Fundamental Duties – Importance, Features, 11 Fundamental Duties of India

Fundamental Duties are moral and civic duties that Indian citizens are expected to follow. These are discussed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution under Part IV-A. The concept of Fundamental Duties of India, specifying the responsibilities of citizens, was inspired by the Russian constitution. Initially, 10 duties were added through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. The 11th fundamental duty was added through the 86th Amendment Act of 2002.

Table of Contents

1.     Fundamental Duties of Indian Constitution

2.     List of 11 Fundamental Duties of India

3.     Importance of Fundamental Duties

4.     Features of Fundamental Duties of India

5.     Criticism of Fundamental Duties

6.     Relevant Articles and Landmark Judgments

7.     MCQs for UPSC Exam

8.     FAQs on Fundamental Duties

Fundamental Duties of Indian Constitution

The concept of Fundamental Duties was added to the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, inspired by the Constitution of the former Soviet Union. These duties were incorporated as Article 51A and are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by law. However, they serve as a guiding framework to promote a sense of responsibility and citizenship among the people.

While the Constitution primarily focuses on the rights and freedoms of individuals, the framers also recognized the importance of emphasizing certain duties to ensure the overall well-being and progress of the nation.

List of 11 Fundamental Duties of India

Fundamental Duties are a set of moral and civic obligations mentioned in Part IV-A (Article 51A) of the Indian Constitution. These duties were added through the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976 and are intended to promote the ideals of a responsible and active citizenry.

The 11 Fundamental Duties are:

1.     To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.

2.     To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.

3.     To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

4.     To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.

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

6.     To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

7.     To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.

8.     To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

9.     To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.

10.                        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.

11.                        Responsibility of a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

Importance of Fundamental Duties

The Fundamental Duties hold significant importance in the Indian context for several reasons:

• Reminder of Responsibilities: They remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the country, society, and fellow citizens while enjoying their rights.
• Prevent Anti-national Activities: They serve as a deterrent against anti-national and anti-social activities, such as damaging the national flag or public property.
• Promote Patriotism: They instill a sense of patriotism and promote unity in diversity.
• Source of Inspiration: They act as a source of inspiration for citizens, promoting self-discipline and responsibility.
• Judicial Interpretation: They help courts in interpreting and determining the validity of laws.
• Ethical Responsibilities: They define the ethical responsibilities of citizens, fostering a spirit of patriotism and upholding national harmony.
• Community Awareness: They raise awareness about communal and citizenship responsibilities, encouraging care and thoughtfulness towards fellow citizens' rights.

Features of Fundamental Duties of India

• Non-Justiciable: Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, meaning individuals cannot be legally punished for not fulfilling these duties.
• Complementary to Rights: They complement the Fundamental Rights granted to citizens, emphasizing the responsibilities that come with those rights.
• Guiding Principles: They serve as guiding principles for citizens to promote the well-being and development of the country.
• Evolving Nature: They can evolve over time, with new duties added or existing duties modified to reflect contemporary challenges and aspirations.

Criticism of Fundamental Duties

• Non-Justiciable Nature: Critics argue that because Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, they are merely moral instructions without legal backing.
• Ambiguity: Some duties are seen as vague and difficult for the common person to understand.
• Lack of Comprehensiveness: The list of duties is not exhaustive, missing important responsibilities such as voting and paying taxes.
• Placement in the Constitution: Critics believe that placing the Fundamental Duties in Part IV-A diminishes their importance, suggesting they should be placed after Part III to align with Fundamental Rights.

Relevant Articles and Landmark Judgments

Relevant Articles

1.     Article 51A: Lists the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens.

2.     Article 51A(k): Added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002, making it a duty of every parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

Landmark Judgments

1.     Rangnath Mishra vs. Union of India (2007): The Supreme Court held that Fundamental Duties are as important as Fundamental Rights, and should be observed to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of India.

2.     AIIMS Students' Union vs. AIIMS (2002): The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of Fundamental Duties in maintaining discipline and promoting patriotism among citizens.

MCQs for UPSC Exam

Question 1

Which amendment to the Indian Constitution introduced the Fundamental Duties?

a) 44th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 73rd Amendment
d) 86th Amendment

Answer: b) 42nd Amendment

Question 2

How many Fundamental Duties are mentioned in the Indian Constitution?

a) 7
b) 9
c) 10
d) 11

Answer: d) 11

Question 3

The Fundamental Duties in India are:

a) Legally enforceable
b) Non-justiciable
c) Binding on the state governments only
d) Restricted to Indian citizens only

Answer: b) Non-justiciable

Question 4

Which article of the Indian Constitution lists the Fundamental Duties?

a) Article 21
b) Article 51A
c) Article 19
d) Article 14

Answer: b) Article 51A

Question 5

Fundamental Duties were inspired by the Constitution of:

a) United States
b) United Kingdom
c) France
d) Soviet Union

Answer: d) Soviet Union

Question 6

Which Fundamental Duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act?

a) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India
b) To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so
c) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
d) Responsibility of a parent or guardian to provide educational opportunities for their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years

Answer: d) Responsibility of a parent or guardian to provide educational opportunities for their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years

Question 7

Which Fundamental Duty emphasizes the protection and improvement of the natural environment?

a) To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood
b) To safeguard public property and to abjure violence
c) To protect and improve the natural environment
d) To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform

Answer: c) To protect and improve the natural environment

Question 8

Fundamental Duties complement:

a) Directive Principles of State Policy
b) Fundamental Rights
c) Preamble of the Constitution
d) Emergency Provisions

Answer: b) Fundamental Rights

Question 9

Which committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?

a) Sarkaria Committee
b) Swaran Singh Committee
c) Balwantrai Mehta Committee
d) Nanavati Commission

Answer: b) Swaran Singh Committee

Question 10

Fundamental Duties are applicable to:

a) Citizens and foreigners
b) State governments only
c) Citizens only
d) Foreigners only

Answer: c) Citizens only

FAQs on Fundamental Duties

What are Fundamental Duties of India?

Fundamental Duties are a set of moral and civic obligations mentioned in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution. These duties are expected to be followed by Indian citizens to promote a sense of responsibility and citizenship.

What is the significance of Fundamental Duties?

Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the country, promote patriotism, and help maintain unity in diversity. They also serve as a moral guide to foster discipline and civic responsibility among citizens.

How many Fundamental Duties are there in the Indian Constitution?

There are 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.

Are Fundamental Duties legally enforceable?

No, Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable and not enforceable by law. They serve as moral obligations for citizens.

Which amendment added the 11th Fundamental Duty?

The 86th Amendment Act of 2002 added the 11th Fundamental Duty, which is the responsibility of a parent or guardian to provide educational opportunities to their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

How do Fundamental Duties complement Fundamental Rights?

Fundamental Duties complement Fundamental Rights by emphasizing the responsibilities of citizens towards the nation and society. While Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties, Fundamental Duties promote civic responsibility and social welfare.

Why are Fundamental Duties not enforceable?

Fundamental Duties are moral and ethical obligations rather than legal mandates. They are intended to inspire and guide citizens rather than impose legal penalties.

Is it important to prepare Fundamental Duties for the UPSC exam?

Yes, it is important to prepare Fundamental Duties for the UPSC exam as questions related to them frequently appear in the exam. Understanding these duties showcases a comprehensive knowledge of the Indian Constitution and the responsibilities of citizens.

Are Fundamental Duties applicable to foreigners?

No, Fundamental Duties are applicable only to Indian citizens.

When were the Fundamental Duties included in the Constitution?

Fundamental Duties were included in the Constitution of India in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment Act.