Suppose, under these circumstances, the situation in future worsens. The world economic situation may worsen may aggravate. We shall try our best to see that our economic conditions improve, but what with devaluation all over the world including the devaluation of our own Rupee, no one would be Such a rash prophet as to say that we will be better off in the near future. Suppose, if the worst comes to the worst, the economic situation worsens further and the provinces, on account of the loss in revenue on account of prohibition and on account of other factors besides, cannot put into effect the constructive schemes which they have in mind, and suppose they are hard put even to make both ends meet, and their budgets are deficit budgets, imagine, it is not an improbable situations series of deficit budgets–may not be large deficits even small deficits every year–such a situation may be construed by the President as one where the financial stability or credit of the particular province or State is threatened. May I ask, will that be adequate ground for the President to assume to himself the powers which will be his once a proclamation of emergency is made? I say, Sir, if we really want to implement the scheme of provincial autonomy, in spirit as well as letter, this is not the way to treat our constituent units, Certainly see to it that financially, economically, we are sound. But, on the slightest pretext of the administration not being able to put through their schemes, and not being able to produce surplus budgets, on these pretexts, it will–I will not use any strong words–it will not be wise for the President to proclaim an emergency and assume to himself all the extraordinary powers that will accrue to him once such proclamation is made.
