Q1. Which Constitutional Amendment led to the creation of the post of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities?
- 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
- 65th Amendment Act, 1990
- 89th Amendment Act, 2003
- 7th Amendment Act, 1956
Correct Option: 4. 7th Amendment Act, 1956.
Explanation: The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 inserted Article 350-B into the Constitution, creating the post of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities. This was based on a recommendation of the States Reorganisation Commission (1953–55).
Q2. What is the official designation of the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities?
- Chief Commissioner of Minorities
- National Minority Rights Officer
- Language Rights Commissioner
- Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities
Correct Option: 4. Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities.
Explanation: In practice, the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities is designated as the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities. This post was formally established in 1957, with headquarters at Allahabad (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh.
Q3. Under which ministry does the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities operate at the Central level?
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Ministry of Education
- Ministry of Minority Affairs
Correct Option: 4. Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Explanation: At the Central level, the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities operates under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Reports are submitted to the President of India through the Union Minister of Minority Affairs.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities?
- Submitting reports to the President
- Investigating safeguards for linguistic minorities
- Implementing welfare schemes for tribal communities
- Monitoring safeguard implementation through visits and reviews
Correct Option: 3. Implementing welfare schemes for tribal communities.
Explanation: The Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities focuses on safeguards and rights of linguistic minorities, not tribal welfare, which falls under the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST).
Q5. Which of the following is a key objective of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities?
- Ensuring inclusive development and national integration
- Promoting privatization of minority institutions
- Ensuring language-based reservations in jobs
- Replacing regional languages with Hindi
Correct Option: 1. Ensuring inclusive development and national integration.
Explanation: A central objective of the Commissioner is to ensure equal opportunities and inclusive development for linguistic minorities, contributing to national integration. Other objectives include spreading awareness and ensuring implementation of safeguards.