In the previous post, we have seen the Directive principles that act as the guiding principles of the state policy. Similarly, in Article 51A of Part IVA of the constitution, we can find the Fundamental duties of the citizens. Fundamental duties were not part of the original constitution, they were added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976, during the operation of internal emergency. Inspired by the constitution of USSR. Japan is the only other democratic country other than India to contain fundamental duties in their constitution. Like directive principles of Part IV, fundamental duties are also non-justiciable in nature.
Initially, there were ten fundamental duties, eleventh was added in 2002.
List of fundamental duties:
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India –
- to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;
- to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
- to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India;
- to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
- 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;
- to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
- to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;
- to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
- to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
- 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.
- 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.