In response to the recommendations of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee, the Indian Parliament enacted the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976, which introduced the concept of fundamental duties to the Indian Constitution. This amendment added a new part, Part IVA, which consists of only one Article, Article 51A, specifying a code of ten fundamental duties for Indian citizens. This was the first time fundamental duties were recognized and specified in the Indian Constitution.
The Fundamental Duties:
Article 51A of the Indian Constitution specifies the following ten fundamental duties of every Indian citizen:
- To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
- To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
- To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
- To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country's composite culture.
- To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
- To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- To safeguard public property and abjure violence.
- 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.
- 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.
Significance:
- The inclusion of fundamental duties serves as a reminder to citizens that they have responsibilities towards the nation and society in addition to the enjoyment of their fundamental rights.
- Fundamental duties are important for promoting a sense of national unity and social harmony.
Criticisms:
- Fundamental duties are not legally enforceable, and no penalties are specified for failure to fulfill them.
- Some critics argue that these duties were introduced during the internal emergency (1975–1977) as a way to assert state control over citizens' actions and beliefs.
- There is debate over the effectiveness of these duties as they are more of a moral and ethical guide than legally binding obligations.
Despite the criticisms, fundamental duties have been recognized as important for the overall development of Indian society and for instilling a sense of civic responsibility in the citizens.
48-52nd BPSC
Q. Which Amendment Act included the Fundamental Duties of citizens in the Indian Constitution?A. 42nd Amendment Act
B. 56th Amendment Act
C. 73rd Amendment Act
D. None of the above
45th BPSC
Q. The 10 commandments, which were added by 42nd Amendment Act in Constitution of India, are called as?
A. Fundamental Rights
B. Fundamental Duties
C. Directive Principles of State Policy
D. None of the above