Actual Article
Article 344: Commission and Committee of Parliament on official language
(1) The President shall, at the expiration of five years from the commencement of this Constitution and thereafter at the expiration of ten years from such commencement, by order constitute a Commission which shall consist of a Chairman and such other members representing the different languages specified in the Eighth Schedule as the President may appoint, and the order shall define the procedure to be followed by the Commission.
(2) It shall be the duty of the Commission to make recommendations to the President as to—
- (a) the progressive use of the Hindi language for the official purposes of the Union;
- (b) restrictions on the use of the English language for all or any of the official purposes of the Union;
- (c) the language to be used for all or any of the purposes mentioned in Article 348;
- (d) the form of numerals to be used for any one or more specified purposes of the Union;
- (e) any other matter referred to the Commission by the President as regards the official language of the Union and the language for communication between the Union and a State or between one State and another and their use.
(3) In making their recommendations under clause (2), the Commission shall have due regard to the industrial, cultural and scientific advancement of India, and the just claims and the interests of persons belonging to the non-Hindi speaking areas in regard to the public services.
(4) There shall be constituted a Committee consisting of thirty members, of whom twenty shall be members of the House of the People and ten shall be members of the Council of States, to be elected respectively by the members of the House of the People and the members of the Council of States in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
(5) It shall be the duty of the Committee to examine the recommendations of the Commission constituted under clause (1) and to report to the President their opinion thereon.
(6) Notwithstanding anything in Article 343, the President may, after consideration of the report referred to in clause (5), issue directions in accordance with the whole or any part of that report.
UPSC Notes for Article 344
Explanation:
- Constitution of Commission: Article 344(1) mandates the President to constitute a Commission at the expiration of five years from the commencement of the Constitution and thereafter every ten years. The Commission includes a Chairman and members representing different languages in the Eighth Schedule.
- Commission’s Duties: Article 344(2) specifies the duties of the Commission, including making recommendations on the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes, restrictions on the use of English, and other language-related matters.
- Considerations for Recommendations: Article 344(3) ensures that the Commission considers India’s industrial, cultural, and scientific advancement, and the interests of non-Hindi speaking areas.
- Parliamentary Committee: Article 344(4) establishes a Parliamentary Committee of thirty members to examine the Commission’s recommendations.
- Review and Directions: Article 344(5) and 344(6) require the Committee to report to the President, who may then issue directions based on the recommendations.
Key Points:
- Periodic Review: Ensures a periodic review of language policies, allowing for adjustments based on changing circumstances and needs.
- Inclusive Representation: The Commission includes members representing various languages, ensuring a balanced approach.
- Balanced Recommendations: Considers the development needs of the country and the interests of non-Hindi speaking regions.
- Parliamentary Oversight: Involves a Parliamentary Committee to review and provide opinions on the Commission’s recommendations, ensuring democratic oversight.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 344
Cases:
- No landmark Supreme Court cases specifically interpreting Article 344, but it plays a crucial role in the periodic review and recommendations regarding official language policy.
Commissions:
- First Official Language Commission (1955): Made significant recommendations for the gradual transition to Hindi.
- Subsequent Official Language Commissions: Have reviewed and recommended measures for promoting Hindi while balancing the use of English and other regional languages.
Important Reports Related to Article 344:
- Official Language Commission Reports: Provide detailed recommendations on language use in official functions, aiming to balance the promotion of Hindi with practical considerations for non-Hindi speaking regions.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 344
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) According to Article 344 of the Indian Constitution, who is responsible for constituting the Commission to recommend the progressive use of the Hindi language?
A. The Prime Minister
B. The President
C. The Chief Minister
D. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Correct Answer: B. The President - (UPSC Prelims 2018) What is the primary duty of the Commission constituted under Article 344 of the Indian Constitution?
A. To conduct elections
B. To recommend the progressive use of Hindi and other language-related matters
C. To oversee financial institutions
D. To regulate trade and commerce Correct Answer: B. To recommend the progressive use of Hindi and other language-related matters
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 344
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 344 in the context of India’s language policy. How does the periodic review by the Commission and the Parliamentary Committee ensure a balanced approach to promoting Hindi and other languages?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the role of the Official Language Commission and the Parliamentary Committee under Article 344 in addressing the linguistic diversity of India. What challenges and opportunities do these bodies face in implementing language policies?”
Additional Insights:
- Linguistic Harmony: Article 344 aims to create linguistic harmony by promoting Hindi while considering the needs and interests of non-Hindi speaking regions.
- Evolving Language Policy: The periodic review mechanism ensures that the language policy evolves with changing socio-economic and cultural contexts.
- Inclusive Approach: By involving representatives of various languages and a Parliamentary Committee, Article 344 promotes an inclusive and democratic approach to language policy.
Understanding Article 344 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the constitutional mechanisms for reviewing and recommending language policies in India. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic policies within the Indian Constitution.