Fundamental Duties - NCERT Solution-Political

Fundamental Duties

• Incorporated in Part IV-A, article 51-A of the constitution of India.

• Inserted by the Constitution 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

• It was part of a large number of changes brought about during the internal emergency (1975 - 77).

• But after the end of the Emergency, when the new Parliament reviewed the whole position & in most cases restored the pre-emergency position, article 51-A was one emerged unscathed because it was considered by all parties to be an unexceptionable charter of principles which citizens could usefully absorb & practice.

• The inclusion of Fundamental Duties in our Constitution also brings it in line with Article 29 (1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which says: "Everyone has the duties to the community in which alone the free & full development of the personality is possible."

• The exercise of fundamental rights entails duties to the community which ensures the free and full development of human personality.

• Added on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. These are based on the Japanese model.

• Originally 10 duties, but now 11 in number, it was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

List of Fundamental Duties:

According to Article 51-A, it shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

• To abide by the Constitution & respect its ideals & institutions, the National Flag & the National Anthem;

• To cherish & follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom;

• To uphold & protect the sovereignty, unity & integrity of India;

• To defend the country & render national service when called upon to do so;

• To promote harmony & the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic & regional, or sectional diversities & to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;

• To value & preserve the rich heritage of the country's composite culture;

• To protect & improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers & wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;

• To develop scientific temper, humanism & the spirit of inquiry & reform;

• To safeguard public property & to abjure violence;

• To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual & collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor & achievements;

• To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of 6 - 14 years. This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.