvement in the coal and
the mica industries wus maintained and
there was an increase in their output. There was a fall in the
demand for manganese ore owing to the restrictions imposed by
the Japanese Government and the dullness of the European
market. The iron and steel industry did well and the workshops
of the Tata Iron and Steel Company, Limited were expanded by
the addition of a new plant. The wire nail industry at Jamshed­
pur also continued to flourish and added a new plant for the
manufacture of bolts and Outs. The Tinplate Company of India,
Limited, Golmuri, and Kumardhubi Engineering Works suffered
during the year as a result of labour strikes. The rice and flour
milling industry showed some improvement. The depression in
the lac industry continued to cause anxiety to the Provincial
Government who drew up a scheme for the better marketting of
lac for the consideration of the Legislature. The outbreak of
war after the close of-the year brought about an improvement in
the price of lac and the necessity for any measure of control was
less urgent. Although the large rise in prices immediately after
the outbreak of hostilities has not been maintained, the market
appears to have become stabilized at a reasonable level owing to
the increased demand for lac for war purposes.
The Tata Iron and Steel Company increased their output of
iron ore from the Noamundi mines by nearly 140,000 to 680,000
tons; their production of pig iron increased from 921,300 to
1,023,000 tons and their production of saleable steel increased
from 660,378 to 701,000 tons. The Bengal Iron Company, now
amalgamated with the Indian and Steel Company, produced
545,822 tons of iron ore from their milnes during the year.
The decline in the coal industry, which was manifest towards
the latter half of 1938, continued through­
out the year. Although there was a normal
demand .for coal, stocks at most collieries accumulated. There
was a temporary panicky demand for coal when war was declared
in September 1939, but this only lasted for about a week. Labour
was plentiful up to September and thereafter it became scarce due

106
 107
to an unprecedented rich harvest. Wages were inclined io rise
somewhat towards the end of the year.
The number of coal mines worked was 363 in 1938 and 334
in 1939. The output of coal decreased from 15.46 million tons in
1938 to 14.89 million tons in 1939.
The despatches were slightly better than those of the
preceding year.
Prices of all grades and qualities of mica rose during the year
owing mainly to increased demaijd in
Europe and Japan. American demands
remained sub-normal until the outbreak of war. In general,
prices during 1939 were considerably higher than at any previous
period of the Bihar Mica Industry. The supply of labour was
sufficient and wages were normal. The mica export from
Calcutta showed a further’ increase from 134,42.5 cwt. in 1937 to
142,782 cwt. (valued at Rs. 99,85,187) in 1938. Of these
79,621 cwt. were block and splitting mica, 1,136 cwt. manufac­
tured mica and 62,025 cwt. .scrap mica.
At the copper mines worked by the Indian Copper Corporation,
Copper Limited, in the Singhbhum district, opera­
tions were carried out throughout the year
with the exception of. a stoppage of two days due to the shutting
down of the Moubhandar Generating Plant, which supplies the
mine .with power. The stoppage was due to a slow-down strike
on the part of the Boiler Plant operatives.
The output of copper ore amounted to 403,443 short wet tons
as compared with 322,649 short wet tons hoisted during the
previous year when operations w^ere curtailed by a strike. This
output was produced almost entirely from Mosabani and Dhobani
mines, although small tonnages won during development opera­
tions at Badia and North Badia are also included.
The production of refined copper amounted to 6,535 long tons
as compared with 5,330 long tons produced. during the previous
year. The grade of ore for 1939 was maintained at the same level
as for 1938. The production costs for the year whilst somewhat
less than those of the previous year, when there was a strike lasting
three months, show a considerable increase over those of 1937.
Por this the increased cost of wages, leave pay and maternity
benefits made by the Conciliation Board’s award in November
1938, coupled with the increase in the cost of stores, were mainly
responsible.
 108
The production of iron ore was 1,421,090 tons, valued at
Es. 26,89,996 as compared with 1,587,362
tons valued at Es. 27,30,077 in the previous
year. The Tata Iron and Steel Company’s plant was maintained
in full operation throughout the year and in result the production
of pig iron rose from 921,300 tons in 1937-38 to 1,020,000 tons
during the year under review and of saleable steel from 660,578
tons to 701,000 tons. A new Power Plant and Distribution
System with sub-stations at the important centres in the works
were put into operation and the new Control and Research
Laboratory was officially opened during the year.
The following table gives details of the other important
minerals produced in the province :—
Other minerals.

Output in Output in
Minerals. District where found. tons in tons in
1937. 1938.

1 2 3 4

Manganese ore Singhbhum 24,180 24,469

Chromite ore Singhbhum 7,678 6,194
Steatite ... Singhbhum and Hazaribagh ... 560 692
Slate Monghyr 673 820
Limestone Ranchi and Shahabad 346, 037 613,138
Stone {chiefly igneous Gaya, Monghyr, Santal Par­ 488,792 616,096
rock). ganas, Shahabad and Singh-
bhum.
Sandstone Shahabad 39,414 18,612
Fireclay ... Bhagalpur and Manbhum 4,280 8,871
China clay Bhagalpur and Singhbhum ... 7,407 7,493
Gravel Singhbhum 13,936 14,117
Gold Manbhum and Singhbhum 26 16
ounces. ounces.

The number of metalliferous mines worked during the year

was 1,056, an increase of 96 over the previous year’s figures, viz.,
Bauxite 1, Chromite 13, Clay 11, Copper 6, Fireclay 19, Gold 2,
Iron ore 9, Limestone 19, Manganese 21, Mica 857, Slate 5,
• Steatite 4 and Stone 89.
 109
There were 911 accidents in mines, of which 135 were fatal.
The numbei- of persons killed was 14-1, while 808 were seriously
injured as against 119 killed and 647 injured in the previous year.
The number of factories increased from 357 to 378 during the
Factories year. 31 new factories were added on to
the register and 10 were removed.
The average daily number of workers employed in all the
industries during the year was 93,034. Tlie number employed in
each industiy was as follows ;—
Metal manufacture ... 25,583
Engineering ... 19,296
Sugar .., 18,110
Ceramic ... 5,760
Tobacco .... 1,763
Printing .... 1,633
Mills ... 6,320
Coke .., 2,065
Shellac ... 1,741
Textile ... 7,5’33
Educational 854
Miscellaneous 2,195

Total ..„ 93,034

The total number of accidents of all classes which were

reported during the year was 3,306.
The number of inspections made by the regular Inspectors
during the period w»as 395, that by the ex-officio Additional
Inspectors and ex-officio Inspectors 81 and that by the ex-officio
Lady Additional Inspector 18.
The occupiers and managers, in some cases occupiers or
managers alone of 10 factories were proceeded against under the
Factories Act.
The number of companies limited by shares -was 171 during
Registered Companies the year against 150 in the previous year.
And Associations; The total authorised capital of these com­
panies was Rs. 18,91,74,350 against
Rs, 16^55,28,650 in the previous year, while the total paid-up
 110
capital was Es. 5,67,53,570 against Es. 4,39,61,967- 21 such
companies were registered during the year, of which 7 were
registered as private companies. One of these was voluntarily
wound up during the year and another struck off the register under
section 247 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913, as amended by
Indian Companies (Amendment) Act of 1936.
No foreign companies were registered during the year.
10 new societies were registered under Act XXI of 1860,
bringing the total number in the province to 82.
The number of firms registered under the Indian Partnership
Act of 1932 was 55 against 64 in the previous year.
8 trade unions were registered during the year, bringing
the total number of such unions to 18.
During the year 2,522 applications were received for inspec-
tion of boilers by the joint Inspectorate of
Boilers. Orissa, and out of the total
number of 2,893 applications including those outstanding from the
previous year, the inspections of 2,667 boilers were completed.
59 steam vessels (Bihar 51 and Orissa 8) .were surveyed
under the Indian Steam Vessels Act. The number of visits made
to steamers was 113 in addition to the total number of visits to
boilers.
The tot’al fees realised for boilers and steamers in Bihar during
the year was Ks. 1,32,230-7-0.
11 prosecutions were instituted for offences under the Indian
Boilers Act. Except in one case all the prosecutions ended
in conviction.
Up to the year under report the number of licenses
X . .X granted for undertakings under the
Electricity. ? ..
Indian Electricity Act was 14, of
sanctioned undertakings 5 and the number of licenses granted
during the year was 3. Applications for the grant of licenses for
the towns of Purulia, Dhanbad-Jh'aria, Samastipur and Hazari­
bagh were under the consideration of Government when the year
closed.
20 electrical accidents were reported of which 6 were
fatal, 2 serious and 12 slight. With a view to reducing the number
of such accidents, supply comj^anies were asked to see that their
consumers strictly complied with rule 51 of the Indian Electricity
 lii
Rules, with the result that more precaution is now being taken in
this direction though there is still room for improvement. It is
also hoped that accidents will be minimised on the introduction of
rules for the grant of competency certificate to wiremen, etc.
which are still under the consideration of Government.
During the year 183 high and medium pressure installations
and 47 cinema installations were inspected and a sum of Rs. 7,324
as inspection fees was collected.
The hand-weaving industry of the province, which is the
Cottage Industries importarit cottage industry in Bihar, showed
a furthet advance during the year under
report, The quantity of yarn consumed by the handlooms
increased from 18.1 to 22.0 million lbs. The weaving demons-
tration parties introduced among the weavers 2,337 fly shuttle
looms, 233 warping drums, 30 dobbies and 10 jacquards, and
demonstrated the weaving of fabrics of finer quality and better
designs. Itinerant demonstration parties for training in tanning
and leather work were started during the year. The sale of art
textiles of the purdah manufacturing section declined during the
year and amounted to Rs. 1,32,066 as against Rs. 1,69,197 in the
previous year, due to a fall in foreign business, but the handloom
marketing organisation (Bihar Cottage Industries) and the Govern­
ment Wool Emporium tried to make up the deficit by designing
and manufacturing staple goods for’ the Indian market. The
training of ‘ Hos ’ of the Singhbhum district in wool spinning and
weavilig of druggets and asans made further progress and they
were supplied with charkhas and looms by the department which
also helped to market their goods through the Wool Emporium.
Bihar textiles were advertised and marketed through 5 subsi­
dised sales depots at Patna, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Calcutta and
Delhi-Simla, 2 foreign agents, 18 Indian agents and the central
warehouse at Gulzarbagh. The depot at Delhi-Simla was closed
towards the end of the year as the subsidy paid was out of propor­
tion to the sales effected and a stockist agent was appointed there
on commission basis. The five depots sold goods worth Rs. 33,360,
while the sales of the London and New Zealand agents amounted
to Rs. 31,044 and 29,931, respectively. Bihar textiles were also
exhibited in the exhibitions held in India and in foreign countries.
The total expenditure on the handloom marketing organisation
out of the grant from the Government of India amounted to
Rs. 45,337 during tlie year as against Rs. 49,459 in the previous
year.
 112
R is satisfactory to note that the export of fish from Bihar
Pisoloulture increased from 72,684 maunds to 1,31,403
maunds during the year. The fry distribution
work at the Patna centre was' maintained inspite of unfavourable
weather conditions. This centre was able to give a supply of fry
to the Government of Bombay for the development of pisciculture
in that province. The experiment in the rearing of spawn at-
Banchi with the object of spreading pisciculture in Chota Nagpur
was not very successful. It is hoped to remove the defect after a
biological and chemical examin'ation of the rearing tank as advised
by the Director of the Zoological Survey of India.
A provision of Rs. 6,000 was made during the year for giving
State Aid To loans to small industrialists under the State
Industries. Aid to Industries Act but only Rs. 1,000
was advanced to two applicants. The
Board of Industries recommended some more applications for loans,
but they could not be sanctioned as the applicants failed to furnish
the necessary security.
The importance of- industrial and technical education is being
Industrial Education, increasingly realised by the general public
and this is reflected in the appreciable
increase in the number of applications received for admission into
the technical and industrial institutions. In pursuance of the
recommendations of the Bihar Unemployment Committee funds
were provided by Government for the conversion of a few upper
primary and middle' schools into half-time vocational schools and
accordingly five such schools at Dhanbad, Gaya, Raghun’athpur
(Manbhum), Dighra (Darbhanga) and Monghyr were converted
into half-time vocational schools and were paid grants-in-aid during
the year. Besides these, two new industrial schools for girls and
women started at Muzaffarpur and Patna for the teaching of such
handicrafts as spinning, weaving, knitting, sewing, and embroi­
dery, received grants-in-aid from the Department of Industries.
Thus the number of aided schools increased from 11 to 21 during
the year. By the starting of two weaving and basketry schools at
Jharia and Kustore for the women workers in the coalfields, the
number of Government institutions also increased by two. The
number of pupils attending the various technical and industrial
institutions during the year increased from 2,662 to 3,166, while
the grants-in-aid made to such institutions amounted to Rs. 37,181.,
The total expenditure on technical 'and industrial institutions,
both Government managed and aided ones, increased' from
Rs. 4,53,992 to Rs. 4,99,569 during the year.
 113
The total number of students attending all the three courses,
i.e., degree, subordinate and industrial diploma.courses at the Bihar
College of Engineering increased from 272 to 287. A scheme for
introducing in this college degree courses in Mechanical and
Electrical Engineering was drawn up during the year by an Expert
Committee appointed for the purpose and was under the considera­
tion of Government. The number of applications for training in
Civil Engineering Degree Course increased from 50 to 54. Of the.
39 students admitted 3 were from Orissa, one from Eewa Darbar
and 16 from other parts of India. Thus, as in the past, qualified
Bihari candidates again failed to apply for admission in sufficient
numbers.

09 candidates applied for admission to the Civil Engineering

Subordinate Course against, 110 in the previous year, the total
number of seats being 45. Of these, 47 students, including 4
repeaters and 2 from Eewa Barb ar, were admitted.

The Industrial Diploma course continued to be as popular as.

before and there were as many as 226 applications for admission
as against 200 in the previous year.

As regards the Eanchi Technical School, as many as 196

candidates applied for admission during the year as against 168 in
the previous year. In the Tirhut Technical School 117 applica­
tions were received as against 196 in the previous year. The
Cottage Industries Institute,'Gulzarbagh, maintained its popularity
in spite of the unemployment of some of the ex-students.
A paper-making section was added during the year and attention
was also devoted to the training of students in practical salesman­
ship. A noticeable feature was the admission of a number of
girl, students for the first time. 173 students newly admitted and
40, promoted from the 1st Year Class continued their studies., Gf ’
these 148 appeared for the examination and 137 passed. 103 ’
students who had completed their course of training successfully
were awarded certificates. The value of various articles of market­
able quality produced by these students amounted to Es. 21,178
during the year. Proposals to ‘grant loans to Cottage workers on.
easy terms under the State Aid to Industries Act and to help the
ex-students in marketing their products by starting a model
marketing organisation were under consideration. While the'
gross expenditure on the working of this institute increased from
Es. 68,010 to Es. 71,125, the receipts dropped from Es. 28,779* to ,
Es. 26,832 in spite of the increase hi the number of students under.
 114
training. The net cost, of working this institute increased from
Es. 37,327 to Es.' 41,144.
30 students and 40 artisan boys received training in
different sections pf the Silk Institute at Nathnagar. Of the
former only 16 completed their course of training successfully.
6 of these carried on the industry in which they were trained and
three secured service. In January 1939 a fresh batch of 25
students 'were selected out of 205 'applicants and were admitted for
training. The gross expenditure on this Institute decreased from
Es. 31,677 to Es. 29,678 and the receipts on account of sale of
silk both in India and foreign countries amounted to Es. 16,155
as against Es. 16,894 in the previous year. Although the gross
expenditure on the Institute decreased from Es. 31^677 to
Es. 29,678, the net cost of maintaining the institute increased
from Es. 12,382 to Es. 14,989.
The Wool Weaving Institute at Gaya continued to train
young men in the wool weaving industry. Out of 17 students
admitted 14 completed their course of training and excepting one
all passed the examination held during the year. A fresh batch
of 18 students were admitted in January 1939. These students
and those of the previous year produced blankets and other woollen
goods of the total value of Es. 3,218 in the course of their pres­
cribed exercises in practical training.

The Half-time Weaving School, Bihar continued to impart

industrial training side by side with the general education. The
net cost of maintaining this institution was Es. 3,280, against
Es. 3,072 in the previous year.
The technical schools at Jamalpur- and Jamshedpur trained a
number of students during the year under review. In thd
Jamalpur Technical School there were 964 'applicants for admission
of whom 304 w^ere Biharis. Of these only 28 candidates were
selected for admission, including 5 Biharis. The total number of
Apprentice Mechanics in this school was 104, of whom 24 belonged
to this province. At the Jamshedpur Technical Night School
408 students applied for admission of whom 293 were admitted.
The total strength of the classes on the 31st March 1939 was 394
as against 398 in the previous year. 199 students appeared for
the final examination and 158 were successful.
A number of scholarships were awarded’ for the training of
students outside the province in subjects for which good facilities
do not exist in the province. 13 scholarships varying from Rs. 12
 115
to Us. 35 a month were awarded for such purposes. Besides, a
lump sum grant of Es. 3,000 for the training of boys of the Momin
community in,factories and technical schools in and outside the
province and Rs. 1,140 for Harijan boys were specially sanctioned.

The Industrial Engineering Section of the Department of

Industrial Engineering Industries continued to render technical
And Chemistry. assistance in the erection and maintenance
of machinery to the industrialists, particu­
larly to those who got their mills compounded with the Department.
The Circle Officers gave technical advice and guidance to the
public in setting up new industries and making extensions and
improvements to the existing factories. In all 421 mills and other
industrial concerns were visited by the Circle Officers during the
year. The receipts on account of services rendered decreased from
Rs. 2,177-2-0 to Es. 1,722.
The work of the Chemical Adviser to the Director of Industries
continued to increase. Two graduate stipendiaries, admitted in
the previous year, completed their training in applied chemistry
and proceeded to the Harcourt Butler Technological Institute,
Cawnpore, and the works Of Messrs. Begg Sutherland and
Company, Limited, Marhowrah, for further training. Practical
training in making soap, toilet preparations, phenyle, etc. on cottage
industries lines was given to 10 students as in the previous year.
The number of articles analysed increased from 24 to 85 during
the year. The Chemical Adviser continued to attend to the
enquiries regarding manufacture of various chemical articles and
to carry on analysis and minor experiments.
The cost of living of the working classes in the first month of
_ 4 TI .
Cost Of Living.
the year
J
1938-39, ivas zcompared with the
corresponding month of the previous year,
was higher by 1 point at Patna and lower by 6 points at Muzaffar­
pur, by 5 points at Monghyr, by 2 points at Ranchi and by 1 point
at Jamshedpur, while it remained stationary at Jharia. As in the
preceding years, the seasonal rise and fall during the year was not
marked. In the last month of the year, i.e. in March 1939, the
percentage of rise over the pre-war normal period was 6 at Jharia
and 5 each at Patna and Monghyr and the percentage of fall
below the pre-war normal period was 12 at Eanchi, 5 at Muzaffar­
pur and 3 at Jamshedpur. The average cost of living for the
whole year under report was higher by 3 points each at Monghyr
and Jharia, by 1 point at Ranchi and lower by 3 points at
Jamshedpur and by 1 point at Muzaffarpur, while it showed no
9 41 Kev,
 no
variation at Patna. Eanchi continued to be the cheapest centrd
for a workman to live in, while Jamshedpur continued to be the
dearest.
The Employment Bureau recorded another year of satisfactory
Employment Bureau. P^^ogr^ss. It registered the names of 976
candidates possessing different qualifications
during the year, making a total of 2,624 candidates registered up
to the 31st March 1939. It secured appointments or apprentice­
ships for 181 persons, making a total of 525 persons provided for
up to the 31st March 1939. The 'Bureau also gave wide publicity
to 625 vacancies occurring in the various Government and quasi-
Govemment departments.
With the object of encouraging the development of
Industrial Survey. “uneral, metallurgical and chemical
industries, an intensive survey of the
mineral resources of the province from the industrial and com­
mercial point of view was started by the Provincial Government in
March 1939, under the supervision of Dr. V. S. Dubey of the
Benares Hindu University. It is hoped that this important work
will be taken over by the Geological Survey of India who have
better facilities for the purpose.
With a view to work out the plans for the industrial develop-
Industrial Planning. province special committees
were set up by Government to investigate
the prospects of different industries. The reports of the Mechani­
cal and the Chemical Industries Committees have since been
received, and that of the Coal Industry Ee-organisation Committee,
which is considering the question of utilisation of the by-products
of coal, is expected shortly.
The Mechanical Industries Committee in its report recom­
mended that Bihur is undisputably the most suitable province in
India for the establishment of alL major Mechanical and Electrical
Industries on a large scale. The province contains, all the neces­
sary natural resources namely. Iron ore. Coal, Limestone,
Dolomite, Eefractories, Copper, Lac Aluminium, Mica, etc. for
the establishment of Mechanical Industries. The Committee
recommended to start certain group of industries, as far as
possible, in close proximity to one another. It proposed the
establishment of the following Industrial Units at present :—»
1. National Engineering Workshop.
2. Structural Workshop,
 117
§. Sheet Metal Products Company.
4. Tool Steel Products Company. .
5. Bolts and Nuts Th.ctory.
6. Metal Products Company.
7. Metallic Lamp Manufacturing Company.
8. Umbrella Pitting Manufacturing Company.
9. Electrical Product Manufacturing Company.
10. Wire and Cable Company.
11. Electrical Communication Apparatus Manufacturing
Company.
It was estimated that the initial investment for all the
industrial units would come approximately to about crores of
rupees and the number of men expected to be employed directly
would be about 33,000. It was suggested that all the industries
should be financed and controlled by the State but managed by
private firms of national repute on the lines of State-owned
Company-managed Railways.
The Chemical Industries Committee recommended that as a
first instalment of industrial planning Government should make
special efforts for the establishment of the following major
cheipical industries in Bihar which would involve a capital of
Rs. 1.25 crores :—r
1. Low Temperature Coal Carbonisation.
2. Manufacture of fertilisers by nitrogen fixation.
The Committee also recommended that Government should
help in different ways the establishment of the following basic
industries on a provincial scale only :—
1. Sulphuric acid in conjunction with Low Temperature
carbonisation.
2. Alkali industry.
3. Glass and ceramics.
4. Pulp, paper and card-board.
5. Bone crushing and superphosphates.
 APPENDIX I
General Abstract of Revenue and Receipts.
[In thousands op rupees except Accounts.]
I,
Budget Revised Budget
Major Heads. Estimate, ■ Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1940-41. 1939-40. 1939-40. 1938-39,

r
TRS. Trs. Trs. Ks.
A—PRINCIPAL HEADS OP REVE­
NUES—
I.—Customs 18,76 16,08 14,00 17,12,474

IV.—Taxes on Income other than 41,80 31,60 36,10 ' 15,00,000

Corporation tax.
V.—Salt 6,100
VII.—Land Revenue 1,30,00 1,30,00 1,31,50 1,31,51,956
vni.—Provincial Excise 1,01,01 1,07,51 1,03,50 1,19,72,428
IX.—Stamps 1,02,32 1,02,26 1,05,00 1,04,63,876
X.—Forest 7.15 7,41 7,18 7,73,314
XI.—Registration .. 14,04 14,04 12,40 12,47,343
XII.—Receipts under Motor Vehl- 31 31 28 30,228
cles Acts.
Xin.—Other taxes and duties 4,57 2,49 86 1,06,668
C—IRRIGATION, NAVIGATION,
EMBANKMENT AND DRAIN­
AGE WORKS—
XVII.—Irrigation, Navigation, Em- 18,80 18,31 17^26 16,53,837
bankment and Drainage
Works for which capital
accounts are kopt.fo).
XVin.—Irrigation, Navigation, Em- 99 98 1,02 87,622
bankment and Drainage
Works for which no capital
accounts are kept.
B—DEBT SERVICES—
XX.—Interest 17,34 16,86 17,57 17,79,687
K—CIVIL ADMINISTRATION—
XXI.—Administration of Justice .. 4,86 4,82 4,56 3,88,405
XXII.—Jails and Convict Settle- 6,07 5,58 5,58 3,12,638
ments.
XXIII.—Police 10,23 10,85 12,08 10,51,328

XXVI.—Education 7,22 7,28 6,79 8,91,119

XXVII.—Medical 3,13 2,99 8,05 2,75,011

XXVIII.—Public Health .. 1,67 1,89 1,59 1,41,102

XXIX.—Agriculture 2,46 4,04 3,90 4,18,247
XXX.—Veterinary . 2,10 1,94 1,77 1,98,182
XXXI,—Co-operation ., 43 63 79 1,44,888
XXXII.—Industries 21,20 20,97 18,71 19,00,799
XXXVI,—Miscellaneous Departments . 1,48 1,48 1,46 1,51,808

(it) The net Irrigation receipts after deducting •’ Working Expenses(which Includes the
irrigation pro rata sharp of the common establishment of the Public Works Department) are
shown here.
 11

APPENDIX I—contd.
General Abstract of Revenue and Receipts.
lls THOOSiNOS OF RUPEES EXCEPT ACCOUNTS.]

Budget Revised Budget

Uajor Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts*
1940-41. 1939-40. 1939-10. 1938-39.

Tbs. Tbs. TBS. Rs.

H—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLA­ '•

NEOUS PUBLIC IMPBOVE-
MBNT3—
XXXIX.—Civil Works .. 18,08 16,08 19,70 0,88,490

XL.—Becelpte from ' Electric —3 —2 ••

Schemes.
J—MISCELLANEOUS—
XLUI.—Transfers from Bihar Famine •• ••
Belief Fund.
XLIV.—Receipts In aid of Superan­ 2,16 2,29 2,10 2,07,690
nuation.
XLV.—stationery and Printing .. 2,29 2,28 2,39 2,32,931

XLVI.—Miscellaneous .. 9,15 8,63 7,12 7,78,734

L—CONTRIBUTIONS AND MISCEL­
LANEOUS ADJUSTMENTS BET­
WEEN CENTRAL AND PROVIN­
CIAL GOVERNMENTS.
L.—Miscellaneous adjnstmente 16 16 16 16,174
between the Central and
Provincial Govemmente.

M—EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS—
LI.—Extraordinary Receipts .. 1,83 6,87 ••

Totap Revenue .. 6,50,08 6,45,61 6,38,42 5,23,83,029

N—Public debt 40,00 35,00 80,00 32,00,000

O—Unfunded debt 27,02 20,71 20,10 20,03,394
P.—Deposits and Advances 5,84,23 - 5,98,71 6,08,05 6,15,91,423
R—Loans and Advances by the Provin­ 15,75 12,66 19,33 11,85,295
cial Government.
8—Remittance ., .. 1,32,00 1,37,45 1,42,22 1,22,60,842

Total—Receipts otbeb than 7,99,69 8,10,53 8,26,00 8,08,30,964

Revenue.

Total Receipts 13,49,77 13,66,14 13,65,02 13,32,19,983

Opening balance 50,40 66,14 . 59,76 04,22,197

Gband Total 14,06,17 14,22,28 14,24,78 13,96,42,180

 lU

APPENDIX I—contd.
General Abstract of Expenditure.
[IN THOUSANDS OF RUPEES.]

Budget Revised Budget

Major Hoads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1940-41. 1939-40. 1939-40, 1938-39.

TK8. Tbs. Trs. Trs.

A—DIBECT DEMANDS ON THB BBVENUE—
4.—Taxes on Income other than Corporation 63 55 25 13
Tax.
6.—Salt ..
7. —Land Bevenue .. 10,66 10,49 10,18 ■ 10,89
8.—Provincial Excise 12,16 13,32 12,85 12,08
6.—Stamps 2,07 2,06 2,08 2.11
10.—Forest 6,87 6,11 6,35 5,96
11.—^Registration 6,08 6,98 6,86 5,64
12.—Charges on account of Motor Vehicles Acte 30 80 28 30
18.—Other Taxes and Duties 6 3 •• 9
0—BBVENDB ACCOUNT OF IRRIGATION,
NAVIGATION, EMBANKMENT AND
DRAINAGE WORKS—
17.—Interest on Works for which capital 11,50 11,50 11,60 11,50
accounts are kept.
18.—Other Revenue expenditure financed 7,20 4,23 7,05 8,21
from ordinary revenues.
19.—Construction of Irrigation, Navigation,
Embankment and Drainage W^rks
within the Bevenue Account.
E—DEBT SERVICES—
22. —Interest on Debt and other obligations .. 6,35 6,26 6,24 5,98
23. —Appropriation for Reduction or Avoidance
of Debt.
F—CIVIL ADMINISTRATION—
25.—General Administration 78,87 82,41 76,03 69,93
27.—Administration of Justice .. 37,53 86,62 87,08 27,19
28.—Jails and Convict Settlements 19,68 19,05 18,9,5 16,36
20.—Police 80,31 82,86 79,56 79,56
30.—Scientific Departments 27 27 28 37
87.—Education 78,19 77,27 78,58 70,74
SS.vu-Medlcal 26,70 26,27 25,73 23,02
39.—Public Health .. 16,44 13,07 14,22 12,06
40.—Agriculture .. .. - 16,11 11,20 10,84 9,66
41.—Veterinary 4,40 4,33 4,34 4',5S
42,—’Co-operation .. .. .« 7,00 7,19 4,55 4,94
43.—Industries 11,30 11,06 11,34 10,81
44.—^Aviation 1 1 1
47.—Miscellaneous Departments .. 1,66 1,92 1,48 1,46
H—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS—
50.—Civil Works 47,08 44,61 46,67 38,63
HH—CAPITAL ACCOUNT OF CIVIL WORKS
AND MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC IM-
PROVEMENTS OHARGBD TO RE­
VENUE—
63.—Capital outlay on Electric Schemes met 84 2,48 2,44
ont of Revenue.
J—MISCELLANEOUS-
54.—Famine 75 1,15 75 2,15
65.—Superannuation Allowances ond Tensions 44,95 44,03 40,60 41,06
56.—Stationery and Printing 7,88 8,21 7,57 7,49
67.—Miscellaneous .. 6,12 6,81 10,40 1.71
JJ—MISCELLANEOUS—CAPITAL ACCOUNT
CHARGED TO REVENUE—
55A.—Commutation of pensions financed from 8,04 2,66 8,63 2,26
ordinary Revenues.
L—CONTRIBUTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS
ADJUSTMENTS BETWEEN CENTRAL
AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS—
02.—Miscellaneous adjustments between the ♦♦
Central and Provincial Governments.
 IV

APPENDIX I—concld.
General Abstract of Expenditure—concld.
[Is THOUSANDS OP RnPEES.]

! Budget Revised Budget

Major Heads. Estimate, Estimate, Estimate, Accounts,
1940-41. 1939-40. 1939-40. 1038-39.

Tbs. Tbs. Tbs. Tbs,

M—EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS—
63.—Extraordinary charges 1,44 ■ B.46
TOTA1<—EXPESniTUBF. OHABGEO TO RBTBNCB 6,46,34 6,49,75 5,37,67 4,92,68

C.C.—CAPITAL ACCOUNT OF IRRIGATION,

NAVIGATION, EMBANKMENT AND DRAIN­
AGE WORKS NOT CHARGED TO RE­
VENUE—

68.—Construction of Irrigation, Navigation,

Embankment and Drainage works
outside the Revenue Account.
H.H.—CIVIL WORKS AND MISCELLANEOUS
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS NOT CHAR­
GED TO REVENUE—
81.—Capital Account of Civil works outside 1,20 76 2,30 2.43
the Revenue Accoimt.

J.J.—MISCELLANEOUS CAPITAL ACCOUNT

NOT CHARGED TO REVENUE—
82.—Capital Account of Other Provincial works
outside the Revenue Account.
83.—Payments of Commuted value of Pensions —1,40 —1,36 —1,86 —1,32

85.—Payments to retrenched personnel —2 —3 6

Total—Expenditure NOT CHARGED TO —13 —84 90 106

Revenue.

H—Public Debt 40,00 85,00 30,00 32,00

O—Unfunded debt 20,41 21,61 20,13 21,22

P—Deposits and Advances 5,76,04 6,05,19 6,14,63 6,46,30

R—Loans and advances by the Provincial 8,41 18,04 11,63 14,38

Government.
S—Remittances 1,32,00 1,36,03 1,40,32 1,22,64

Total—Debt deposit, etc., H'badb 7,77,76 8,16,77 8,16,61 8,36,64

Schemes under consideration not ready

TOTAL—EXPENDITURE 18,23,07 13,65,88 18,55,27 18,80,28

Closing balance 82,20 56,40 60,51 66,14

Prand Total 14,06,17 14,22,28 14,24,78 18,06,42

 APPENDIX II.

List of resolutions adopted during the year 1938-39.

(i) LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.
1. This Assembly recommends to Government to take necessary steps to
organise a Notional Militia for this province on the line of the I. T. F. and
to maintain a duly trained volunteer corps as a reserve force ready for
mobilisation at any time of emergency and also to make adequate provision
for military training in Schools and Colleges and to establish a 'separate
military school. ’
2. Ihis Assembly recommends to Government that they may be pleased
to take steps for enabling the Singhbhum district board to have a non-official
Chairman, with effect from the next term.
8. This Assembly recommends to the Government of Bihar that the
opinion of this Assembly be communicated to His Majesty’s Government of
Great Britain that it is politically and morally impossible for the people and
the Government of thi& Province to tolerate the imposition of the scheme
of Federation as laid down in the Government of India Act, 1935, and that
this Assembly hopes that the Government of Great Britain will respect the
wishes of the people of India and immediately devise means, even for
transitional purposes, to set up a Central Government free from the
objectionable features of the Federal scheme of the Government of India
Act to be evolved in consultation with the responsible provincial Governments
end national leaders.
4. This Assembly recommends to the Government of Bihar to communicate
to the proper authorities that in the opinion of this Assembly the conferring
of any titles of honour or titular distinction on any person in the Province
by His Majesty or the Governor-General be discontinued.
6. This Assembly do resolve that it is desirable that the following matters,
being matters enumerated in the Provincial Legislative List, should be
regulated in this Province by an Act of the Federal Legislature, namely;—
(1) statistics of employment, and
(2) offences against, and the jurisdiction and powers of court with
respect to, the said Act of the Federal Legislature.
6. This Assembly recommends to Government that they be pleased to
appoint a Standing Committee of both Houses in the proportion of eight and
four of the members of the Assembly and Council respectively to advise
Government from time to time on matters connected with the electric grid
scheme and they be pleased further to appoint such members of Government
as may be necessary to be ex-officio members of the Committee.
7. This Assembly do resolve that it is desirable that—
(1) trade and commerce within the province in drugs, biological
products and medicines,
(2) the production, supply and distribution of drugs, biological products
and medicines, '
(8) the adulteration of drugs, biological products and medicines,
(4) fees in respect of the matters mentioned in clauses (1) to (3),

y
 vi
(5) inquiries and statistics for the purpose of the matters mentioned
in clauses (1) to (4),
(6) offences against laws with respect to the matters mentioned in
clauses (1) to (5), and
(7) jurisdiction and powers of courts with respect to the matters
mentioned in clauses (1) to (6) which arc among the matters
enumerated in the Provincial Legislative List, should be
regulated in this province by an Act of the Federal Legislature.
8. This Assembly recommends to Government to issue a statement at
an early date explaining the steps that they propose to take regarding the
removal of untouchability of the scheduled castes.,
9. This Assembly recommends to Government to convey to the proper
authorities the opinion of this House that an impartial , tribunal should
immediately be appointed to enquire into the causes of the train disaster on
the East Indian Railway between the Hazaribagh Road .and Chachaki stations
on the 12th January, 1939, which has resulted in heavy loss of lives and
properties with a view to avoid such accidents in future.
The Assembly further expresses its heart-felt sympathy with the families
of the dead and the wounded involved in the said disaster.
(ii) LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
1. This Council recommends to Government the regulation of the
following matters being enumerated in the Provincial Legislative List by an
Act of the Federal Legislature, namely:—
(i) Statistics of employment, and
(ii) Offences against, and powers of courts with respect to. the said
Act of the Federal Legislature.
2. This Council recommends to Government the regulation of the
following matters being enumerated in the Provincial Legislative List by
an Act of the Federal Legislature, namely:—
(1) trade and commerce within the province in drugs, biological
products and medicines;
(2) the production, supply and distribution of drugs, biological products
and medicines;
(8) the adulteration of drugs, biological products and medicines;
^4) fees in respect of the matters mentioned in clauses (1) to (8);
(6) inquiries and statistics for the purpose of the matters mentioned
in clauses (1) to (4);
(6) offences against' laws with respect to the matters mentioned in
clauses (1) to (5); and
(7) - jurisdiction and powers of courts with respect to the matter*
mentioned ip clauses (1) to (6),
 APPENDIX III.

Principal Acts passed by the Bihar Legislature, 1938-39

Title of Act. Objects.

1. The Bengal Troops Transport To abolish the power of impressment of

and Travellers’ Assistance transport for civil officers and private
Regulation (Amendment) travellers when journeying in the
Act, 1938 (Bihar Act I of miifassils.
1938).
2. The Chota Nagpur Tenancy To introduce important amendments
(Amendment) Act, 1938 in the existing law, the most
(Bihar Act II of 1938). important of which provides for the
reduction of the rents enhanced
during certain period and the
relaxation of the transfer fee.
8. The Bihar Money-lenders Act, To relieve indebtedness in the province
1938 (Bihar Act HI of and to regulate the business of
1938). money-lending by requiring the
registration of money-lenders and
restricting the maximum rates of
interest which can be charged on
Ioans. Special provision is made for
the exemption from sale of a certain
portion of the land of an agricultural
debtor in execution of a decree for
repayment of a Ioan.
4. The Bihar Stamp (Amendment) To exempt from stamp duty documents
Act, 1938 (Bihar Act IV of divorce made according to
of 1938). Muhammadan Law.
6. The Bihar Money-lenders To remove certain doubts which had
(Amendment and Application arisen as to the applicability of the
to Pending Suits and '<Pro- Bihar Money-lenders Act, 1938
ceedings) Act, 1938 (Bihar (item no. 3) to suits and proceedings
Act V of 1938). pending on the date on which the
latter Act came into force.
6. The Bihar Prohibition Act, To enforce what is practically total
1938 (Bihar Act VI of prohibition of alcoholic liquor in
1938). Bihar. Exemptions are made in the
case of liquor required for religious
purposes (mainly for the Christian
churches) and liquor in possession
of persons travelling from and going
to an area in which the Act is not
in force through an area in which it
is in force, if the liquor is intended
for the use of such persons. The
Act also confers powers to grant
exemptions in the case of spirits and
drugs required for medicinal,
scientific or industrial purposes.

vii
 Till

TitlS of Act. Objects^

7. The Bihar Agricultural Income- Until the passing of the Government

tax Act, 1938 (Bihar Act of India Act, 1935, agricultural
■vn of 1938). incomes could not be 'made liable to
the payment of income-tax. That
Act conferred on Provincial Govern­
ments the power to levy income-tax
on agricultural income. The Bihar
Act, which is the first of its kind,
levies a .graduated income-tax on
incomes exceeding Rs. 5,000 derived
from agriculture, subject to certain
exemptions.
&. Ihe Bihar Legislature To fix the salaries of members'of the
(Members’ Salaries and Provincial 'Legislature at Rs. 75 each
Allowances) Act, 1938 (Bihar per month and to provide for the
Act Vni of 1938). . payment of travelling allowances io
Such members.
9. The Bihar Restoration of To restore the lands of the taiyata sold
Bakasht Lands and Reduc­ for, non-payment, of arrears of rent
tion of Arrears of Rent Act, einee the year 1929, by making
1938 (Bihar Act IX of provision for liquidation of arrears
1938). of rent and easy realisation of' the
reduced arrears.
10. The Champaran Agrarian To cancel all enhancement of the
(Amendment) Act, 1938 rents of certain lands which were
(Bihar Act X of 1938). made in consideration of the release
of the tenants from the obligation to
grow indigo for the landlords.
11. The Bihar Tenancy (Amend­ To effect extensive and important
ment) Act. 1938 (Bihar Act amendments in the Bihar Tenancy
XI of 1938). Act, 1885, which has regulated the
tights and duties of tenants and
landlords of agricultural lands for
the last fifty years. The more
important amendments, which are
generally in favour of the tenants,
relate to the removal of restrictions
on the transfer of his land by a
'tenant, tlijo abolition of fees payable
on such a transfer, the extensive
enioyment by a tenant of the trees
growing on the land and the fruits,
the prevention of the objection of a
tenant from his land except in
certain special cases, and the abate­
ment of the rent of lands which
have suffered by diluvion.
12. The Bihar General Clauses To repeal any Bihar Act making any
,. (Amendment) Act, 1939 textual amendment in any Bihar
(Bihar Act I of 1939). Act, or Bihar and Orissa Act er
Bengal Act which shall -not, unless
a different intention appears, affect
the continuance of the amendment
made by the repealed Act and in
operation at the time of its repeal,
 lit

I'itie 0f Act. Objects;

18. Tlie "Cess (Bibar A'lneadmentj mahe oertain textual amendments in

Act, 1939 (Bihar Act IJ of the Oess Act, 1880 (Bengal Act ilik'of
1989,). 1'880), in its application to the
Province of Bihar. This reduces tiie
rate of interest on arrears of cess to
be paid direct by proprietors or
tenure-holders to Oovemment or by
rent-free ienure-Siolders to pro­
prietors.
14. The Bihar (Bihar and Orissa To repeal the Bihar and Orissa Mica
. Mica) Repealing Bill, 1939 Act, 1930 (Bihar and Orissa Act I
(Biha»- Act Til of i®39). of 1930), so far as it applies to the
province of Bihar.

15. ThO Biliar (Bihaj- and Orissa To- repeal the Bihar and Orissa Public
Public Safety) Repealing Safety Act, 1933 (Bihar and Orissa.
Act, 1939 (Bihar .Act IV of Act I of 1933) and the Bihar and
1939). Orissa Public Safety (Extending
and Amending) Act, 1936 (Bihar and
(Orissa Act II of 1936), so far as they
apply to the province of Bihar.

18; mie Bihar Agricultural lucerne- . To make certain amendments in tiie

tax (Amendment) Act, 1989 Bihar Agricultural income-tax Act,
(Bihar Act V of 1939). tlie most important of which is the
insertion of two nenf sections in the
latter Act—one providing for the
payment of the agricultural income-
tax of a deceased person by his
representative and the ether pres­
cribing the mode of service of
notices issued under the Act.

17. The Bihar Prohibition To correct mistakes in the numbering

(Aanendment) Act, 1939 -(Act of the sections of tiie Bihar Pro­
VI o(,A939). ; hibition Act, 1938, which are
mentioned in the Schedule to the
Act.
 APPENDIX lY.
A. —The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at
the opening of the Co-operative Federation Congress held at
Patna on the 6th April 1938.
B. —The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at
the Annual Session of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce at
Patna on the 12th April 1938.
C. —The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at
Police Parade at Hazaribagh on the 25th January 1939.
D. —The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at
a Garden Party held at Government House, Patna, on the 4th
February 1939, to meet the Hon’ble Mrs. Copland-Griffiths,
Lady Superintendent-in-Chief, St. John Ambulance Brigades
overseas.
E. —The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at
the Annual meeting of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce held
' at Patna on the 26th February 1939.

A.—The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

the opening of the Co-operative Federation Congress held at
Patna on the 6th-April 1938.
Mb. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,
There are many subjects of which I have little knowledge and Co­
operative Credit is one of them. Though I have held numerous posts
during my period of service in this province, I have never had to deal with
any of the problems connected with the movement and have never had
occasion to study them. I have tried to become better acquainted with
the problems that have confronted us during recent months, but I must
admit finding them very difficult and complicated. I have come here today
therefore as a pupil rather than as a teacher as I cannot claim that anything
which I say will help in the solution of our diflSculties.
Coming here as a pupil, 1 feel I have spent a very useful morning
listening to the speeches of Dr. Sinha, the Chairman of the Reception
Committee, and the very illuminating address of the Hon’ble Mr. Pantalu.
\Ve are all most grateful to him for putting himself to the trouble, and
inconvenience of a visit .to Patna at this season of the year, and I feel
sure that his suggestions will prove of the greatest help to us.
Dr. Sinha has reminded us of the history of the movement in this
province; he has proved conclusively that Government have been responsible
for .the movement in the past,' that enthusiastic and optimistic Registrars
such as my friend Mr. Abdy Collins encouraged, or to quote Dr. Sinha,
pestered residents in the province to invest their money in the province to
invest their money in this department and that in other ways Government
led investors to believe that they would always support the movement.
Possibly it may seem to some here .today that Mr. Collins and others who
 xi

responsible for the department of Co-operative Credit in its early day6

were unduly optimistic, but I would recall the fact that Mr. CoUine was
Registrar and issued the circulars which have been quoted as long ago
as 1913 or 1914, that is to say before the Great War. At that time everything
looked clear ahead, there were no clouds visible, not even of the size of
a man's hand, and it was justifiable .to look forward in a spirit of enthusiastic
optimism. Then came the 4th August 1914 and the storm broke. The
war did not, it is true, aSect India as much as European countries, but
India was affected by the economic cataclysms which have taken place since
1918, the boom in prices, that took place immediately after the war and
the even more disastrous slump which occurred in 1930. Here in Bihar
we had the further disaster of the earthquake. I do no.t wish to lay too
much stress on'these disasters, but I think it is only fair to those who
were directing the movement in ,the early days to mention them.
However the main point which Dr. Sinha has made was that Government-
were responsible for ths development of the movement; Government must
therefore be responsible for its rehabilitation. With that 'view I entirely
agree; with that view my Ministry also agree and the Hon’ble Dr. Mahmud
will later this morning explain to you as far as practicable the steps which
he proposes to take ,to re-establish public confidence in the movement. Some
of the difficult problems, in particular the financial problem, which arise
cannot be said to be wholly solved and it is not possible for the Hon’ble
Minister to put before you a cut and dried scheme. Any scheme, if it is to
be successful, must be based on experience and fact, and in some matters,
as far as I understand the problem, we do not yet quite know how we stand.
However 1 am confident, and I think that after you have heard Dr. Mahmud’s
speech, you will share my confidence, that my Government are going to adopt
with as little delay as possible a practical policy for the rehabilitation of
the movement.
That policy will in all probability follow in many respects the advice
given us today by the Hon’ble Mr. Pantalu.
I do not propose to discuss in detail the Hon’ble Mr. Pantalu’s admirable
lecture. He has at the beginning started in a spirit of optimism and he
has closed his address with an exhortation asking us to dismiss all
pessimism from our minds, and I am very glad that he has done so, for if
we are pessimistic and frightened by tire magnitude of the problem, we may
drift into the attitude that nothing can be done. I may also say that I
fully agree with his observation that “ the failure of the co-operative move­
ment to achieve its aim in the past was as much due to the absence of
co-operative virtues among its votaries as to the presence of external factors
which obstruct the advance of the movement and which can be removed
only by courageous and well-planned State action ”. He has also quoted
with approval a statement recently made by my Prime Minister that we
must not merely keep the movement alive but also make it more beautiful
and convert it into an instrument for making .the life of the village
community fuller in every way. With that too I fully agree.
If we tackle the problem before us in a spirit of optimism, we shall,
I feel sure, achieve some success. We must of course also in dealing with
.the problem follow strictly sound rules of banking and finance. As
Mr. Pantalu has pointed out, our past tins include not merely non-observance
of moral precepts of co-operation but also the violation of the material rules
of the business code. Workers in the movement whether .they are officials
or non-officials, however well trained they may be in the principles of co­
operation cannot be expected to be banking or financial experts. We must
have some experts to guide them in .the right path and I would like at
this stage to express my thanks to the Reserve Bank of India and its
 •» •
Xll

Governor, Sir James Taylor, for lending us the services of Mr. Punjabi to
help us in dealing with the question. We must have a good audit staff,
though Mr. Pantalu has shown that to acquire such a staff is none too easy.
But as Mr. Punjabi has said in a report which I .have seen, a silver lining
can only appear in the dark clouds which are ahead of us when the golden
rules of banking are followed.
I hove already spoken too long for I know you mqst all be anxious to
hear what the Hon’ble Minister is going to say. If merely by my presence
here today I have made even a small contribution to the rehabilitation of
this valuable movement in Bihar, 1 am glad. 1 still have faith in the
movement and feel that we shall be able With so many willing helpers to
set it on a sound basis.

B.—The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

the Annual Session of the Bihar Chamber of Commerce at
Patna on the 12th April 1938.
Ma. President and Members of the Bibar Chamber of Commerce,
I must start by thanking you. Sir, and the ' Members' of the Bihar
Chamber of Commerce for asking me foe the second time to attend the
opening function of the Annual Session of the Chamber. During the year
that has elapsed since 1 was last here, much has happened and this year
1937, which witnessed the introduction of Provincial Autonomy, will be
regarded by the historian of the future as one of great interest and importance.
There have been times of strain and crisis, and I must confess that during
this last year I have had very different feelings from time to time, at times
optimistic, at times very much the reverse. When I came here last year,
1 expressed the hope that the Chamber and the individual members thereof
would do all they could to develop the industries of Bihar. ’I have .tried
during the year to make myself better acquainted with the industries of
Bihar. 1 have visited the coalfields of Jharia and the Mica mines of
Kodarma. I have visited the Peninsular Tobacco Company’s factory at
Monghyr and the Bailway Workshops at Jamalpur. At your invitation. Sir,
I Opened the Cotton Mill which you have started at Gaya, and more recently I
have visited that rising industrial centre of Dalmianagar. These visits
showed to me conclusively that much progress is being made in developing
the natural resources of the province. Far-seeing capitalists which the help
of highly skilled engineers are bringing into the province the most up-to-date
end efficient machinery for the development of its natural resources. The
mere setting up of these new factories must have given employment to
thousands, and when they are in full working order, they will .give permanent
employment to a very large number' of persons. In the old days, as a
visit to the Patna Museum will show, the Bihari was a very highly skilled
craftsman I 1 do not think he has lost bis skill and I feel sure that whatever
manufacture is undertaken, whether it be of sugar, cement, paper, tobacco
or cotton, skilled workers will easily be obtainable competent) to .run the
intricate machines which must now be used, in the manufacture of these
articles. I congratulate all those connected ■with ,these new industries and
wish them all success.
We have certainly made a good start and I hope or indeed I should
say,’ I feel confident that we shall make good progress. You, Sir, have
mentioned certain schemes which may be taken up in the near future,
such as the manufacture of aluminium and glass. You have referred
also to .the big schemei which my Ministry have under consideration for
supplying electric power to a large area in the province. That scheme has
my full sympathy and support, for I recognise that the supply of cheap
 Xlll

eilpp.tric power will be a great stimulus to the industrial development of

the province. Some time must inevitably elapse before that scheme is in
full working order; before entering on a scheme of this magnitude it is
necessnrv to examine it carefully in all its aspects. It is suggested some­
times that ngriculturol produce of the province could be materially increased
if we had a network of tube wells, but it must be reinemhered that it is
of little help if the cultivator doubles or trebles his crop but cannot find
a market for the produce of. his fields. I do not wish to appear to be in
any wav opposed to the system of tube wells and I merely make this
comment to show how many points have to be taken into consideration
when dealing with a scheme of this kind. Possibly in the past Government
have been over cautious; it will he even more disastrous in the future if it
is over hasty or rash.
Much of your speech. Sir. has been devoted to subjects which are not
. the primary concern of the provincial Government, but which I recognise
‘ • affect members of this Chamber very closely. But even though many of
the financial proposals to which you refer do not directly concern.,my
’Government, mv Government will. I know,' always be ready to press on
the Government of India 'any reasonable criticism of their proposals which
vou mav put forward. . I gather frpm this morning’s paper that you will
have full opportunity of putting forward your views^of the Income-tax Bill
before it becomes law.
Turning to, matters nearer home, vou have rightly referred to the
Sugar Industry. The position is I think considerably more satisfactory
now than it was a vear ago; last vear it was uncertain whether it would
be possible for the mills to crush all the cane which the, raiyats had produced
and in some districts a small percentage remained nncrushed. This year
I understand most of the cane has already been crushed and the raiyats have
received a fair price for their cane. The legislation recently passed by the
Governments of Bihar and the-Dnited Provinces will I trust enable Govern­
ment in future to control the production of cane, and I should like at
this stage to express mv apprfeciation of the very valuable work done in
connection with this Pill bv Dr. Mahmud, the Minister in charge, and by
the officers who helped him in this work, in particular Mr. Ijall, the Secretary
in the Pevelopment Department. I do not myself like interference by Govern­
ment in an industry, but if they do seek to control it in any way, the
control must bo effective, and I trust that the powers which have now been
obtained will make the control effective, will enable Government to protect
the raiyyt from, exploitation and to help the mills and the Sugar Syndicate.
You have raised an important point when you refer to the fact that unduly
heavy taxation of the industry may drive it out of Bihar. That is a risk
which I have always bad in mind, and which I have frequently emphasised
to my Government. I hope too that the Power Alcohol Committee will be
able to put forward some practicable proposals for manufacturing a by-product
out of sugarcane, but' the problem is not an easy one and requires very
careful examination.
Toil have referred'also to the fact that my Government have appointed
a Labour Committee under the Chairmanship of that distinguished citizen
of Bihar—Dr. Rajendra Prasad. You have also said that relations between
capital and labour in this province .are more harmonious and satisfactory
than in some other places. This is no doubt generally true, but strikes
now are liable to break out without warning just like an epidemic of cholera
or small-pox, and nt the present time we are not unfortunately entirely free
from them. I read with interest and appreciation in to-day’s paper the
message ’ which the Hon’ble Minister In charge of .this portfolio sent to
the Committed. I trust that the appointment of this Committee will make
10 41 Bev,
 XIV

the workers in our industries realise that both their employers and Govern­
ment are out to help them, that our object is, to quote the Hon’ble Minister’s
message, '■ to bring about conditions in which our workers will be fired by
ambition to rise higher on the rungs of the ladder by the acquisition of the
habit of accurate, hard and persevering work which has made the mote
prosperous nations in the world great ”. They will I hope realise that
their interests, their true interests, are not being served by indulging in a
strike at the instigation perhaps of some irresponsible agitators, but that
they will be better oS if they form genuine Trade 'Unions which can
represent, their grievances and their difficulties to their employers and to
Government.
In conclusion, I must use words very similar to those I used a year ago.
We live in difficult times, but in spite of many difficulties which I see
ahead, I have not yet lost my spirit of optimism nor my faith in the sturdy
common sense' of the Bihari. I trust that the menibers of this Chamber
share my optimism and faith; if they do, they will be able to do even more
than they have done in recent years for the industrial development of
Bihar. Much has been done in recent years, and I congratulate and thank
the members of this Chamber for all that they have done for the province.

C.—The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

Police Parade at Hazaribagh on the 25th January 1939.
Inspector-General, Officers and Men of the Hazaribagh District Police,
I thought it desirable on this, the occasion of my first official visit to
Hazaribagh, to ask the Inspector-General to arrange for this parade which
is being held today. Hazaribagh may be regarded in a sense at least as
the headquarters of the Bihar Police Force, for it is here that we have
the Police Training College, at which young police officers are trained.
The ceremonial parade today has shown me that the police of the
Hazaribagh District are very smart and efficient in drill; all here today
are smartly turned out and the ceremonial drill which I have just witnessed
has been done extremely well. The drill both of the armed police and of
the district police compares very favourably with that of regular soldiers
of the Indian Army, and great credit is due to all who have taken part in
the training of the rank and. file.
I must say; however, that I am not surprised to see today’s ceremonial
parade, carried out so efficiently. Ever since I have been Governor of
Bihar, and indeed even before' when I held lower posts in this province,
I have been greatly impressed by the efficiency and smartness of the Bihar
Police. Constables on point duty directing traffic, guards on duty at Govern­
ment House, or at other places, have always appeared to me to he smart,
alert and efficient. Some people may think that smartness at drill' is of
little importance. That is a very wrong idea, for smartness at drill shows
that the discipline of' the force is of a high standard, and it is clear that
no police force can be really first class unless the discipline is of a
very high standard’. I am fully satisfied that the discipline in the Bihar
Police is of thia standard and I»take this opportunity of expressing my
appreciation of the work done by the officers and non-commissioned officers
of- the Bihar Police, from the Inspector-General downwards, for all that they
have done to keep the Bihar Police up to this standard.
" A: well disciplined* police force will carry out the various difficult duties
which it has to discharge with, efficiency and credit. The primary duty of
 XV
8 police officer may be said .to be the detection and prevention of crime.
Detection of crime is no easy task; a visit which I paid a year or two ago
to the Police Training College at Hendon in England showed me what careful
training an officer charged with the difficult duty of investigating crime must
receive; here in Hazaribagh young officers receive some training; possibly
it is not as up-to-date as that given at Hendon, but I recognise that the
officers of the Bihar Police are doing much to introduce more up-to-date
methods. But even though science may help in the detection of crime,
there still remains the fundamental fact that here in India an investigating
officer cannot achieve satisfactory results unless he has the full confidence
of all persons with whom he is brought in contact and from whom he has
to make enquiries. My experieuce of the work of the Police in Bihar has
shown that the most successful Sub-Inspector is he who has (he confidence
of those within his jurisdiction, and I know that there are many such Sub­
Inspectors. I would ask all young police officers to do all they oan to win
the confidence of those with whom they are brought in contact; many police
officers have won that confidence and I feel sure all ranks of the Bihar
Police Force recognise the importance' of this point;
Prevention of crime presents no fewer difficulties, and here in Bihar the
police have had a very difficult duty to perform during recent months, when
we have unfortunately been confronted with agrarian, communal and labour
trouble. In such circumstances the police must preserve a position of com­
plete impartiality; their duty is to maintain the public peace, to prevent
any breach of law and order and I am glad to be able on this occasion
to pay a tribute to the police of the province for the way in which they
have carried out their very difficult duty.’ All ranks have contributed to
this result and I feel sure that in future they will be equally euccessful,
provided there is, as at present, good discipline in the force and provided
they realise, as they do, that their duty is to maintain law and order,
irrespective of all other considerations.
But a policeman’s work does not end here; he is always being called
on to help the general public; wo all of us- recognise the sterling work the
police did in Bihar at the time of the Earthquake of 1934; we have frequent
instances of good work done by the police when damage to life or property
is caused by flood or fire and in each year there are numerous cases in
which the police earn rewards by the work- which- they have done to help
those in distress.
In conclusion, let me congratulate the Bihar Police on the sterling work
which they have done during the last year; and- let me thank both officers
and men for their services. I am confident that in future they will carry
out their duties with equal effioienoy-.-

D'.—'The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

a Garden Party held at Government House, Patna, on the 4th
February 1939, to meet the Hon’ble' Mrs. Copland-Griffiths,
Lady Superintendent-in-Chief, St. John Ambulance Brigades
Overseas.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have asked you here today to' meet- the Hon’ble Mrs. Copland-
Griffiths who has come out from England to help' uf to develop and expand
the work of the St. John Ambulance Association; This Association owes
its origin to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, which dates back to the
 First Crusade and to the year 1099 or perhaps even earlier. The object
for which thia Order was originally founded was the relief of human
suffering and throughout its long history that object has never been
forgotten, however prominent its military duties may have become. It is
no longer necessary for the Knights of bt. John to fight in defence of the
Christian faith and the relief of human sulfering has now become their
sole object. To fulfill this object the 8t. John Ambulance Association and
the- St. John Ambulance Brigade have been started, and the former has
as its specific object the dissemination of knowledge about the preliminary
treatment 'Of sick and injured persons and thus to lessen the needlesB
sulfering caused by ignorance. Tlie Association and the Brigade have done,
as you all do, splendid work in time of war, but their activities in time
of peace are no less important. Here in Bihar we may expect to be free
from the horrors of war, but even though we may not be exposed to attacks
by human enemies, we are exposed to attacks of disease. The death rate
.in Bihar is terribly high, especially among women and children, and diseases
such as malaria, Kala-azar, ankylostomiasis and tuberculosis have in many
areas sapped the strength of our population. Diseases such as these are
largely due to ignorance. We must dispel that ignorance; we must teach
■the Illiterate people of the ■ province how they oan improve their health
and that of their children. There is no more suitable organisation for this
work than the bt. John Ambulance Association and it is a matter of very
great satisfaction to me that that Association which at one time was not
very fiourishing in Bihar has recently made great progress. 1 am m
particular most grateful to Colonel btott and the Officers of the Medical
berviceS, for the work of the Association could not have been expanded
and developed, had it not been tor the enthusiastic zeal with which they
.have taken up the work. Their enthusiasm has been infectious and in
nearly all districts of the province we have flourishing centres of activity.
It is somewhat invidious to pick out special examples and 1 would like to
pay a special tribute to the work done at the big- industrial ,centres of
Jamshedpur and Jharia,
Much remains to be done; we are only touching the fringe of the
problem of human suffering in Bihar, but " well begun is half done we
nave made a good start and if we do not allow our enthusiasm to abate,
.the work ol the bt. John Ambulance Association in Bihai will be of lasting
benefit to the people of the province.
I have already talked for too long. I know you are all anxious to hear
the Hon’ble Mrs. Copland-Griffiths and 1 now ask her to give us the benefit
of her advice and experience.

E,—The speech delivered by His Excellency Sir Maurice Hallett at

the Annual meeting ol the Bihar Chamber of Commerce held
at Patna on the 26th February 1939.
Ma. Peesident and Gentlemen,
I thank you most sincerely for inviting mo to be present here today.
This is the third occasion on which I have attended the Annual Session of
the Bihar Chamber of Commerce,'but I am afraid it will be the last occasion,
for, as you know, my days in Bihar are nmnbered and after a few months
1 shall have to say goodbye to ,the province in which 1 have served for
thirty years and. to my many friends in' di^ereht parts of the province.
But even though'1 am leaving Bihar, I shall not be far away and 1 shall
always aim at establishing a close' liaison between these two provinces which
have BO much in common. Already .there is liaison, for the measures taken
 xvii
to deal with the Sugar Industry, which you have mentioned and commended,-
were taken jointly by the two provinces and the Hon’ble Dr. Mahmud and
the Hon’ble Dr. Katju have worked throughout in close co-operation. There
are, Sir, as you have indicated many problems still to be solved, in parti­
cular the problem of how to enable the cultivator to get a higher yield
from thia land. It must not be expected that this problem will be solved
in a day, agricultural experiments always take time, but I have no doubt
that the experts who will be employed both here and in the United Provinces
will succeed in devising measures to help the cultivator. I hope too that
we shall be able to introduce, as you have suggested, the manufacture of
power alcohol, for that will mean that the cultivation of cane can be
expanded.
You have referred to various other important industries in the province-
lac, coal, cement, steel.' I- do not propose to. discuss in detail the problems
which arise in regard to these industries. But I would again emphasize
the necessity for co-operating with other provinces; in certain circumstances
competition may be useful and as you, Sir, have said, make for . efficiency
and economy, but there is always a risk of competition leading to a disastrous
rate-war. It is most satisfactory that a National Planning Committee, is
now sitting which will consider the problem of the development of industries
for the whole of India and which will be able to tender useful ad-vice as
to where specific industries can best be located. I share your appreciation
of the action taken by the Hon’ble Df. Mahmud and .the Hon’ble Mr. Giri
in this matter; we owe them a debt of gratitude. Here in Bihar we have
two important raw materials easily available, coal and iron. Not long ago
I visited once again the Tata Iron and Steel Company’s Works at Jamshedpur.
It is over twenty years since I first visited Jamshedpur and my recent visits
showed me what enormous progress has been made in that period, thanks to
the farsighted policy of the Directors of the Company. I feel confident that
in the next twenty years progress will be even more rapid and that the
time will come when Jamshedpur will produce every type of article that
can be manufactured from steel, from the railway engine or motor car
down to a pin.
I do not venture to discuss the suggestion which you have mentioned
for the solution of the vexed problem of the Zamindari and the Tenant;
it is a proposal which is being earnestly examined by my Government.
You refer also ,to the problem of labour unrest and to the unfortunate dis­
putes which have recently become unduly frequent between employers and
employees. I am glad to note that you. Sir, take on the whole an
optimistic view of the position and recognise that here as in other countries
this period of turmoil may be the prelude to an era of progress and
prosperity for industrial labourers. You rightly admit' that .there may be
faults on both sides and you have made a telling quotation in your speech
to illustrate the ideal relations between the master an'd the servant. I too
am optimistic. The labouring classes in this country, though skilled work­
men, are often illiterate, but already in Bihar we have made sonae progress
in the Drive against Illiteracy. .But what I feel is most needed to prevent
strikes and industrial disputes is the formation of Trade Unions which are
really representative of the workers.' If such Unions are formed they will
be in a position to represent the real grievances of the. workmen .to the
employers and in most cases discussion of grievances round a table will
lead to a settlement; if it does not, then we must' have' some system of
arbitration. These however are matters which are no doubt engaging the
attention of the Labour Enquiry Committee and it is needless for me to
say more.
.Once again I thank you for asking me here today.
 APPENDIX Y.
Sources of information available to public
CHAPTER I.—^Political and General Events.

CHAPTER II.—Finance.
financial statements for Bihar in 1938-39 and the Budget Estimate for
1939-40.
CHAPTER III.—The Legislature.

proceedings- of th® Bihar Legislative Council (Volumes III, IV) and Bihar.
Jjegistetiv® Assembly (Volume III—Parts 2 to 4, Vol. IV, Parts 1 to 3).
CHAPTER IV.,—Locaj* Self-Government.
Resolutions reviewing the reports on the working- of the district boards and
municipalities in Bihar during 1988-39.
Resolutions oni the working of union- boards and panchayats in Bihar during
the year '1938h39,
CHAPTER V.—Education.
Report on the progress of Education in Bihar for 1938-39.
Bihar Council of Women—Report for the year 1939.
CHAPTER VI.—Public Health, and Medical Relief.
Annual Public Health Report of the Province of Bihar for the year 1938 and
the Annual' Vaccination Report tor the year 1938-39.
-Annual: Report of the Prince of Wales Medical College, Patna, for the year
1938-39.
Annual Report of the European Mental Hospital- at Ranchi for the year 1988.
Annual. Report on the working of the Ranchi Indian Mental Hospital, Kanke,
in Bihai;, for the year 1938.
Annual Report on the' working- of the Radium' Institute, Patna, for the year
1988.
Annual Report of the Pasteur Institute, Patna, for the- year 1988.
Annual Report, on - the? working of the; Itki- Sanatorium, in Ranchi. in Bihar,
for the yeas 1988,
■Annual Returns of the Hospitals and. Dispensaries in Bihar for the year 1938.
GHAPTBltf VH.—Maintena-nob of the Peace, Administration op Justice
ajnd JAina.

Annual- Report; oni the. Administration of the- Police: Department for 1938.
Report on the Administration nf' Cfiminal' Justice for 1938.
Report on the- Administration of Civil Justice for 1038.
Adnunigteation' Report on Jails in, Bihar for 1938.

xviii
 XIX

CHAPTER VIII.—Excise.
Report on the Administration of the Excise Department in the Province of
Bihar for the year 1938-89.
CHAPTER IX.—The Land and the People.

Report on the Land Revenue Administration of the Province of Bihar for the
year 1938-39.
Report of Wards, Encumbered, Trust and Attached Estates for 1938-39.
Annual Report on the Survey and Major Settlement operations in Bihar for
the year 1938.
Annual Progress Report on Forest Administration In the Province of Bihar
for the year 1938-89.
CHAPTER X.—Agricultoke AND Co-OpEration.
Annual Report of the Agricultural Department for 1938-39.
Annual Report of the Civil Veterinary Department for 1938-39.
Report on the working of the Co-operative- Societies- in 'Bihar for 1938.
Season and Crop Report for 1938-39.
CHAPTER XI__ Commerce and iNDtrSTRY.
Report of the Chief Inspector of Mines for India for 1’938.
Annual Report on the working of the Factories Act, 1'934, in the province of
Bihar, 1938.
Annual Report on the working of the Indian Boilers Act V of 1923 in Bihar
and Orissa for the year 1938-39.
Annual Report on the working* of the Indian Partnership Act, 1982, in the
Province of Bihar, for 1938.
Annual Report on the working of the Indian Trade Unions Act, 1926, in the
Province of Bihar, for the year 1938-39;
Annual Report of the Director of Industries for 1938-39.
 GLOSSARY

Veknacdlae. English.

Ayurvedic Medical science of the Hindus.

Bakrid .. . A Muslim festival.
Band/i Embankment.
Bhadai Autumn crop.
Bhang ... An intoxicating drug made from the leaves of the hemp
plant.
Bigha ... A varying unit of land measurement, generally about
one-third acre.
(Jhoukidar Village watchman.
Dasahra .. A Hindu festival.
Ganja The hemp plant which is smoked for intoxication.
Ghe.e ... Clarified butter.
Gur .... Raw sugar.
Jiarijan Literally, creature of God. A term invented by
Mr. Gandhi to designate members of the “ depressed ”
Hindu castes.
fjakbn A Muslim village doctor.
Kamdar ... Expert cultivator.
Kala-dzur Black, fever.
Mticlrasa ..: School for education in Urdu,'Persian and Arabic.
Maktah ... Elementary village school for education in Urdu.
Pachwai ... Beer made from grain, usually .rice.
Panchayat A, committee, a body of* arbitrators, originally five in
number.
■ Pathxhala Elementary village school where Sanskrit is also taught.
Rahi ... The spring harvest. ’’
Takavi Agricultural.
Tari ... Fermented juice of the palm tree (toddy).
Vdidya ... - A doctor.
MEASUREMENTS.
80 tolas = 16 chittaks==l seer (about 2 lbs. avoirdupois).
40 seers = 1 maund.
1 lakh = 1,00,000.
1 crore r-100 lakhs.
XX

Pibar GP (Rev.) otbera,

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Government of Maharashtra
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