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What is Article 344 of Indian constitution

 

What is Article 344 of Indian constitution

Article 344 of the Indian Constitution

Title: Commission and Committee of Parliament on official language

🔷 Full Explanation of Article 344:

Clause (1):

  • Within 5 years from the commencement of the Constitution (i.e., by 1955), and then after every 10 years, the President shall constitute a Commission.

  • This Commission's purpose is to make recommendations regarding:

    1. The progressive use of Hindi for the official purposes of the Union.

    2. The restrictions on the use of English for those purposes.

    3. The language to be used in the judiciary (Supreme Court and High Courts).

    4. The language to be used in Acts, Bills, and other legislative documents.

    5. Any other relevant matters concerning the official language.

Clause (2):

  • After the Commission submits its report, the President shall appoint a Committee of Parliament.

    • This Committee consists of 30 members:

      • 20 from Lok Sabha, elected by its members.

      • 10 from Rajya Sabha, elected by its members.

  • The Committee will examine the Commission’s recommendations and report its views to the President.

🟢 Purpose of Article 344:

  • To ensure a smooth and democratic transition from English to Hindi as the official language.

  • To review and monitor the promotion of Hindi.

  • To ensure consultation with elected representatives (via the Parliamentary Committee) before any major change.

📌 Important Fact:

  • Based on this Article, the First Official Language Commission was set up in 1955, headed by B.G. Kher.

  • It played a major role in shaping the Official Languages Act, 1963, which allowed continued use of English.

Here is the list of Official Language Commissions and important Language Committees formed under Article 344 and related provisions of the Indian Constitution:

📘 List of Official Language Commissions in India

Commission/Committee Year Established Chairperson Key Role / Recommendations
1. First Official Language Commission 1955 B.G. Kher - First commission under Article 344- Recommended gradual switch to Hindi- Suggested safeguards for non-Hindi speakers
2. Joint Parliamentary Committee on Official Language Post-1955 Elected MPs (30 members: 20 Lok Sabha + 10 Rajya Sabha) - Examined Kher Commission Report- Recommended continued use of English alongside Hindi
3. Committee of Parliament on Official Language (संसदीय राजभाषा समिति) 1976 (under Official Languages Act, 1963 – Section 4) Varies (appointed by President) - Periodically reviews implementation of official language policy- Submits reports to President- Still active (regular reports submitted)

📋 Key Details:

🔹 First Official Language Commission (1955):

  • Formed under Article 344(1).

  • Submitted report in 1956.

  • Key concerns raised by non-Hindi-speaking states led to cautious adoption of Hindi.

🔹 Joint Parliamentary Committee (1959):

  • Examined the recommendations of the Kher Commission.

  • Led to Official Languages Act, 1963, which continued the use of English along with Hindi.

🔹 Committee of Parliament on Official Language (1976 - present):

  • Not the same as the Article 344 commission, but a permanent committee to monitor language policy.

  • Its reports help in promoting Hindi and balancing regional linguistic sentiments.

📌 Other Important Initiatives:

  • Official Languages Rules, 1976: Framed to implement the 1963 Act.

  • Annual Reports by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Department of Official Language): Track progress on the use of Hindi.

Here is a 🕰️ Timeline Chart of the Official Language Commissions and Committees in India:

📊 Timeline of Official Language Commissions & Committees (1950–Present)

Year Event / Body Constitutional / Legal Basis Chairperson / Body Key Role
1950 Constitution came into force Article 343 & 344 — Hindi in Devanagari script declared official language; English allowed for 15 years.
1955 First Official Language Commission Article 344(1) B.G. Kher Recommended promotion of Hindi & continued use of English.
1956 Report submitted Article 344 — Emphasized gradual transition; protection for non-Hindi regions.
1959 Joint Parliamentary Committee on Official Language Article 344(2) Members from both Houses Reviewed Commission report; advised bilingual policy.
1963 Official Languages Act Parliamentary law — Allowed continued use of English indefinitely, alongside Hindi.
1976 Committee of Parliament on Official Language Section 4 of Official Languages Act Appointed by President Monitors implementation of Hindi as official language; submits regular reports.
1987–Present Multiple Reports by Committee of Parliament on Official Language Ongoing under 1963 Act Chaired by MPs (rotational) Suggest measures to increase use of Hindi in Central Government.

📝 Notes:

  • Only one Official Language Commission (1955) has been formed under Article 344.

  • Since 1976, the Committee of Parliament on Official Language functions as a permanent body.

  • As of today, the latest reports are periodically tabled in Parliament by this Committee.


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