Fundamental Duties
Indian Constitution - Delhi Police Exams
Origin of Fundamental Duties
Fundamental Duties were not part of the original Constitution of India (1950).
They were added later by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
Inspired by the Constitution of the USSR (now Russia) — where citizens had both rights and duties.
Placed under: Part IVA (Article 51A) of the Constitution.
Memory Trick: Rights came from the West, Duties came from the East (USSR).
Objective of Fundamental Duties
- To remind citizens that rights come with responsibilities
- To promote patriotism and discipline
- To strengthen unity, integrity, and harmony in society
- To assist the State in implementing laws and reforms
- To build a responsible, law-abiding society
List of Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
Initially, there were 10 Fundamental Duties (1976). The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 added one more duty — making a total of 11 Duties.
Article 51A – Fundamental Duties of Every Citizen
| Clause | Duty |
|---|---|
| (a) | Abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag and the National Anthem |
| (b) | Cherish and follow the noble ideals of the freedom struggle |
| (c) | Uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India |
| (d) | Defend the country and render national service when called upon |
| (e) | Promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood transcending religious, linguistic, regional differences |
| (f) | Preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture |
| (g) | Protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife |
| (h) | Develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform |
| (i) | Safeguard public property and abjure violence |
| (j) | Strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity |
| (k) | (Added by 86th Amendment, 2002) – Duty of every parent/guardian to provide opportunities for education to children aged 6 to 14 years |
Memory Tricks (Easy to Remember 11 Duties):
FLAG HERITAGE ENVIRONMENT SCIENCE PROPERTY EDUCATION
Constitution Freedom Unity Defense Harmony Culture Nature Science Peace Progress Education
Importance of Fundamental Duties
- Balance Rights and Responsibilities – Rights without duties can lead to misuse
- Promote Patriotism – Encourage respect for the nation's unity and integrity
- Guide Citizens' Behavior – Promote discipline, harmony, and environmental awareness
- Moral and Educational Value – Help in value-based education for youth
- Assist Judiciary and Government – Courts refer to duties while interpreting laws and rights
Trick: Duties Direct Discipline.
Enforcement of Fundamental Duties
Although non-justiciable (not enforceable in court like Fundamental Rights), the Parliament can make laws to enforce specific duties.
Examples:
Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 → Duty (a)
Environment Protection Act, 1986 → Duty (g)
Right to Education Act, 2009 → Duty (k)
Trick: No punishment in Constitution, but laws make them actionable.
Recent Additions by Amendments
| Amendment | Year | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 42nd Amendment | 1976 | Added Part IVA (Article 51A) with 10 Fundamental Duties |
| 86th Amendment | 2002 | Added 11th Duty – to provide education to children aged 6–14 years |
Trick: 42 made them, 86 educated them.
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Fundamental Duties were incorporated in the Constitution in —
A) 1950 B) 1976 C) 1986 D) 1992
Show Answer
B) 1976
Fundamental Duties are mentioned in which part of the Constitution?
A) Part III B) Part IV C) Part IVA D) Part V
Show Answer
C) Part IVA
The Fundamental Duties were borrowed from which country's Constitution?
A) USA B) UK C) USSR (Russia) D) France
Show Answer
C) USSR (Russia)
How many Fundamental Duties are there at present?
A) 7 B) 9 C) 10 D) 11
Show Answer
D) 11
Fundamental Duties were recommended by —
A) Swaran Singh Committee B) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee C) Sarkaria Commission D) Rajamannar Committee
Show Answer
A) Swaran Singh Committee
The 11th Fundamental Duty was added by which Amendment?
A) 42nd Amendment, 1976 B) 44th Amendment, 1978 C) 86th Amendment, 2002 D) 73rd Amendment, 1992
Show Answer
C) 86th Amendment, 2002
The Fundamental Duty related to environment protection is under clause —
A) (f) B) (g) C) (h) D) (i)
Show Answer
B) (g)
Fundamental Duties are —
A) Justiciable B) Non-justiciable C) Both D) None
Show Answer
B) Non-justiciable
Which law enforces the duty of respecting the National Flag and Anthem?
A) RPA Act, 1951 B) Environment Act, 1986 C) Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 D) Citizenship Act, 1955
Show Answer
C) Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
Which Fundamental Duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002?
A) Protect the environment B) Promote harmony C) Provide education to children aged 6–14 years D) Defend the country
Show Answer
C) Provide education to children aged 6–14 years
Summary Table – Fundamental Duties at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Part | Part IVA (Article 51A) |
| Introduced By | 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 |
| Based On | USSR Constitution |
| Number of Duties | 11 (after 86th Amendment, 2002) |
| Committee | Swaran Singh Committee |
| Nature | Non-justiciable (moral obligation) |
| Added Duty (2002) | Provide education to children aged 6–14 years |
Final Concept Recap
- Origin: 42nd Amendment, 1976 (USSR Model)
- Total Duties: 11 (after 86th Amendment, 2002)
- Key Focus: Patriotism, Harmony, Environment, Education
- Not Enforceable, but Law Can Implement Them
- Objective: To create a responsible and disciplined citizenry
One-Line Memory: Fundamental Rights give freedom — Fundamental Duties give direction.
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