Actual Article
Article 337: Special provision with respect to educational grants for the benefit of Anglo-Indian community
During the first three financial years after the commencement of this Constitution, there shall be paid out of the revenues of the Union to such Anglo-Indian educational institutions as the President may, by order, specify a grant-in-aid at a rate which shall be fixed by the President and thereafter, during every succeeding period of three years, such grant shall be reduced by ten per cent. from the grant payable during the immediately preceding period of three years:
- Provided that at the end of ten years from the commencement of this Constitution such grants shall cease:
- Provided further that no educational institution shall be entitled to receive any grant under this article unless at least forty per cent. of the annual admissions therein are made available to members of communities other than the Anglo-Indian community.
UPSC Notes for Article 337
Explanation:
- Initial Grants: Article 337 mandates that during the first three financial years after the commencement of the Constitution, grants-in-aid shall be provided to specified Anglo-Indian educational institutions at a rate fixed by the President.
- Reduction Over Time: The grant amount shall be reduced by 10% every three years, ceasing entirely after ten years from the commencement of the Constitution.
- Inclusivity Condition: For an educational institution to receive the grant, at least 40% of the annual admissions must be available to communities other than the Anglo-Indian community.
Key Points:
- Temporary Financial Support: Provides temporary financial support to Anglo-Indian educational institutions to help them transition post-independence.
- Phased Reduction: Ensures a phased reduction of financial support, promoting self-sufficiency of these institutions over time.
- Promoting Inclusivity: Encourages inclusivity by mandating that a significant proportion of admissions be available to non-Anglo-Indian communities.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 337
Cases:
- No landmark Supreme Court cases specifically interpreting Article 337, as it deals with temporary financial grants, which have ceased to apply.
Commissions:
- National Commission for Minorities: Addresses issues related to the welfare of minority communities, including the Anglo-Indian community.
- Various Minority Commissions: Monitor the implementation of policies and grants for minority communities, including educational support.
Important Reports Related to Article 337:
- National Commission for Minorities Reports: Provide insights into the effectiveness of educational grants and the welfare of Anglo-Indian educational institutions.
- Law Commission Reports: Discuss the legal and administrative frameworks for providing financial support to minority educational institutions and recommend reforms.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 337
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) Under Article 337, for how long are grants-in-aid provided to Anglo-Indian educational institutions from the commencement of the Constitution?
A. For the first five years
B. For the first ten years
C. For the first three years
D. Indefinitely Correct Answer: B. For the first ten years - (UPSC Prelims 2018) What condition must an Anglo-Indian educational institution fulfill to receive grants under Article 337?
A. Provide free education to all students
B. Reserve at least 40% of admissions for non-Anglo-Indian communities
C. Charge reduced fees for Anglo-Indian students
D. Obtain certification from the National Commission for Minorities Correct Answer: B. Reserve at least 40% of admissions for non-Anglo-Indian communities
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 337
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 337 in providing financial support to Anglo-Indian educational institutions during the early years of India’s independence. How did this article promote inclusivity and self-sufficiency in these institutions?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of the phased reduction of educational grants under Article 337 on Anglo-Indian educational institutions. What are the potential benefits and challenges of transitioning to self-sufficiency?”
Additional Insights:
- Transitional Support: Article 337 provided critical transitional support to Anglo-Indian educational institutions, helping them adjust to the post-independence educational landscape.
- Encouraging Diversity: By mandating that a portion of admissions be available to non-Anglo-Indian communities, the article promoted diversity and inclusivity in education.
- Legacy of Inclusivity: Although the specific grants under Article 337 have ceased, the principles of inclusivity and support for minority educational institutions continue to be relevant in India’s educational policies.
Understanding Article 337 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the transitional provisions for financial support to minority educational institutions in India’s constitutional framework. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms ensuring the inclusion and support of minority communities in education.