Fundamental Duties of India: List, Evolution and Features

Fundamental Duties of India

 The Constitution of India gives every citizen several rights and privileges, but it also expects them to follow certain important duties and responsibilities towards the nation. These duties guide people on how to behave and how to help the nation grow. But have you ever wondered why the fundamental duties of India were added and what they actually mean?

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Fundamental Duties of India Overview

Fundamental Duties of India are the rules and responsibilities that every Indian citizen is expected to uphold. The idea behind the fundamental duties in the Constitution of India is to make people responsible. 

• The Constitution gives us several rights, but it also reminds us that freedom works best when citizens act with care and respect.

• The Fundamental Duties were recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee and added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976. 

• The duties of Indian citizens help maintain peace, unity, and respect in the country. They help protect our national symbols, our environment, and our culture. 

• Although these duties are not enforceable by law, they still hold great value for every citizen who wishes to contribute to the nation.

List of Fundamental Duties of India

Fundamental Duties of India are written under Article 51A. At present, there are 11 duties. Below is a list of all fundamental duties and duties of Indian citizens:

1. Respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.

2. Follow the ideals of the freedom struggle.

3. Protect the unity and integrity of India.

4. Defend the country and serve it when required.

5. Promote harmony among all people of India.

6. Preserve the rich heritage of India.

7. Protect and improve the environment.

8. Develop a scientific temper and a questioning mind.

9. Safeguard public property and avoid violence.

10. Aim for excellence in all activities.

11. Provide education to children aged 6–14 years.

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Evolution of Fundamental Duties of India

The Fundamental Duties of India were not part of the original Constitution. When the Constitution was written in 1950, it included fundamental rights and duties in India, but only the rights section was added. Because rights alone were not enough, duties were later introduced.

Addition through the 42nd Amendment (1976)

In 1976, the government felt that citizens must know their responsibilities clearly. The Swaran Singh Committee suggested adding duties to the Constitution. As a result, the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act added 10 Fundamental Duties to a new part called Part IVA.

Addition of the 11th Duty (2002)

86th Constitutional Amendment Act added the 11th duty. This duty made it the responsibility of parents and guardians to send their children (aged 6 to 14 years) to school. This evolution shows how the country shifted from focusing only on rights to recognising the need for responsibilities. Without duties, rights cannot work effectively. 

Features of Fundamental Duties of India

Fundamental Duties of India have many unique features. These features show why the duties are important for every citizen.

• They Are Moral Guidelines: Most duties act as moral instructions. Even if they are not enforced strictly by law, they teach citizens the right way to behave.

• They Apply Only to Citizens: Foreigners living in India do not follow these duties. Only Indian citizens have to follow the fundamental duties in the Constitution of India.
  
  

• They Promote National Unity: Every duty supports values like unity, peace, respect, and discipline. This helps keep the country safe and united.

• They Support National Culture: Some duties focus on preserving heritage, culture, and the environment. These duties help protect what makes India unique.

• They Are Non-Justiciable: Citizens cannot go to court if someone does not follow these duties. They are moral responsibilities rather than strict laws.

• They Encourage Law-Abiding Behaviour:  While the duties themselves might not be enforceable, many related laws support them. For example, laws against damaging public property help promote respect for public goods.

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Interrelationship with Fundamental Rights

Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. The Constitution gives us many rights to protect our freedom and dignity. But it also expects us to follow duties to protect the nation’s dignity.

Why Do Rights Need Duties?

Imagine having freedom of speech but not respecting another person’s feelings. How would society work? Rights give us freedom, but duties ensure we use that freedom responsibly.

How Duties Support Rights

• Duties help citizens understand that their actions impact others.

• Duties prevent the misuse of the rights each person enjoys.

• Duties create balance in society by encouraging responsibility.

Fundamental Rights and Duties in India

The fundamental duties and rights of Indian citizens work together to keep society peaceful and fair. While rights protect individuals, duties protect the nation.

About Fundamental Rights and Duties

When students study all fundamental rights and duties, they learn how to become better citizens. This understanding helps them respect the Constitution and contribute positively to the country.

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Fundamental Duties of India FAQs

Why were the Fundamental Duties of India added to the Constitution?

The Fundamental Duties were added to make citizens more responsible and were introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.

How many Fundamental Duties of India are listed under Article 51A?

There are 11 Fundamental Duties listed under Article 51A, including respecting national symbols, protecting the environment, and providing education to children aged 6–14 years.

Are the Fundamental Duties of India legally enforceable?

No, the Fundamental Duties are not enforceable by law. They act as moral guidelines that teach citizens how to behave and help the nation grow.

Who must follow the Fundamental Duties in the Constitution of India?

Only Indian citizens must follow the Fundamental Duties. These duties do not apply to foreigners living in India.

How are fundamental rights and duties connected?

Rights and duties support each other. Rights give freedom, and duties ensure that this freedom is used responsibly to maintain peace, dignity, and balance in society.