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Fundamental Duties In Indian Constitution

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Fundamental duties are set down in Article 51A in the Constitution of India by the 42nd modification in 1946. The concept of fundamental duties is defined in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution.

The fundamental duties of Indian citizen were taken from the USSR (communist countries).

Sardar Swarn Singh led the committee recommended the purposal to include the fundamental duties of india for Article 51A. but only 10 of them were included.

Later, In the List fundamental duties one more were added by the 86th Amendment Act 2002. Now there are 11 fundamental duties for Indian citizens.

In this article, we will cover the Fundamental duties constitution of india, there importance for citizens of India and will also analyse facts, cirticism about fundamental duties.

Fundamental Duties

Fundamental Duties are our responsibilities for our country . It was inspired by constituation of the former Soviet Union. There are Total 11 essential duties in India. which should be followed by the every citizens of india.

During the period of internal emergency which was imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, people started demanding their fundamental rights.

As the rights were taken away from the people during emergency time. Indira Gandhi was not in favour of granting fundamental rights to the citizens of India. She decided on a different approach.

She asked her Cabinet Minister Swaran Singh to form a committee and make recommendations to the citizens of India which will serve as a reminder to them. By reminder, it was meant that along with the rights there are duties to be obeyed as well. And duties and rights go hand in hand.

As a result, Sardar Swaran Singh Committee made recommendations that are now stated in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.

List of Fundamental Duties in India

The following are the list of Fundamental Duties authorized by the “Constitution of india” under the act Part [IV-A] to their every citizen:

  1. Duty of Respect: To abide the rules of Constitution and respect its ideals, institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
  2. Duty of cherishment: To cherish and follow the nobles who inspired our national struggle for freedom of our country.
  3. Duty to Uphold: Uphold and protect the jurisdiction and unity of India.
  4. Duty to defend: Defend the Nation and render the national service when called to do.
  5. Duty of Promotion: Promote the spirit of common brotherhood with all the people of India irrespective of their relision, linguistic or sectional diversities. and also renounce derogatory to the dignity of women.
  6. Duty to Preserve: Give the value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture and monuments.
  7. Duty of Protection: Protect as well as improve the natural environment such as forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and show compassion towards for living creatures.
  8. Duty of Scientific Development: Develop the scientific character, humanism and the spirit for inquiry and refinement.
  9. Duty to safeguard public property: Safeguard the property of the public in order to abjure violence.
  10. Duty towards excellence: Strive for excellence and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels and acheve great success.
  11. Duty to Provide opportunities: Give opportunity for education to child or ward between the age of six to fourteen years. (It was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002)

Importance of Fundamental Duties

Fundamental Duties are an inviolable part of our fundamental rights. These duties must be carred out by the citizens of India since they are essential for the development of the country.

Here are importance of fundamental duties given below:

  1. It reminds the Citizens of their duty towards their societies, fellow citizens and for the country.
  2. It warns citizens against anti-national and anti-social activities that leads to violance or threat to the nation
  3. It inspires citizens and promote a sense of discipline and commitment among all.
  4. It helps the courts in examining ng the constitutional validity for law.

The fundamental duties are for citizens of India and not for the aliens. They can be divided into 2 categories. One category is of duties that are backed by the force of law. Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955), Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Article 14 ( Equality before Law), Article 19 (Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech), and Article 21 (Right to Life) and so on are the laws that are based on these duties. These duties should be carried out by the citizens of India since they are essential. Otherwise, laws are there if duties are disobeyed. They can also be considered as duties having a negative connotation. And the other one is which are not backed by the force of law and they are the duties with a positive connotation.  

Facts about Fundamental Duties

The fundamental duties are divided into two categories:

  1. Moral Duty: cherishing noble ideals of freedom struggle.
  2. Civic Duty: Respecting the Constitution, National Flag as well as National Anthem.
  • One category is of duties that are backed by the force of law. Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, Protection of Civil Rights Act (1955)
  • Fundamental Rights guaranteed under Article 14 ( Equality before Law), Article 19 (Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech), and Article 21 (Right to Life) and so on are the laws that are based on these duties.
  • There is no legal sanction against their violation.
  • They are also nonjusticiable similar to the Directive Principles of State Policy in India.

Analysis of the Fundamental Duties

According to some smart thinkers, fundamental duties are vague and unclear to be understood by a common man.

Some others are of the view that these duties are necessary for the development of the society and must be followed. The existence of force of law behind some duties clearly states their importance and hence we must take pride in them.

Though all the fundamental duties of Indian citizens are not backed by the force of law, still they hold an important place as they help in the development of society. They are the moral and civic obligations of the citizens.

It’s important for the citizens of india to live their life according to these duties. Duties and rights both are integral parts of life and hold equal importance. If citizens want to enjoy their rights, they have to fulfil their duties as well.

1. In which part Fundamental Duties are defined?

Fundamental duties are defined in Article 51A in the Constitution of India. By the 42nd Amendment 1946, they are listed in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution. 

2. How many Duties there are in Article 51A of Constitution?

Initially, there were 10 fundamental duties in Article 51A. Later on, by the 86th Amendment of 2002, one more duty was added to the list of duties. Presently, there are 11 duties enumerated in the Constitution.

3. Which Committee proposed to add Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?

Swaran Singh Committee in 1976 recommended Fundamental Duties to be added in the Indian constitution.

4. Why Fundamental Duties are important for Citizens?

Fundamental Duties are the moral and civic obligations of the citizens. It’s important for the citizens to live their life according to these duties. Duties and rights both are integral part of life and hold equal importance. If citizens want to enjoy their rights, they have to fulfil their duties as well.

5. How many Fundamental Duties in Indian Constitution?

There are total 11 fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution. Firstly, By the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976 to Part IV there were 10 fundamental duties. In 2002, one more Fundamental Duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment.



Last Updated : 10 Nov, 2023
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