Part XVII - Official Language • Article

Article 350B Simplified: Special Officer for linguistic minorities

Article 350B (Special Officer for linguistic minorities) governs official languages, detailing the languages used in state communications, in the Supreme Court and High Courts, and for drafting bills and laws to ensure administrative clarity.

Official Text

(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.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

The President appoints a special officer whose job is to check if the languages of minority groups are being protected, and write reports about it for Parliament.

Student Mode

Inserted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956. Establishes a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities, appointed by the President. Vests this officer with the duty to investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under the Constitution and report to the President. These reports must be laid before both Houses of Parliament and sent to all state governments.

Example

For a real constitutional problem about special officer for linguistic minorities, Article 350B gives the starting rule and connects it to the wider system of constitutional governance.

Key Takeaway

Article 350B anchors special officer for linguistic minorities within India's constitutional system.

FAQs

What is the designation of the Special Officer appointed under Article 350B?

The officer is known as the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (CLM). The headquarters is located in Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.

What does the Special Officer do with the findings?

The officer compiles annual reports submitted to the President. The President causes these reports to be laid before both Houses of Parliament and sent to the concerned State Governments for implementation of safeguards.

Quiz

Who appoints the Special Officer for linguistic minorities under Article 350B?

Answer: The President of India

The reports prepared by the Special Officer under Article 350B must be laid before:

Answer: Each House of Parliament