Chapter 11: FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

Introduction

These were added by the 42nd amendment in 1976. The list was created on recommendation of Swaran Singh committee. They are influenced from the USSR constitution. None of the democratic countries except Japan have fundamental duties as a part of their constitutions. It is feature common in constitutions of socialist countries. Article 51A.

The codify tasks integral to the Indian way of life. Most of these duties are moral and others are civic.

They are applicable to citizens only and not aliens both friendly or enemy.


Articles on the Fundamental Duties

Article 51 a, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

(a) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom;

(c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) To promote 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 derogatory to the dignity of women;

(f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture;

(g) To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife And to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) To safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the Nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement; and

(k) To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen Years. This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.

Miscellaneous

They are non justifiable or non enforceable by courts. However parliament can enforce them by law.






Q. (UPSC CSAT 2017)Which of the following statements is/are true of the Fundamental Duties of an Indian citizen?
1. A legislative process has been provided to enforce these duties.
2. They are correlative to legal duties.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:


  1. 1 only

  2. 2 only

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2


Ans . D


  1. No legal process present to enforce all the duties. They are not correlated to legal duties given by different Acts.



Q. In the context of India, which one of the following is the correct relationship between Rights and Duties? (UPSC CSAT 2017)


  1. Rights are correlative with Duties

  2. Rights are personal and hence independent of society and Duties.

  3. Rights, not Duties, are important for the advancement of the personality of the citizen.

  4. Duties, not Rights, are important for the stability of the State.


Ans . A


  1. Rights and duties are correlative i.e. related to each other and inseparable.



Q."To uphold and protect the Sovereignty Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision made in the (UPSC CSAT 2015)


  • Preamble of the Constitution


  • Directive Principles of State Policy


  • Fundamental Rights


  • Fundamental Duties



Ans . D


  1. It has been mentioned in Article 51-A of the Constitution (Fundamental Duties).

Quiz

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