Fundamental Duties : Part IV (Articles 51A)

Fundamental Duties are an important part of the Indian Constitution.  The prescribed duties include some of the highest ideals preached by our great sages, philosophers, social reformers and political leaders.  At the time of its introduction in 1950, the duties of the citizen were not included in the original Constitution of India.

  Fundamental duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee constituted by the government earlier that year.  Fundamental duties help to regulate the behavior of citizens and bring excellence in all spheres of citizens.

List of Fundamental Duties:

51A. Fundamental duties  – It shall be the duty of every citizen of India –

(a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;

(b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;

(c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;

(d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;

(e) 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;

(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;

(g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;

(i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;

(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement;

(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.

The features of Fundamental duties are as follows:

• Both moral and civil duties have been laid down under the Fundamental Duties.
• Fundamental rights can apply to foreigners also but fundamental duties are limited to Indian citizens only.
• Fundamental duties are not enforceable in nature.  No legal sanction can be applied by the government in case of their violation.
• These duties are also related to Hindu traditions or mythology such as respecting the country or promoting the spirit of brotherhood.

Criticism of Fundamental Duties:

• They have been made non-justiciable in nature.
• Important duties like tax-payment, family planning etc. are not covered.
• Ambiguous and ambiguous provisions which are difficult to understand by a layman.
• They would generally be followed since redundant provisions were made, even if they were not included.
• Inclusion as an addendum to the constitution dilutes the value and intent behind the FD.

Conclusion:

  Fundamental duties are the moral obligations of all citizens to promote the spirit of patriotism and help maintain the unity of India.  The importance of Fundamental Duties is not diminished by the fact that there is no penalty prescribed for non-compliance with them.  Fundamental Duties constitute the conscience of our Constitution;  They should be considered as constitutional values ​​which should be propagated by all citizens.