This article has been written by Devesh Sharma, a final year law student at UPES, Dehradun.
Abstract
The article provides an insightful exploration of India’s Fundamental Duties, which were introduced into the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. Highlighting the importance of these duties, it traces their origins to traditional values and the Swaran Singh Committee’s recommendations, emphasizing the balance between rights and responsibilities. The article discusses the role of Fundamental Duties in fostering responsible citizenship, promoting national unity, protecting public property, and upholding constitutional values. It further underscores how these duties guide judicial decisions and contribute to India’s overall progress. The conclusion stresses the intertwined nature of rights and duties and the need for greater awareness of these responsibilities among citizens, especially the younger generation, to ensure the nation’s collective growth and well-being.
Introduction
India’s Constitution gained an essential component in 1976, when the 42nd Amendment introduced the Fundamental Duties of citizens. This addition was recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee, established earlier that year.
Initially, ten key responsibilities were outlined, emphasizing citizens’ roles in promoting national unity, preserving the Constitution, and fostering social justice. In 2002, the 86th Amendment expanded this list to eleven duties.
Notably, the Fundamental Duties were inspired by Japan’s constitution. One of the most significant additions was the duty of parents or guardians to ensure their children receive education between ages six and fourteen, underscoring the importance of education in shaping India’s future.
Today, these Fundamental Duties serve as a guiding force for responsible citizenship, encouraging Indians to contribute to the country’s growth and well-being.
In every aspect of life, rights and duties go hand-in-hand. The Indian Constitution recognizes this interconnectedness, emphasizing that our rights are directly tied to our responsibilities. Unfortunately, there’s often more focus on individual rights than civic duties.
The Constitution’s Article 51A outlines Fundamental Duties, highlighting the importance of active citizenship and participation in governance. These duties serve as the foundation for a successful democracy.
Interestingly, Indian thought has historically prioritized duties over rights. The idea is simple: when we fulfil our duties, we protect others’ rights. Respect for human life and non-injury to others are fundamental principles.
By recognizing the dual nature of rights and duties, we can create a more harmonious society. So, let’s strike a balance between asserting our rights and embracing our responsibilities.
Needs for fundamental duties
In India, the concept of rights and duties goes hand-in-hand. While the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, it also emphasizes the importance of citizens’ duties towards the nation. Interestingly, India’s traditional values have always prioritized duty over rights, with concepts like “Kartavya” highlighting individual responsibilities towards society, country, and family.
The Constitution’s Preamble outlines not only fundamental rights like liberty and freedom but also emphasizes duties like justice, social equality, and economic empowerment. However, these rights aren’t absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions for the greater good.
It’s worth noting that India’s ancient texts, such as the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana, also stress the importance of performing duties selflessly. By balancing rights with responsibilities, citizens can contribute to a more harmonious society.[1]
Fundamental Duties in India
Article 51A of the Indian constitution outlines the following fundamental duties:
- To abide by the Constitution and respect the National Flag and the National Anthem
Respecting the National Flag (Tiranga) and National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) demonstrates reverence for India’s sovereignty and cultural heritage. This duty promotes national unity, integrity, and harmony, fostering a shared sense of identity and pride in India’s diverse culture.
As citizens, we have a sacred responsibility to uphold the dignity of the Constitution by adhering to its principles and values, refraining from actions that undermine its spirit or letter. Our diverse nation, comprising various languages, cultures, religions, and ethnicities, finds unity in its foundational elements: one Constitution, one flag, one people, and one citizenship. By respecting and honoring these unifying forces, we preserve the essence of India’s collective identity and promote national integration, celebrating our diversity while embracing our shared citizenship and national unity. This unity is the strength of our nation, and it is our duty to protect and cherish it.[2]
- To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom
As Indians, we must remember and honor the selfless efforts of our freedom fighters who fought for our nation’s independence. We should cherish the noble ideals that drove them, such as courage, sacrifice, equality, justice, and unity. By embracing these values, we continue their legacy and strengthen our nation. This means promoting social justice, fighting against inequality, and upholding human rights. Let us strive to build a better India by living up to the ideals that made our freedom possible.
- To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India
As citizens of India, it’s our duty to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. This means protecting India’s independence, territorial boundaries, and cultural diversity. We must promote harmony among different communities, regions, and languages, and work towards a united India. By doing so, we ensure our country remains strong, stable, and prosperous for future generations.
Every citizen of India has a fundamental duty to protect and preserve the country’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. This means refraining from any actions that could harm or undermine India’s territorial boundaries, cultural diversity, and national identity. In essence, citizens must not engage in activities that compromise the nation’s independence, stability, or harmony.[3]
- To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so
As citizens of India, it is our fundamental duty to defend our country and serve the nation when needed. This means being prepared to protect India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests. Whether through military service, disaster response, or other forms of national service, we must be willing to contribute to the country’s well-being and security. By doing so, we demonstrate our patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to India’s prosperity and growth.
- To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women
As Indian citizens, we have a fundamental duty to foster harmony and brotherhood among all people, regardless of religious, linguistic, regional, or sectional differences. This means embracing our diversity and promoting unity, understanding, and mutual respect. We must also strive to eliminate practices that degrade or exploit women, ensuring their dignity and equality. By doing so, we build a more inclusive and compassionate society, where every individual feels valued and respected.
- To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
As Indians, we have a rich and diverse cultural heritage that makes our country unique. It’s our duty to cherish, preserve, and promote this heritage for future generations. This includes our art, literature, music, dance, traditions, customs, and historical monuments. By valuing our composite culture, we strengthen our national identity and foster unity among diverse communities.
- To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life and to have compassion for living creatures
As responsible citizens of India, we have a duty to protect and preserve our natural environment. This includes our forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. We must take care of these precious resources for our own well-being and for future generations. We should also show compassion and kindness to all living beings, treating animals with respect and dignity.
- To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform
As Indians, we have a duty to cultivate a scientific outlook and think critically. This means questioning assumptions, seeking evidence, and embracing knowledge. By doing so, we foster a spirit of inquiry, encouraging ourselves and others to explore, learn, and innovate. This helps us make informed decisions, solve problems, and progress as a society.
We must also promote humanism, valuing human dignity, equality, and compassion. This involves respecting diverse perspectives, challenging superstitions, and working towards social reform. By embracing these values, we build a more just, rational, and empathetic India. We encourage creativity, progress, and positive change, ensuring a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
- To safeguard public property and to abjure violence
As responsible citizens of India, we have a duty to protect and respect public property. This includes schools, hospitals, public transportation, parks, and government buildings. We must treat these resources with care, ensuring they remain safe and functional for everyone’s benefit. For example, simple actions like switching off lights and fans when not in use, or reporting damage to authorities, can make a big difference.
We also have a duty to renounce violence in all forms. This means resolving conflicts peacefully, respecting others’ rights, and promoting harmony. By choosing non-violent methods, we create a safer, more peaceful society. For instance, instead of resorting to aggression, we can resolve disputes through dialogue, mediation, or seeking help from authorities. By doing so, we build a more compassionate and just India.
- 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
As Indians, we have a duty to strive for excellence in everything we do. This means setting high standards, working hard, and continuously improving ourselves. Whether in studies, career, sports, arts, or community service, we must aim to be the best version of ourselves. By doing so, we contribute to the nation’s growth and progress.
Collectively, our pursuit of excellence propels India forward. When we excel in various fields, we inspire others, foster innovation, and solve problems. For instance, excelling in science can lead to life-saving discoveries, while excellence in teaching can shape future leaders. By striving for excellence, we build a nation that is dynamic, progressive, and proud.
- To provide opportunities for education by the parent the guardian, to his child, or a ward between the age of 6-14 years as the case may be
As parents or guardians, we have a responsibility to ensure our children receive education between the ages of 6-14. This is a fundamental right of every child, and essential for their growth and development. By providing education, we help our children acquire knowledge, skills, and values necessary to succeed in life. This also helps build a stronger, more informed, and progressive society.
In practice, this means enrolling our children in school, monitoring their attendance, and supporting their learning. We should also encourage our children to explore their interests, ask questions, and develop critical thinking skills. By prioritizing education, we empower our children to become capable, confident, and contributing members of society.
Importance of fundamental duties
The following are the significance of fundamental duties under article 51A of Indian constitution:
- Fundamental Duties Foster Responsible Citizenship – The Fundamental Duties promote civic consciousness, education, and cultural preservation, empowering citizens to develop a sense of national responsibility and uphold Constitutional values. It promotes education, scientific thinking, and cultural heritage, enriching India’s social fabric.[4]
- A Stern Warning Against Anti-Social Behaviour – The Fundamental Duties serve as a strong reminder that engaging in destructive activities, such as vandalizing public property, disrespecting the Indian flag, disrupting public peace will have severe consequences. These duties emphasize the importance of responsible citizenship and encourage individuals to refrain from anti-social behaviour.[5]
- Unity Through Shared Responsibilities – Fulfilling fundamental duties fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among citizens, strengthening the bond between the constitution and its people. This collective commitment preserves national sovereignty, promotes harmony and social cohesion and ensures the constitution’s principles are upheld.[6]
- Discipline and Active Citizenship – The Fundamental Duties inspire citizens to adopt a disciplined approach to nation-building, transforming them from passive spectators to active participants. By embracing these duties, individuals demonstrate their commitment to India’s progress, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability.
For instance, fulfilling duties such as respecting the Constitution, protecting public property, and promoting harmony helps achieve national goals like cleanliness and sanitation (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan), environmental conservation (reducing pollution), social justice (empowering marginalized communities).
- Guiding Judicial Decisions – The Fundamental Duties play a crucial role in helping courts decide if laws align with the Constitution. When laws are challenged in court, judges consider whether they support any Fundamental Duty. If a law promotes a Fundamental Duty, it’s more likely to be deemed constitutional.
For example, imagine a law aimed at protecting the environment by banning single-use plastics. If someone challenges this law in court, the judges might consider Article 51-A(g) of the Constitution, which states that citizens have a duty to protect and improve the natural environment. Since the law aligns with this Fundamental Duty, the court may rule it constitutional.[7]
Conclusion
The Prime Minister of India has emphasized the importance of teaching children about the Constitution, specifically highlighting Fundamental Duties. This is crucial because it reminds citizens of their national goals and social responsibilities. In fact, the Supreme Court has stated that since duties are obligatory for citizens, the state should strive to achieve the same goal, emphasizing that rights and duties go hand-in-hand. Without duties, rights can lead to anarchy.
For instance, Article 51A outlines specific duties, such as respecting the Constitution, protecting the environment, and promoting harmony. By incorporating these duties into oaths and pledges, citizens are reminded of their responsibilities. Some key Fundamental Duties include respecting national symbols, protecting the environment, promoting harmony, and defending the country.
By embracing these duties, citizens contribute to India’s progress and prosperity. Fundamental Duties serve as a constant reminder of national goals and social responsibilities, shaping India’s future and promoting a sense of collective ownership.
[1] Diganth Raj Sehgal, Fundamental duties – iPleaders, IPleaders (July 31, 2019), https://blog.ipleaders.in/fundamental-duties-2/
[2] Aniksha Chandana, Significance_of_fundamental_duties, (Jan. 22, 2020),
[3] ibid
[4] NEXT IAS Team, Fundamental Duties: Meaning, Evolution, Features, Significance & Criticism, (Feb. 22, 2024)
[5] Importance Of Fundamental Duties, https://unacademy.com/content/clat/study-material/logical-reasoning/importance-of-fundamental-duties/.
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
