The Fundamental Duties are listed in Part IV-A (Article 51A) of the Indian Constitution. These duties outline the moral obligations of every Indian citizen to promote the spirit of patriotism and uphold the unity of India.
Key Features of Fundamental Duties
✔ Added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 (on recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee).
✔ Originally 10 duties, but the 86th Amendment (2002) added one more duty (regarding education).
✔ Now there are 11 Fundamental Duties.
✔ They are not legally enforceable, but courts can refer to them in judgments.
List of 11 Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Every Indian citizen shall:
1️⃣ Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag, and National Anthem.
2️⃣ Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national freedom struggle.
3️⃣ Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
4️⃣ Defend the country and render national service when required.
5️⃣ Promote harmony and spirit of brotherhood among all citizens, and renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
6️⃣ Value and preserve the rich heritage of Indian culture.
7️⃣ Protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
8️⃣ Develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9️⃣ Safeguard public property and avoid violence.
🔟 Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
1️⃣1️⃣ Provide opportunities for education to children between 6-14 years of age (added by 86th Amendment, 2002).
Importance of Fundamental Duties
✔ Encourage citizens to be responsible towards society and the nation.
✔ Help in maintaining national unity and protecting national heritage.
✔ Act as guidelines for citizens to maintain discipline and patriotism.
✔ Though not legally enforceable, some duties are backed by laws (e.g., disrespecting the National Flag is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971).
Difference Between Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties
| Feature | Fundamental Rights | Fundamental Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Constitution | Part III | Part IV-A |
| Nature | Legally enforceable | Not legally enforceable |
| Objective | Protect individual liberties | Promote responsibilities of citizens |
| Number | 6 rights | 11 duties |
| Example | Right to Equality, Right to Speech | Respect the Constitution, Preserve Environment |
MCQs on Fundamental Duties
1. Which Part of the Constitution contains Fundamental Duties?
A) Part III
B) Part IV
C) Part IV-A
D) Part V
Answer: C) Part IV-A
2. Fundamental Duties were added by which Constitutional Amendment?
A) 42nd Amendment
B) 44th Amendment
C) 86th Amendment
D) 73rd Amendment
Answer: A) 42nd Amendment
3. How many Fundamental Duties are there in the Indian Constitution?
A) 9
B) 10
C) 11
D) 12
Answer: C) 11
4. Which committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties?
A) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
B) Swaran Singh Committee
C) Ashok Mehta Committee
D) Sarkaria Commission
Answer: B) Swaran Singh Committee
5. Which Fundamental Duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002?
A) Respect the National Flag
B) Promote scientific temper
C) Provide education to children
D) Protect wildlife
Answer: C) Provide education to children
6. Which of the following is NOT a Fundamental Duty?
A) Respecting the National Flag
B) Right to Education
C) Protecting public property
D) Promoting scientific temper
Answer: B) Right to Education (It is a Fundamental Right under Article 21A).
7. The Fundamental Duties are inspired by which country’s Constitution?
A) USA
B) UK
C) USSR (Russia)
D) Germany
Answer: C) USSR (Russia)
8. Which of the following laws enforces some Fundamental Duties?
A) Right to Information Act, 2005
B) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
C) Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
D) Companies Act, 2013
Answer: B) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Protects the environment, which is a Fundamental Duty).
9. Which of the following Fundamental Duties promotes national unity?
A) Abiding by the Constitution
B) Preserving Indian heritage
C) Protecting public property
D) Upholding the sovereignty and integrity of India
Answer: D) Upholding the sovereignty and integrity of India
10. Are Fundamental Duties legally enforceable in India?
A) Yes, in all cases
B) No, they are non-enforceable
C) Yes, only during an emergency
D) Only if Parliament makes laws on them
Answer: D) Only if Parliament makes laws on them
Conclusion
✔ Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation.
✔ Though not legally enforceable, they support the values of democracy and national unity.
✔ Inspired by the USSR, these duties promote patriotism, social harmony, and environmental protection.
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