6
Public Works charges amounted to Rs. 2,623-2-0 in 1912, Rs. 9,047-7-5 in
1913 and Rs. 13,479-12-0 in 1914. Special repairs and construction of a sleep-
ing ward account for the increase in 1913. The large expenditure in 1914 was
chiefly due to the reconstruction of a portion of the compound wall, providing
of a new pump for the well and certain building improvements.
Receipts from paying patients amounted to Rs 233 in 1912, Rs. 448 in
1913 and Rs. 300 in 1914. The increase in 1913 was caused mainly by the higher
rate charged for maintenance whereas the decrease in 1914 was due to the fall-
ing of in the number of paying patients.
17. Establishment—Statement IX.—For the increase of work and discon-
tent amongst the menial staff as well as amongst the warder guards, the
establishment was revised. Amongst others 13 warders, 2 jamadars, a com-
pounder and a female hospital attendant were appointed. The number of
keepers is still inadequate.
18. Manufactures.—The total net profit from manufactures amounted to
Rs. 1,451-9-5 in 1912, Rs. 1,557-4-2 in 1913 and Rs. 1,655-3-0 in 1914. The
manufacturing department afforded varied occupations to the lunatics, 30.45 per
cent. of whom were employed in 1912, 34.01 in 1913 and 34.86 in 1914. It is
very difficult to find suitable employment for a large number of lunatics who
were incapable of doing any work requiring moderate intelligence. The hard-
working and well-behaved lunatics were rewarded by monthly stipends and
other indulgences. The lunatics were employed in cooking, gardening, soorkhi-
pounding, rope-making, grinding atta, dal, etc., and also as masons, carpenters
and blacksmiths.
19. General remarks.—The lunatics have been well looked after, properly
clothed and fed. The convalescent and weak inmates are well clothed and are
given extra blankets and beddings as required, and the infirm gang system has
been maintained with great benefit to the debilitated. All the lunatics are
weighed monthly. The epileptic and suicidal patients are properly guarded.
Prophylactics for malaria were regularly issued during the unhealthy season of
each year and prophylactic treatment of dysentery was given to all new admis-
sions during their first week in the asylum. Amusements of various kinds
were provided at a cost of Rs. 55 in 1912, Rs. 75 in 1913 and Rs. 24-4-0 in
1914 to keep the lunatics cheerful and contented.
Some of the best conducted were allowed to go outside in charge of keepers.
The literate lunatics were provided with books and newspapers.
Due attention was paid to the sanitation of the asylum. Conservancy
was carried out on the dry earth system. The wards, verandahs and drains
were flushed daily.
The Tell-Tale time-piece was in regular use during the triennium years
and worked satisfactorily.
The Bengal Lunatic Asylum Manual which is in force was revised in this
office in 1913 at the request of the Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals and the
draft revised Manual was sent to his office.
In 1912 the Indian Lunacy Act was brought into effect; since then its
provisions have been followed.
Various building improvements were made during the three years under
review to meet the needs of the lunatics until a Central Asylum is constructed
at.Ranchi. The important works completed were the reconstruction of the
asylum workshed (1912), new sleeping ward with 40 beds, quarters for the Sub-
Assistant Surgeon attached to the asylum, remodelling of doors and windows
(which were antiquated), cooling tank for drinking water near the boiler (all
these in 1913), quarters for warders and extension of their existing quarters (in
1914), and works commenced during the last year of the triennium—quarters
for the Matron, additional wards both for males and females as well as a female
hospital and a pthisical ward.
Steps were taken in 1914 to start weaving for which a Hatterslee's loom
was ordered (this has now been received).
Carpentry is making steady progress in the asylum where some skilled
lunatics are producing things that have obtained profitable sales.