Home The Constitution Part XVII Article 350A

Art. 350A Part XVII: Official Language

Facilities for Instruction in Mother-Tongue at Primary Stage

Exact text — Constitution of India

It shall be the endeavour of every State and of every local authority within the State to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education to children belonging to linguistic minority groups; and the President may issue such directions to any State as he considers necessary or proper for securing the provision of such facilities. [Added by the 7th Amendment, 1956]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

Added in 1956, this Article directs states and local authorities to provide primary-level education in a child's mother tongue if they belong to a linguistic minority group within that state — and gives the President power to issue directions to a state if this endeavour isn't being fulfilled adequately.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is a protective provision for linguistic minority children — ensuring that a child whose mother tongue differs from the state's primary official/instructional language still has access to at least primary education in their own language, connecting directly to broader minority-protection Articles like 29 and 30.

Read alongside this one

Art. 29 — Protection of Interests of Minorities Art. 21a — Right to Education

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 350A

Is mother-tongue education a strictly enforceable right, or an 'endeavour'?

The language used ('shall be the endeavour') is softer than a strict guarantee, though the President's power to issue specific directions to a state gives it more practical teeth than a purely aspirational Directive Principle would have.

← PreviousArticle 350: Language to Be Used in Representations for Redress of Grievances Next →Article 350B: Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities

The text above reproduces Article 350A of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.