Q1. According to the Constitution, who appoints the Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities?
- Prime Minister
- Governor
- President
- Chief Justice of India
Correct Option: 3. President.
Explanation: Article 350B provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities by the President, to investigate and report on matters related to the safeguards for linguistic minorities.
Q2. Under which Article can the President recognize a language spoken by a substantial population in a state?
- Article 343
- Article 347
- Article 351
- Article 346
Correct Option: 2. Article 347.
Explanation: Article 347 empowers the President to recognize a language spoken by a substantial section of the population in a state, upon demand.
Q3. Which committee was constituted in 1957 to examine the recommendations of the Official Language Commission?
- Gobind Ballabh Pant Committee
- Rajendra Prasad Committee
- Nehru Committee
- Shastri Language Commission
Correct Option: 1. Gobind Ballabh Pant Committee.
Explanation: In 1957, the Gobind Ballabh Pant Committee was formed to examine the recommendations of the Official Language Commission chaired by B.G. Kher (1955).
Q4. Which Article directs the development and promotion of the Hindi language?
- Article 345
- Article 351
- Article 343
- Article 350B
Correct Option: 2. Article 351.
Explanation: Article 351 places a duty on the Union Government to promote and develop Hindi so that it may serve as a link language and reflects the composite culture of India.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a criterion for granting Classical Language status?
- Language must have 1,500–2,000 years of antiquity
- Language must be spoken by at least 10 million people
- It must have a rich body of ancient literature
- Literary tradition must be original and not borrowed
Correct Option: 2. Language must be spoken by at least 10 million people.
Explanation: The number of speakers is not a criterion for declaring a language classical. The criteria focus on antiquity, rich literature, and independent literary tradition.