Laxmikanth Summary: Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities | Indian Polity for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

The constitutional establishment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities was not initially included in the Indian Constitution. The recommendation for such an office was made by the States Reorganization Commission (1953-55). Subsequently, the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 introduced a new provision, Article 350-B, in Part XVII of the Constitution to address this matter. This office falls under the purview of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Office of Assistant Commissioner

Constitutional Provisions

•  Initially, the Constitution of India did not include any provisions regarding the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
• Later, the States Reorganisation Commission (1953-55) recommended the creation of such an officer.
• As a result, the Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 added a new Article 350-B to Part XVII of the Constitution.
• This article includes the following points:
  • A Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities must be appointed by the President of India.
  • The Special Officer is responsible for looking into all issues related to the protections given to linguistic minorities under the Constitution.
  • This officer must report to the President about these matters at intervals set by the President.
  • The President is required to present these reports to both Houses of Parliament and inform the relevant state governments.

It is important to note that the Constitution does not define the qualifications, tenure, salary, allowances, service conditions, or the process for removing the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.

Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities

•  In 1957, the office of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities was established as part of Article 350-B of the Constitution. 
•  The person in this role is known as the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities (CLM). 
•  The headquarters of the CLM is located in New Delhi. 
• The CLM has three regional offices situated in: 
  • Belgaum (Karnataka)
  • Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
  • Kolkata (West Bengal)
•  Each regional office is led by an Assistant Commissioner. 
• At the headquarters, the CLM is supported by: 
  • Deputy Commissioner
  • Assistant Commissioner
•  The CLM works closely with State Governments and Union Territories through nodal officers that these governments appoint. 
•  At the national level, the CLM operates under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. 
•  The CLM is responsible for submitting annual reports and other reports to the President via the Union Minority Affairs Minister. 

Role

• The CLM works with the States and UTh on matters related to the implementation of the Constitutional and Nationally Agreed Safeguards for linguistic minorities.
• The eLM organization addresses all issues regarding safeguards for linguistic minorities that are reported by individuals, groups, associations, or organizations representing these communities.
• The eLM conducts visits to areas where linguistic minorities live, as well as to educational institutions, to evaluate how well the safeguard measures are being carried out.
• During these visits, the eLM engages in discussions with important officials, including the Chief Ministers and Governors of the States, as well as the Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors of the U'IS.
• Additionally, the eLM holds talks with top administrative officials, such as the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Education), and other Principal Secretaries of departments responsible for overseeing the implementation of safeguards for linguistic minorities.

Vision and Mission

• Vision: To improve and enhance the systems and processes that help put into action the rights guaranteed by the Constitution for Linguistic Minorities. This will help to ensure that speakers of minority languages can enjoy their rights and have the same chances for inclusive and integrated development. 
• Mission: To make sure that all states and Union Territories (U.T.s) properly apply the Constitutional protections and the national plan of safeguards for linguistic minorities. This is aimed at providing equal opportunities for inclusive development. 

Functions and Objectives

Functions:

• To look into all issues related to the protections offered to linguistic minorities.
• To present reports to the President of India regarding how well the constitutional and nationally agreed protections for linguistic minorities are being implemented.
• To oversee the implementation of these protections through various methods such as questionnaires, visits, conferences, seminars, meetings, and review processes.

• To provide equal chances for linguistic minorities for inclusive growth and national unity.
• To raise awareness among linguistic minorities about the protections available to them.
• To ensure that the protections outlined in the Constitution and other agreements made by states or union territories are effectively put into practice.
• To address grievances and handle requests related to the protections for linguistic minorities.