Duties Of An Indian Citizen: Constitutional Fundamentals

The Indian Constitution outlines the rights, authorities, practices, processes, and obligations of the government, as well as the fundamental obligations and rights that citizens are required to uphold. In 1976, the Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment, which initially included 10 duties. However, in 2002, the 86th Amendment added an 11th duty, bringing the total number of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution to eleven. These duties are essential for building a responsible and harmonious society, guiding citizens in their moral and civic obligations, and fostering a collective ethos that is vital for the nation's progress and well-being.

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The number of fundamental duties has changed over time

The Indian Constitution was formulated incrementally, offering a framework that encompasses the rights, authorities, practices, processes, and obligations of the government. It also lays forth fundamental obligations and rights that citizens are required to uphold. The Fundamental Duties are an inalienable part of the Fundamental Rights.

The number of fundamental duties has indeed changed over time. The original constitution of India did not include any fundamental duties. In 1976, the Indira Gandhi government constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Sardar Swaran Singh, which recommended eight fundamental duties. However, the government added ten duties to the constitution through the 42nd Amendment. These duties included defending the country and promoting harmony.

The 86th Amendment in 2002 added an 11th duty, bringing the total number of fundamental duties to eleven. This new duty mandated that parents or guardians ensure their children or wards are provided with opportunities for education between the ages of six and fourteen.

The fundamental duties are considered essential for building a responsible and harmonious society. They guide citizens in their moral and civic obligations, fostering a collective ethos vital for the sustained progress and well-being of the nation. They also play a crucial role in promoting social harmony by emphasizing values such as promoting brotherhood, respecting diversity, and renouncing practices derogatory to the dignity of women.

The duties of Indian citizens

The Indian Constitution outlines the fundamental rights, authorities, practices, processes, and obligations of the government, as well as the fundamental obligations and rights that citizens are required to uphold. The duties of Indian citizens, also known as Fundamental Duties, were added to the Constitution in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment, which was influenced by the socialist precepts of the Indian independence movement and the body of the former Soviet Union. These duties are essential for building a responsible and harmonious society, guiding citizens in their moral and civic obligations, and fostering a collective ethos that is vital for the sustained progress and well-being of the nation.

There are currently 11 Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution, which are prescribed by the "Constitution of the nation" under Part IV-A. These duties are:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
• To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national service when called upon.
• To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional diversities, and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of India's composite culture.
• To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
• To develop a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry.
• To abjure violence.
• To strive towards excellence in all spheres of life.
• To provide opportunities for education for children between the ages of 6 and 14.

These duties are considered vital elements of the constitution, which was developed by the Constituent Assembly of India between 1947 and 1949. They are inalienable parts of fundamental rights and are important for establishing a balance between individual rights and societal responsibilities. While citizens enjoy certain fundamental rights, it is crucial for them to recognize and fulfill their corresponding duties towards the larger community. This balance contributes to the overall well-being and social harmony of Indian society.

The role of committees in recommending duties

The Indian Constitution, developed by the Constituent Assembly of India between 1949, did not initially include any fundamental duties. The original constitution only included fundamental rights, which are defined in Part III of the Indian Constitution, from Article 12 to 35, and are applied and enforced by the courts, irrespective of race, birthplace, religion, caste, creed, sex, gender, and equality of opportunity in matters of employment.

In 1976, the Indira Gandhi government formed the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee to analyse the constitution and provide recommendations for amendments. The committee recommended eight fundamental duties, but the government added ten duties to the constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. These new duties included the responsibility to defend the country and promote harmony voluntarily in independent India. The 42nd Amendment Act added a new part to the constitution, namely Part IV A, which included Article 51A, containing the ten fundamental duties.

The Swaran Singh Committee made several recommendations about changes to the constitution and terms of government. The committee's recommendations were influenced by the concept of duties during the internal emergency of 1975-77, and the constitution of the erstwhile USSR or the former Soviet Union. The committee's suggestions were not all included in the constitution, and some were criticised for being superfluous and for reducing the value and significance of the Fundamental Rights.

In 2002, the 11th fundamental duty was added through the 86th Constitutional Amendment. This duty was to ensure that parents or guardians provided their children with educational opportunities between the ages of six and fourteen years. As of 2024, there are 11 fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution.

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The reasons for including fundamental duties

The Constitution of India, as originally enacted, did not contain any provision relating to the fundamental duties of citizens. However, during the Emergency in 1975-77, the Lok Sabha appointed a committee to examine the need for amendments to the Constitution. This committee, known as the Swaran Singh Committee, recommended the inclusion of a chapter on fundamental duties in the Constitution. The Committee believed that "in a democratic republic, where the power ultimately rests with the people, it is they who have not only the rights but also corresponding duties, which they should be educated to recognize."

The fundamental duties were included in the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. This amendment added a new Part IV-A to the Constitution, consisting of Articles 51A and 51B. Article 51A specifies the ten fundamental duties of citizens, while Article 51B outlines the application of these duties. The inclusion of fundamental duties in the Constitution was a significant step towards creating a more balanced relationship between the rights of individuals and their obligations towards society and the nation.

There are several reasons why the fundamental duties were included in the Indian Constitution. Firstly, they serve as a reminder to citizens that along with rights come responsibilities. By fulfilling these duties, citizens can actively contribute to the country's progress and development. Secondly, the fundamental duties promote a sense of patriotism and national unity. They encourage citizens to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India, which is crucial in a diverse and multicultural society.

Furthermore, the inclusion of fundamental duties helps in the preservation and promotion of India's rich cultural and heritage. Duties such as preserving the country's composite culture and heritage and safeguarding public property and abjuring violence help foster a sense of collective responsibility for the protection and conservation of India's diverse cultural legacy. Additionally, the fundamental duties aim to instill a sense of discipline and morality among citizens. Duties related to the promotion of harmony, the spirit of common brotherhood, and respect for the national flag and constitution contribute to creating a more ethical and responsible citizenry.

Lastly, the inclusion of fundamental duties in the Constitution provides a legal framework for holding citizens accountable for their actions. While the duties are primarily moral and ethical obligations, they also have a legal dimension. For example, if a citizen violates the duty to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so, they may face legal consequences. Overall, the fundamental duties serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with citizenship and empower citizens to actively contribute to the nation's well-being and progress.

The importance of fundamental duties

The Indian Constitution outlines the fundamental rights and duties of its citizens, with the latter being added in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment. There are currently eleven fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution, with the 86th Amendment in 2002 adding the most recent one. These duties are essential as they promote a sense of responsibility, patriotism, and social cohesion among citizens. They instill a sense of civic consciousness, reminding citizens of their obligations to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution.

The fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution are an important aspect of civic life, as they outline the responsibilities of citizens towards their country and society. These duties include respecting the national symbols, such as the flag and anthem, defending the country, and promoting harmony and social welfare. They also emphasize the importance of education, scientific knowledge, and preserving India's rich cultural heritage. By promoting these values, the fundamental duties foster a sense of civic pride and engagement, which is crucial for the functioning of a healthy democracy.

Additionally, the fundamental duties complement the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution. While Fundamental Rights confer entitlements upon citizens, Fundamental Duties remind them of their reciprocal obligations and responsibilities towards their society and nation. This relationship between rights and duties is often described as correlative and complementary, with both being designated as equally ''Fundamental'. This highlights the Indian Constitution's recognition of the importance of a balanced approach to civic life, where rights and duties go hand in hand.

The inclusion of fundamental duties in the Indian Constitution also has global implications. It showcases India's commitment to democratic values and constitutional principles on a global stage, enhancing its standing in the international community. Furthermore, the fundamental duties provide a framework for Indian citizens to actively participate in their democracy and contribute to the country's development. By fulfilling their fundamental duties, citizens can take ownership of their role in society and work together towards a common goal, ultimately contributing to India's progress and prosperity.

In conclusion, the fundamental duties outlined in the Indian Constitution are of utmost importance as they promote civic consciousness, complement fundamental rights, preserve national unity and integrity, and enhance India's global recognition. These duties serve as a reminder to citizens of their responsibilities and encourage active participation in society. By upholding these duties, Indians can foster a sense of unity, harmony, and social cohesion, ultimately contributing to the country's well-being and advancement.

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