The question asks about matters where the Union Government has the power to issue directions to State Governments. This power is derived from the Constitution of India, specifically from articles that grant the Union executive control over the states in certain defined areas to ensure national integrity and policy uniformity.

Let's analyze each of the four matters listed:

1. Designing and implementing schemes for the welfare of the tribals.
This falls under the provisions for the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Article 339(2) of the Constitution empowers the Union to give directions to a State for the drawing up and execution of schemes for the welfare of the Scheduled Tribes in the State. Therefore, the Union does have this power.

2. Primary education to the linguistic minority in their mother tongue.
This is related to the protection of linguistic minorities. Article 350A, inserted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, specifically states that it shall be the endeavor 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. Furthermore, the President may issue such directions to any State as he considers necessary or proper for securing the provision of such facilities. Therefore, the Union (acting through the President) does have this power.

3. Promotion of Hindi.
Article 351 of the Constitution places a duty on the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language. However, this article is a Directive Principle of State Policy for the Union. It does not explicitly grant the Union the power to issue directions to State Governments for its implementation. The promotion of Hindi is encouraged, but states (especially those where Hindi is not the official language) cannot be directed against their will. Therefore, the Union does not have a direct power to issue directions to states for the promotion of Hindi.

4. Measures to be taken for the protection of the railway within the state.
This power is explicitly granted to the Union by the Constitution. Article 257(2) states that the executive power of the Union shall also extend to the giving of directions to a State as to the measures to be taken for the protection of the railways within the State. Therefore, the Union does have this power.

Conclusion: Based on the constitutional provisions, the Union has the power to issue directions for matters 1, 2, and 4. It does not have this specific power for matter 3 (Promotion of Hindi).

Final Answer: The correct code is 1, 2 and 4.

Related Topics & Formulae

Key Constitutional Articles:

• Article 339(2): Control of the Union over the administration of Scheduled Areas and the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
• Article 350A: Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at the primary stage for linguistic minorities.
• Article 257(2): Power of the Union to give directions to States for the protection of railways.
• Article 351: Directive for the development of the Hindi language (not an enforcement power over states).

Concept of Union Directions: The Indian federal system is not absolute; it has a strong unitary bias. Part XI of the Constitution (Articles 245 to 263) deals with the relations between the Union and the States. Several articles (e.g., 256, 257, 339) empower the Union executive to issue directions to the State executives to ensure compliance with laws made by Parliament and for other specific national purposes.