Question map
The provision under Article 350A of the Constitution of India relates to the :
Explanation
Article 350A of the Constitution of India directs every State and local authority to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education for children belonging to linguistic minority groups. This provision was inserted by the Seventh Amendment Act of 1956 to safeguard the interests of linguistic minorities. It empowers the President to issue necessary directions to any State to ensure these facilities are provided. While Article 29(1) provides the fundamental right for any section of citizens to preserve their distinct language and culture [2], Article 350A specifically addresses the administrative directive for primary education in the mother tongue [1]. The Supreme Court has clarified that while the State must provide these facilities, it cannot compel linguistic minorities to choose only their mother tongue as the medium of instruction, as this would affect other fundamental rights [1].
Sources
- [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 8: Fundamental Rights > III Protection of Interests of Minority Groups > p. 95
- [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 33: LANGUAGES > Violation of Articles 27, 351. > p. 473