Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their obligations to the nation. Learn their origin in the Swaran Singh Committee, the eleven duties, and their legal status.
Key Takeaways
- Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.
- They are contained in Part IVA, Article 51A, and were inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR.
- Originally 10 duties; the 11th (education of children 6–14) was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).
Fundamental Duties are the moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India. They were not part of the original Constitution and were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The concept was borrowed from the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR.
They are contained in a single article — Article 51A in Part IVA. Originally ten in number, an eleventh duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.
The Eleven Fundamental Duties
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:
- To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the freedom struggle.
- To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
- To defend the country and render national service when called upon.
- To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood, and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
- To protect and improve the natural environment — forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife.
- To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
- To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
- (Added by 86th Amendment, 2002) To provide opportunities for education to one's child or ward between the ages of six and fourteen years.
Features and Significance
- Fundamental Duties are confined to citizens and do not extend to foreigners.
- Like the DPSPs, they are non-justiciable — there is no legal sanction against their violation.
- The Verma Committee (1999) identified legal provisions for the implementation of some Fundamental Duties.
- They serve as a reminder to citizens that while enjoying rights, they also owe duties to the nation. They act as a warning against anti-national and anti-social activities.
Prelims Pointers
- There are 11 Fundamental Duties, all listed under a single Article — 51A.
- Fundamental Duties apply only to citizens (not foreigners) and are non-justiciable.
- Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended their inclusion.
Mains Angle
- 'Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin.' Discuss in the Indian context.
- Suggest measures to make Fundamental Duties more effective.
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