UPSC Prelims 2001 Q60: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Which Article of the Constitution provides that it shall be the endeavour of every State to
provide adequate facility for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education?
- (a) Article 349
- (b) Article 350
- (c) Article 350 - A
- (d) Article 351
Answer: (c) Article 350 - A
Explanation
Article on instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage
| Article | Content |
|---|---|
| Article 350A | Facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage for children of linguistic minorities |
| Article 350 | Right to submit a representation for redress of grievances in any language used in the Union or State |
| Article 350B | Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities |
| Article 351 | Directive for the development of the Hindi language |
Article 350A says every State and local authority shall endeavour to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother tongue at the primary stage of education to children of linguistic minority groups. It was added by the Seventh Amendment, 1956.
Answer: (c) Article 350 - A.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Article 349 is about the procedure for enacting language laws.
- (b) Incorrect. Article 350 is about representations for redress of grievances.
- (c) CORRECT. Article 350A provides for mother-tongue instruction at the primary stage.
- (d) Incorrect. Article 351 is about developing the Hindi language.
Key point
Part XVII (Articles 343-351) deals with official language; 350A and 350B came by the Seventh Amendment (1956).
Remember
Mother-tongue instruction at primary stage = Article 350A.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Article 350 because it is close to 350A.
- Choosing Article 351 as a 'language' article.
- Thinking this is a Directive Principle in Part IV.
Exam tip
350 grievances, 350A mother tongue, 350B linguistic minorities officer, 351 Hindi.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Part XVII, Articles 349 to 351
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter 'Official Language'