Q. With reference to ‘Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities’, consider the following statements:
1. Originally, the Constitution of India did not make any provision with respect to the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
2. Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is appointed by Central government after consultation with the states.
3. The Office of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities falls under the ambit of Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
How many of the above given statements are correct?
Exp) Option a is the correct answer.
The Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is a constitutional post created under Article 350 B of the Indian Constitution.
Statement 1 is correct: The Constitution of India, originally, did not make any provision with respect to the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities. Later, the States Reorganisation Commission (1953-55) made a recommendation in this regard. Accordingly, the Seventh Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 inserted a new Article 350-B in Part XVII of the Constitution.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is appointed by the President of India. Constitution does not specify the qualifications, tenure, salaries and allowances, service conditions and procedure for removal of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities.
Statement 3 is incorrect: This constitutional body of Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities falls under the Ministry of Minority Affairs (Not Home Ministry). The Special Officer submits the annual reports along with other reports to the President of India through the Union Minister of Minority Affairs.
