FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES – PART4A OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION

INTRODUCTION

The Fundamental Duties are dealt with in Article 51A under Part-IV A of the Indian Constitution. The fundamental duties which were added by the 42nd Amendment Act of the Constitution in 1976, in addition to creating and promoting culture, also strengthen the hands of the legislature in enforcing these duties vis-a-vis the fundamental rights.

11 FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES

1. Abide by the Indian Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
2. Cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
3. Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
4. Defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, and regional or sectional diversities and renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
6. Value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture.
7. Protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. Develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. Safeguard public property and abjure violence.
10. Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
11.  Provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years. (This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002).

Importance of Fundamental Duties – Part IV-A

1. They remind Indian Citizens of their duty towards their society, fellow citizens and the nation
2. They warn citizens against anti-national and anti-social activities
3. They inspire citizens & promote a sense of discipline and commitment among them
4. They help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law

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