Article 350 and Article 350A of the Constitution of India

Articles 350 and 350A form part of Part XVII, Chapter IV, titled "Special Directives", of the Constitution of India. Article 350 protects the ability of every person to make a representation for redress of a grievance in a language used in the Union or the State concerned. Article 350A addresses facilities for primary-stage instruction in the mother tongue for children belonging to linguistic minority groups.

In brief: Article 350 concerns the language in which a grievance representation may be submitted. Article 350A concerns the constitutional endeavour to provide adequate mother-tongue instruction facilities at the primary stage for children of linguistic minority groups.

Article 350 - Language used in representations for redress of grievances

Article 350 gives every person a constitutional entitlement to submit a representation seeking redress of a grievance to an officer or authority of the Union or a State in any language used in the Union or in that State, as applicable.

Text of Article 350 Every person shall be entitled to submit a representation for the redress of any grievance to any officer or authority of the Union or a State in any of the languages used in the Union or in the State, as the case may be.

Meaning and scope of Article 350

  • Every person: The provision is framed broadly and is not limited by its text to citizens alone.
  • Representation: A person may address a grievance to an officer or authority of the Union or a State.
  • Choice of language: The representation may be made in any language used in the Union or in the relevant State, as the case may be.
  • Purpose: The provision helps ensure that language does not itself prevent a person from approaching government authorities for redress of a grievance.

Article 350A - Facilities for instruction in mother tongue at primary stage

Article 350A requires every State and every local authority within the State to endeavour to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education for children belonging to linguistic minority groups. It also authorizes the President to issue directions to a State where considered necessary or proper to secure such facilities.

Text of Article 350A It shall be the endeavour of every State and of every local authority within the State to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups; and the President may issue such directions to any State as he considers necessary or proper for securing the provision of such facilities.

Meaning and scope of Article 350A

  • Constitutional responsibility: The Article places an endeavour on States and local authorities to provide adequate mother-tongue instruction facilities at the primary stage.
  • Beneficiaries: The provision specifically refers to children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
  • Primary stage: The constitutional direction is specifically tied to the primary stage of education.
  • Presidential directions: The President may issue directions to a State considered necessary or proper for securing these facilities.

When was Article 350A inserted?

Article 350A was inserted by section 21 of the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, with effect from 1 November 1956. The same amendment also inserted Article 350B concerning the Special Officer for linguistic minorities.

Relationship with linguistic minority safeguards

Articles 350 and 350A operate within the Constitution's broader provisions dealing with language and linguistic minorities. Article 350B provides for a Special Officer for linguistic minorities, while Article 29 protects specified cultural and educational interests and Article 30 deals with the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions. Each provision has its own text and constitutional function and should be read according to its particular scope.

Official text and legal reference

For authoritative reference, readers should verify the current text of the Constitution from official Government of India sources:

Legislative Department - Constitution of India India Code

This page is intended as a general legal information resource. For a dispute involving language rights, education policy, minority safeguards or an administrative representation, the applicable constitutional text, statutes, rules, government directions and judicial decisions should be examined on the facts of the matter.