SPECIAL LINGUISTIC OFFICER
WHO IS SPECIAL LINGUISTIC OFFICER?
- A Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is an officer appointed by the President of India to safeguard the rights of linguistic minorities.
WHAT IS A LINGUISTIC MINORITY?
- A linguistic minority is a class of people whose mother tongue is different from that of the majority in the state or part of a State.
- Article 350-A imposes a duty on the states to Endeavour to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority.
- Article 350-B empowers the President to appoint a special officer for linguistic minorities.
WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF SPECIAL OFFICER OF FOR LINGUISIC MINORITIES?
- To provide equal opportunities to the linguistic minorities for inclusive development and national integration.
- To spread awareness amongst the linguistic minorities regarding the rights that safeguard them.
- To ensure effective implementation of the rights and safeguards guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
HOW IS SPECIAL LINGUISTIC OFFICER APPOINTED?
- He is appointed by the President of India.
- Originally, the Indian Constitution didn’t provide for Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
WHICH COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED IT?
- It was recommended by State Reorganization Commission (1953-56).
- 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 inserted a Article 350-B in Part XVII.
WHAT ARE FUNCTIONS OF SPECIAL LINGUISTIC OFFICER?
- To Investigate all matters relating to the safeguards provided for Linguistic Minorities.
- To submit report to the President on all such matters.
- To monitor the implementation of safeguards through different mechanisms.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR SPECIAL LINGUISTIC OFFICER?
- The Constitution does not specify
- Qualifications
- Tenure
- Salaries
- Allowances
- Service conditions
- Procedure for removal of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
- HQ- PRAYAGRAJ, UP
- Regional Offices
- KOLKATA (WEST BENGAL)
- BELGAUM (KARNATAKA)
- Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
IT FALLS UNDER WHICH MINISTRY?
- At the Central level, the Commissioner falls under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.