List of 11 Fundamental Duties

Introduction

  1. The Fundamental Duties were introduced through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 and are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution under Article 51A.
  2. Initially, 10 duties were added, and an 11th duty was incorporated later through the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.
  3. The Fundamental Duties aim to promote a sense of responsibility and ensure that citizens contribute to the nation’s growth and unity.

List of 11 Fundamental Duties

As per Article 51A, it is the duty of every citizen of India:

  1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
  2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
  3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
  5. 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.
  6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
  7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
  8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
  9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
  10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
  11. To provide opportunities for education to children between the ages of 6 and 14 years, which was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

Significance of Fundamental Duties

  1. Act as a reminder to citizens of their responsibilities toward the nation and society.
  2. Complement the Fundamental Rights, emphasizing the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities.
  3. Help in fostering a spirit of patriotism, unity, and national integrity.
  4. Encourage citizens to protect public property, promote environmental sustainability, and preserve cultural heritage.

Legal Enforceability

  1. The Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by courts.
  2. However, they serve as moral obligations and guide legislative and judicial interpretation.
  3. Courts have often referred to Fundamental Duties to justify their decisions in cases related to public interest.

Challenges

  1. Lack of awareness among citizens about the Fundamental Duties.
  2. Non-enforceability reduces their practical significance.
  3. Some duties are considered vague and open to interpretation.

Conclusion

The Fundamental Duties play a crucial role in reinforcing the ethical framework of the Constitution and promoting civic responsibility among citizens. Although non-justiciable, they are essential for creating a balanced and harmonious society. Increasing awareness and encouraging compliance with these duties will ensure their effective realization.

Category
Fundamental Duties
Indian Polity and Governance
How many Fundamental Duties are currently included in the Constitution of India?
Which Fundamental Duty involves cherishing the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom?
Which Fundamental Duty directs citizens to develop a scientific temper and humanism?
Which Fundamental Duty emphasizes the preservation of the rich heritage of the nation’s composite culture?
The Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment includes which elements?
The Fundamental Duty to provide opportunities for education to children was added by which amendment?
Which Fundamental Duty emphasizes respect for the National Flag and National Anthem?
The Fundamental Duty to safeguard public property and abjure violence is aimed at promoting:
Which Fundamental Duty emphasizes renouncing practices derogatory to the dignity of women?
The Fundamental Duty to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity was included in the Constitution by:
Fundamental Duties are enshrined in which part of the Indian Constitution?
Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution on the recommendation of which committee?
Respecting the ideals and institutions of the Constitution is mentioned in which Fundamental Duty?
Which Fundamental Duty requires citizens to safeguard public property?
The Fundamental Duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India is aimed at promoting:
How many Fundamental Duties were initially added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976?
Which Fundamental Duty mentions the importance of promoting harmony and the spirit of brotherhood among all citizens of India?
Fundamental Duties are non-justiciable because they are considered as:
The duty to protect and improve the natural environment specifically mentions which of the following?
Fundamental Duties are inspired by the Constitution of which country?
Who is expected to follow the Fundamental Duties as enshrined in the Constitution?
The Fundamental Duty of respecting the ideals of the freedom struggle emphasizes:
The Fundamental Duty of promoting harmony includes renouncing which practices?
Which Fundamental Duty emphasizes striving towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity?
Fundamental Duties were introduced into the Indian Constitution during which historical period?
The Fundamental Duty to provide opportunities for education to children relates to children of which age group?
Which Fundamental Duty was added later by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002?
Fundamental Duties focus on creating awareness about:
The Fundamental Duty to cherish the noble ideals of the freedom struggle promotes which of the following?
The inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution was influenced by the:
Which Fundamental Duty mentions the importance of defending the country and rendering national service?