Fundamental Duties are the moral and civic responsibilities of every citizen of India. They were not part of the original Constitution. They were added later to remind citizens of their duties towards the nation. This topic appears frequently in objective exams.
Addition to the Constitution
Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. They are listed in Part IVA under Article 51A. This idea was borrowed from the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR (Russia).
Number of Duties
Originally there were ten Fundamental Duties. The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 added the eleventh duty. Now there are eleven Fundamental Duties.
Key Fundamental Duties
- To respect the Constitution, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- To cherish the ideals of the freedom struggle.
- To protect the sovereignty and unity of India.
- To defend the country and render national service when called.
- To protect the natural environment and have compassion for living creatures.
- To develop a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.
- To safeguard public property and avoid violence.
- Eleventh duty – Every parent or guardian to provide education to children aged 6 to 14 years.
Nature of Duties
Like the DPSP, Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable. There is no legal force to enforce them. However, the Parliament can make laws to ensure their performance.
Quick Revision Points
- Fundamental Duties are in Part IVA, Article 51A.
- Added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976.
- Recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee.
- Borrowed from the USSR (Russia).
- Originally 10, now 11 duties.
- The 11th duty added by the 86th Amendment, 2002.
- They are non-justiciable.