Chapter IV: Special Directives

Article 350B: Special Officer for linguistic minorities

Original Article:

(1) There shall be a Special Officer for linguistic minorities to be appointed by the President.

(2) It shall be the duty of the Special Officer to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under this Constitution and report to the President upon those matters at such intervals as the President may direct, and the President shall cause all such reports to be laid before each House of Parliament and sent to the Governments of the States concerned.

Explanations:

Article 350B of the Indian Constitution establishes the role of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities. This role ensures that linguistic minorities in India are provided with constitutional safeguards and that their rights are respected and upheld. By mandating regular investigation and reporting, Article 350B aims to protect the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country.

Key Provisions:

Appointment and Role of the Special Officer

Clause (1): The Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is appointed by the President of India. This ensures a high level of accountability and signifies the importance of protecting linguistic rights.

Clause (2): The Special Officer's responsibilities include investigating issues concerning linguistic minority safeguards and reporting findings to the President. These reports are submitted to Parliament and shared with state governments to maintain transparency and accountability.

Amendments and Legislative Developments:

Article 350B was added by the Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956, which took effect on November 1, 1956. This amendment highlighted the significance of linguistic rights amidst India’s linguistic reorganization.

Real-Life Example:

In states like Assam, where Bengali-speaking minorities face challenges, the Special Officer has facilitated bilingual education programs and other measures to ensure their rights are upheld. These efforts have strengthened linguistic inclusivity in governance.

References and Related Provisions:

Article 350B aligns with Article 29, which protects linguistic and cultural rights of minorities, and Article 350A, which ensures primary education in the mother tongue for linguistic minorities. Together, these provisions uphold India's commitment to linguistic diversity.