Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities: Constitutional Provisions, Function & Role

Introduction

The Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is a designated authority in India responsible for safeguarding the linguistic rights and promoting the welfare of linguistic minority communities. This officer oversees the implementation of policies and programs aimed at protecting the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of minority language groups across the country. They work towards ensuring equal opportunities and access to education, employment, and other essential services for linguistic minorities, thereby upholding India’s commitment to pluralism and inclusivity.

Article 350 B, Part XVI

Constitutional Provisions for Special Officers

• Originally, the Constitution of India did not make any provision concerning it.
• Establishment of Special Officer: The States Reorganisation Commission (1953-55) made a recommendation in this regard. Accordingly, The 7th CAA of 1956 inserted a new Art.350 B in Part XVII of the Constitution.
• Appointment: By the President of India.
• The Constitution does not specify the Qualification, Tenure, Salaries, allowances, Service conditions and procedure for removal.

Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities 

• The Office of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities was created in 1957, and designated as Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (CLM).
• The CLM has his/her headquarters in New Delhi. He/she has three regional offices at Belgaum (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and Kolkata (West Bengal). 
  • Each is headed by an Assistant Commissioner.
• The Commissioner falls under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Submits the annual reports or other reports to the President through the Union Minority Affairs Minister.

Function of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities

• To investigate all matters related to safeguards provided to the linguistic minorities.
• Report to the President of India regarding the status of implementation of the Constitutional and the nationally agreed Scheme of Safeguards for the linguistic minorities.

Role of The Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities

• Address grievances related to non-implementation of constitutional safeguards.
  • By receiving complaints from linguistic minority individuals, groups, associations, or organizations.
  • Recommend remedial actions at state and UT administrative levels.
• Publicize constitutional safeguards for linguistic minorities extensively.
• Implement necessary administrative measures promptly.
• The Commissioner initiated a 10-point program to revitalise governmental efforts for preserving the language and culture of linguistic minorities.

Objectives of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities

• To submit to the President of India, the Reports as mandated under Article 350B of the Constitution on the status of implementation of the Constitutional and the nationally agreed Safeguards for the linguistic minorities.
• To provide equal opportunities to the linguistic minorities for inclusive development and national integration.
• To spread awareness amongst the linguistic minorities about the Safeguards available to them.
• To ensure effective implementation of the Safeguards provided for the linguistic minorities in the Constitution and other Safeguards.
• To take up the representations for redress of grievances related to the Safeguards for linguistic minorities with the States/ UTs.

Conclusion

• The Special Officer for Linguistic Minority serves a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of linguistic minority communities in India. 
• Despite lacking specific constitutional provisions regarding qualifications, tenure, and removal procedures, the establishment of this office and the implementation of various schemes underscore the government’s commitment to linguistic diversity and inclusivity.