Fundamental Duties of Indian Citizens: An Overview Under Article 51A
Fundamental Duties of Indian Citizens: An Overview Under Article 51A
Introduction
The Fundamental Duties of citizens of India are enshrined in Article 51A of the Constitution of India, a provision added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. These duties are a set of moral obligations and responsibilities expected to be upheld by every citizen towards the nation and society. This article delves into the history, structure, and significance of these fundamental duties.
Background and Rationale
The Swaran Singh Committee, established in 1976, recommended the inclusion of these Fundamental Duties. The necessity was felt during the internal emergency of 1975-77, a period marked by a severe political and constitutional crisis. Subsequently, the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added ten Fundamental Duties to the Constitution. A decade later, the 86th Amendment Act (2002) included an 11th duty, enriching the framework further.
Structure and Content
Article 51A, a part that is non-justiciable and non-derogable, is located within Part IV-A of the Constitution of India. These fundamental duties are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by the courts.
The Eleven Fundamental Duties
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 which inspired our 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 do so 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 To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform To safeguard public property and to abjure violence 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 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 yearsSignificance and Impact
The Fundamental Duties serve as a guiding principle for the conduct of citizens within the constitutional framework. They aim to foster a sense of responsibility and civic consciousness among the people. These duties are not merely declarative; they encourage active participation in nation-building and the promotion of social harmony and environmental sustainability.
Conclusion
The Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens, as enshrined in Article 51A of the Constitution, play a crucial role in shaping the ethos of the citizens and the societal fabric of India. By adhering to these duties, citizens uphold the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of the nation, contributing to its overall progress and development.
References
Amendments to the Constitution of India, 42nd and 86th. (n.d.). Retrieved from Constitution of India website.
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