Fundamental Duties of the Indian Constitution
🔹 Introduction
Inserted by: 42nd Constitutional Amendment, 1976 (based on recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee).
Article: Article 51A (Part IVA).Original number: 10 duties → 11th duty added by 86th Amendment (2002).
Nature: Non-justiciable (not legally enforceable by courts).
Purpose: To remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation.
Inspired by: USSR Constitution.
🟢 Article 51A – List of 11 Fundamental Duties (with Explanation)
1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
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Citizens must follow constitutional values.
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Respect for national symbols is compulsory.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
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Remember sacrifices of freedom fighters.
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Live by ideals of justice, equality, liberty.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
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Safeguard the nation from secessionist tendencies.
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Maintain loyalty to India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon.
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Duty of every citizen to defend India during emergencies.
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Example: joining armed forces, disaster relief.
5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood transcending religious, linguistic, regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
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Promote unity beyond caste, religion, language.
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Respect women; avoid discriminatory practices.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
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Protect Indian art, monuments, traditions.
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Encourage cultural diversity.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
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Safeguard biodiversity, forests, wildlife.
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Reduce pollution, protect environment.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
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Think rationally, avoid blind faith & superstitions.
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Encourage innovation & reforms.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure (avoid) violence.
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Protect government assets, transport, offices, public utilities.
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Avoid rioting, destruction during protests.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
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Excel in education, work, research, sports, art, etc.
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Work for progress of society & nation.
11. To provide opportunities for education to children between 6–14 years (added by 86th Amendment, 2002).
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Parents/guardians must ensure children get schooling.
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Linked to Article 21A (Right to Education).
📌 Important Points to Remember
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Total Duties: 11 (originally 10, later 11th added).
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Enforceability: Not directly enforceable in courts.
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Parliament may pass laws to implement duties (e.g., Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971).
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Moral obligation on citizens, not legal rights.
📝 Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
✅ UPSC
Q1. Which Committee recommended Fundamental Duties?
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(a) Sarkaria Committee
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(b) Swaran Singh Committee
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(c) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
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(d) Ashok Mehta Committee
👉 Answer: (b) Swaran Singh Committee
Q2. Which Fundamental Duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002?
👉 Answer: Duty of parents to provide education to children (6–14 years).
✅ SSC
Q3. Fundamental Duties are mentioned in which Part of the Constitution?
👉 Answer: Part IVA
Q4. Fundamental Duties are enforceable by law?
👉 Answer: No, they are non-justiciable.
✅ RRB
Q5. Which Fundamental Duty directs citizens to protect environment?
👉 Answer: Article 51A(g) – Protect environment and have compassion for living creatures.
✅ JKSSB
Q6. Total number of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?
👉 Answer: 11
Q7. Which Fundamental Duty is related to education of children?
👉 Answer: Article 51A(k) (11th duty).
MCQs on Fundamental Duties
Q1. Fundamental Duties were incorporated in the Indian Constitution by which Amendment?
a) 40th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 44th Amendment
d) 52nd Amendment
✅ Answer: b) 42nd Amendment
📝 Added in 1976 on recommendation of Swaran Singh Committee.
Q2. In which Part of the Constitution are Fundamental Duties mentioned?
a) Part III
b) Part IV
c) Part IVA
d) Part VI
✅ Answer: c) Part IVA
📝 Part IVA (Article 51A) contains Fundamental Duties.
Q3. How many Fundamental Duties are there in the Constitution at present?
a) 9
b) 10
c) 11
d) 12
✅ Answer: c) 11
📝 Originally 10 duties, 11th duty (education to children 6–14 years) was added in 2002.
Q4. The Fundamental Duty related to providing education to children was added by which Amendment?
a) 42nd Amendment
b) 44th Amendment
c) 73rd Amendment
d) 86th Amendment
✅ Answer: d) 86th Amendment
📝 Added in 2002, making it the 11th Fundamental Duty.
Q5. Which one of the following is NOT a Fundamental Duty?
a) To develop scientific temper
b) To protect environment
c) To safeguard public property
d) To vote in elections
✅ Answer: d) To vote in elections
📝 Voting is a legal right, not a Fundamental Duty.
Q6. Fundamental Duties were inspired by the Constitution of which country?
a) USA
b) USSR (Russia)
c) UK
d) France
✅ Answer: b) USSR (Russia)
📝 Borrowed from the former Soviet Constitution.
Q7. Which Fundamental Duty is directly linked with Article 21A (Right to Education)?
a) To uphold unity of India
b) To safeguard public property
c) To provide education to children (6–14 years)
d) To defend the country
✅ Answer: c) To provide education to children (6–14 years)
📝 Added by 86th Amendment, connected with RTE.
Q8. Which Fundamental Duty requires citizens to “renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women”?
a) Duty to promote harmony
b) Duty to respect Constitution
c) Duty to value heritage
d) Duty to safeguard property
✅ Answer: a) Duty to promote harmony
📝 Article 51A(e) — promote harmony and respect dignity of women.
Q9. Which of the following statements is correct about Fundamental Duties?
a) They are enforceable by courts
b) They are not enforceable but Parliament can make laws
c) They are included in Part III
d) They were part of the original Constitution
✅ Answer: b) They are not enforceable but Parliament can make laws
📝 Example: Environment laws, Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.
Q10. The duty “to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity” is aimed at:
a) Economic growth only
b) Overall progress of nation and society
c) Protection of minorities
d) Judiciary reforms
✅ Answer: b) Overall progress of nation and society
📝 It motivates citizens to achieve excellence at all levels.