6
25. In the Lahore Asylum the cost per head for establishment was Rs. 45-8-4,
and in Delhi, Rs. 46-0-4, practically the same; but as the daily average number of
inmates in the former was 236.07 and in the latter only 92.16, the cost per
head in Lahore ought to have been much less than in Delhi. In both cases
the cost is slightly less than in 1890; but, when compared with that of the Asy-
lums of the North-Western Provinces, it appears excessive. In those Asylums
the cost per head ranges from Rs. 25 to Rs. 35, or a difference on the higher
rate of Rs. 10. The defective structural arrangements and numerous subdivi-
sions in the Lahore Asylum necessitate the entertainment of a larger staff of
warders than is usual, but not to the extent which has existed, and steps were
taken in the latter part of the year to reduce the establishment and utilize the
services of the inmates for the menial work of the Asylum. Reductions to a
small extent have also been effected in the Delhi Asylum, but so long as the
services of the Deputy Superintendent are retained, the cost per head in such a
small Asylum will always be high.
26. The diet in the Lahore Asylum cost Rs. 41-1-11 per head, and in Delhi,
Rs. 39-11-10. In 1890 it was Rs. 41-8-10 and Rs. 36-13-5, respectively. There
appears no sufficient reason for such a difference, as the food rates in both dis-
tricts must have been about the same. In the Asylums of the North-Western
Provinces the cost of rations ranges from Rs. 29 to Rs. 31. The difference in
the cost in the two sets of Asylums is partly accounted for by the inmates of the
Punjab Asylums being on the whole better fed than those in the North-Western
Provinces, and also that a daily ration of meat is issued in addition to the or-
dinary cereal food. The diet scale in the Lahore Asylum has lately been revis-
ed and brought more in uniformity with that in other Asylums. The scale is a
liberal one, and quite sufficient for the requirements of Punjabis.
27. Clothing and Bedding.—In the Lahore Asylum the expenditure per head
was Rs. 7-14-0, as against Rs. 9-13-8 in 1890, and in Delhi, Rs. 5-11-4, as against
Rs. 6-2-0 in 1890. This is about double of what it generally is in the Asylums
of the North-Western Provinces. The colder climate of the Punjab requires a
more liberal issue of bedding and clothing than in the North-Western Provinces,
but when only two blankets were supplied to each of the inmates, as in Delhi,
I am unable to account satisfactorily for the expenditure of Rs. 5-11-4. In the
Lahore Asylum there was an ample supply of blankets; but the quality in both
Asylums might be improved.
28. Contingencies.—In previous returns the contingencies of manufacture
were included under this head, which is that of contingencies proper, i. e., for
articles required for the daily use of the Asylum. The contingencies of manu-
facture are raw materials purchased for the factory; and, when converted into
manufactured goods, are sold either to the Asylum or to the public, and would
thus appear twice in the accounts. The contingencies in the Punjab have on
this account always, appeared to be exceptionally high. These contingencies are
now considered separately. The cost per head in Lahore was Rs. 3-2-1, and in
Delhi, Rs. 4-3-0. Both are unnecessarily high. The articles purchased under
the head of contingencies are generally of small value, and the expenditure is
very apt to be overlooked. One rupee to Rs. 1 -8-0 per head is generally suffi-
cient to meet all the requirements of an Asylum under this head.
29. The total cost per head, including medicines, but excluding expendi-
ture by the Public Works Department, was, in the Lahore Asylum, Rs. 99-3-9
and in Delhi, Rs. 96-8-11. In the Asylums of the North-Western Provinces the
amount rarely exceeds Rs. 70 and is generally much lower; but, taking it at the
highest, the excess expended in the Punjab Asylums represents the sum of
Rs. 9,184, or 28 per cent. I do not, however, think that that these Asylums can
be managed so economically as those in the North-Western Provinces, the condi-
tions being somewhat different; but I am confident that a nearer approach can
be made to them than has yet been done.
30. Statement X contains a list of the sanctioned establishments. The
number and cost are the same as in previous years, As stated above, consider-
able reductions have lately been made in the Lahore Asylum, and if they con-
tinue to meet with the approval of the Superintendent, a proposition statement