The fundamental duties remind citizens of their responsibilities toward their country and society. These duties of an Indian citizen serve to balance fundamental rights. All citizens have a responsibility to their country. Originally, the Indian Constitution did not explicitly mention this. However, its implicit provisions have always existed.
The provision of fundamental duties was inserted into the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976. Part 4A explicitly mentions these. However, they are detailed in Article 51A.
In this article, we will look into the fundamental duties of an Indian Citizen as mentioned in the Indian Constitution.
Exam Relevance
It is a very important topic in the Indian polity section for the recruitment in government exams like NDA, CDS, Railways, and SSC exams.
Overview
Fundamental duties are different from fundamental rights. The court cannot enforce it.
- The Indian Constitution includes it from the Russian Constitution.
- In 1976, the Indian government formed a committee led by Sardar Swaran Singh to examine fundamental duties in India.
- The committee recommended several duties.
- Eventually, 10 of these duties were included in the Constitution.
- In 2002, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act added an eleventh duty.
- There are now 11 fundamental duties listed under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
What are the 11 Fundamental Duties of an Indian Citizen?
The fundamental duties received constitutional status through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976. Further, currently, the Indian Constitution outlines 11 fundamental duties for its citizens. Below is the list:
1. To abide by the Indian Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag ‘Tiranga’ and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals and values that inspired the national freedom struggle.
3. To protect and uphold the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the country.
4. To defend the nation and render national services when called upon to do so.
5. To promote the harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities, and to renounce practices that are derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. To preserve and value the country’s rich heritage with its composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment, including the forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for the living creatures.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the rational spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard the property in the public domain and to abjure violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that India constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
11. To provide educational opportunities to his child or ward between the ages of six and fourteen years.
The last and 11th fundamental duty was included by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act in 2002. Interestingly, the same amendment also entitled the fundamental right to free and compulsory education. However, this right applies to children aged 6 to 14 years.
What is the Importance of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian Citizen?
For a successful democracy, both fundamental rights and fundamental duties must co-exist. Furthermore, these duties are considered an essential aspect of fundamental rights. The essence of these duties in the Indian Constitution can be understood through the following points.
- The citizens of the country are aware of their responsibilities to their society, their fellow citizens, and the country.
- These inspire Indian citizens and help them develop discipline, dedication, and commitment.
- These warn Indian citizens against engaging in any activities that harm the nation or society.
- These help courts check if a law is constitutional.
At last, the Supreme Court has already commented on several key aspects of the Indian Constitution. These elements collectively embody the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
