What is Article 336 of Indian constitution
Article 336 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Special provision for Anglo-Indian community in certain services
📘 Purpose:
Article 336 granted transitional rights to the Anglo-Indian community for preferential treatment in public services in India for a limited time after the Constitution came into effect in 1950.
🔍 Key Provisions of Article 336:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies To | Anglo-Indian community |
| Scope | Posts in Union and State services |
| Initial Preference Period | For the first two years from Constitution’s commencement (i.e., till 26 January 1952) |
| Nature of Preference | Same as under British Government just before independence |
| Gradual Reduction Clause | From the third year onward, preference would diminish progressively each year |
| Duration of Provision | Completely phased out over 10 years |
| Purpose | To allow time for integration and adjustment of the Anglo-Indian community |
🧠 Simple Explanation:
Article 336 gave temporary job preference to Anglo-Indians in government jobs for 10 years, starting from 1950, similar to the colonial-era system — with decreasing benefits each year.
📅 Timeline of Article 336:
| Time Period | Provisions Active |
|---|---|
| 1950–1952 | Full preference in government services |
| 1952–1960 | Gradual reduction of preference each year |
| Post-1960 | ✅ Provision lapsed automatically (no more preference) |
📌 Current Status:
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Preference to Anglo-Indians in services | ❌ Ended in 1960 |
| Article 336 (text) in Constitution | ✅ Still exists, but obsolete in effect |
Here is a 📊 Comparative Chart of Article 336 vs. Article 337 — both of which provided transitional privileges to the Anglo-Indian community after India's independence.
🏛️ Article 336 vs. Article 337 – Anglo-Indian Privileges
| Feature | Article 336 | Article 337 |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Special provision for Anglo-Indian community in certain services | Special provision for Anglo-Indian community in certain educational grants |
| Scope / Domain | Public employment – Union and State services | Educational aid – Grants for Anglo-Indian run schools |
| Benefit Given | Preference in appointments in govt. jobs (similar to colonial practice) | Grants in aid to schools with at least 40% Anglo-Indian students |
| Initial Full Benefit Period | First 2 years (from 26 Jan 1950 to 26 Jan 1952) | Continuation of grants as provided before Constitution came into effect |
| Duration of Provision | 10 years (till 1960) – preference reduced year by year after 1952 | Without time limit stated; remains in force unless modified by law |
| Gradual Reduction? | ✅ Yes – After 2 years, reduced annually till ceased in 1960 | ❌ No – No reduction clause mentioned |
| Who Could Grant Benefit? | Union & State governments | Governments granting educational aid |
| Current Status | ❌ Expired in 1960 | ✅ Still valid, subject to law made by Parliament |
| Purpose | To help Anglo-Indians adjust to new administrative setup post-independence | To ensure continued education support for Anglo-Indian community |
🧠 In Simple Words:
| Article | Deals With | Still Active? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 336 | Govt. jobs preference | ❌ No (ended in 1960) | Temporary safeguard in public services |
| 337 | Educational grants | ✅ Yes | Continued support for Anglo-Indian schools |
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