Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) – Notes [GK PDF]

Fundamental Duties

The fundamental duty is the moral responsibility of all citizens. Its purpose is to awaken patriotism among the people. These duties also help to maintain the unity of our country. These fundamental duties are described in Part IV of the Constitution. These duties are applicable to every citizen in the country. Like the Directive Principle, they are not subject to judicial review.

The original constitution of India did not talk about the fundamental duties of its citizens. The resolution adopted by the Karachi Congress (in 1931) impersonates fundamental rights as well as the fundamental duties of citizens. The 42nd Amendment to the Indian Constitution was ratified in 1976, and it incorporated the fundamental duties of citizens into the Indian Constitution. The Swaran Singh Committee helps to add to the fundamental duties. For this purpose, a new part called Part IV-A and a new article 51-A were created.

Articles 51-A mentions 10 fundamental duties of citizens. But another fundamental duty was added in 2002 through the 86th amendment to the constitution. As a result, the number of fundamental duties is now eleven.

This article talks about the Fundamental Duties of Indian Constitution. The Fundamental Duties are essential to understand for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam as they may be covered in questions about Indian polity and government. It is a conspicuous general knowledge note (including PDF) for all kinds of competitive govt job examinations such as IAS, UPSC, SSC, CGL, WBCS, Banking, Railway, etc.

The fundamental duties of Indian citizens are:

1. The constitution must be obeyed and the ideals of the constitution, institutions, national flag and national anthem must be respected.
2. The great ideals that inspired the national movements for the independence of the country must be traversed and followed.
3. India’s sovereignty, unity and solidarity must be supported and preserved. ‘
4. If you are called to engage in national defense and national service, you have to respond.
5. Unity and brotherhood among all Indians should be extended beyond religious, linguistic, regional, or caste systems and all practices that undermine the dignity of women should be avoided.
6. The glorious heritage of our country’s mixed culture must be valued and preserved.
7. Conservation and improvement of the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and love for animals should be expressed.
8. We have to spread a scientific outlook, humanitarianism, curiosity and reformist attitude.
9. National property must be maintained or preserved and the path of violence must be avoided.
10. In order to maintain the excellence and speed of national development, should strive for ultimate excellence in all individual and collective activities.
11. Under the 86th Amendment Act of 2002, the newly added duty is to provide for the education of every child (6 – 14 age).

The Verma Committee (1999)

The Verma Committee in 1999 regarding the Fundamental Duties of Citizens identifies some of the existing laws that are conducive to the implementation of fundamental duties. Such as –

1. The Representation of People Act, 1951)
2. Untouchability Offenses Act, 1955
3. Prevention of Illegal Acts Act, 1967.
4. The Prevention of Insult to National Honor Act of 1971
5. Prohibition of trade in rare and endangered wild animals Act 1972.
6. Prohibition of reckless deforestation and use of forest land for other purposes Act 1980.

Importance of Fundamental Duties

• Provide a moral or ethical framework.
• Maintain a balance between individual rights and societal duty.
• Encourage to participate in the democratic process.
• Encourage to contribute to the nation.
• Provide consciousness of the environment for sustainable development.
• To preserve the rich heritage and culture.
• Promote harmony and brotherhood to citizens.

Criticism of Fundamental Duties:

• Fundamental Duties are not legally enforceable unlike Fundamental Rights. This means we can not ensure that the fundamental duties are fulfilling by the citizens. Therefore the fundamental Duties are not justiciable in the court.
• Fundamental Duties are considered vague and ambiguous because it is hard to understand by the citizen.
• Fundamental duties do not include some important duties such as casting a vote, tax payment, family planning, etc. However, the Swaran Singh Committee had recommended the duty to pay taxes to the government.
• The fundamental duties have a Lack of Clarity on Punishments if someone does not follow properly.
• There may be Potential Misuse of the fundamental duties. The term “abjure violence” might be invoked to stifle peaceful protests or criticism of government policies.
• Some critics argue that the Fundamental Duties should have been balanced with fundamental duties.
• Uniformity of Fundamental Duties may not be performed due to Cultural and Regional Variations.

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