Fundamental Duties

 Fundamental Duties

The framers of the Constitution did not feel it necessary to incorporate the fundamental duties of the 

citizens in the Constitution. However, they incorporated the duties of the State in the Constitution in 

the form of Directive Principles of State Polity.

By the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution, based on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh 

Committee, adopted in 1976, Fundamental Duties of the citizens have also been enumerated. Article 

51 ‘A’, contained in Part IV A of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Duties.

Features

 Unlike some of the Fundamental Rights which extend to all persons whether citizens or foreigners, 

the Fundamental Duties are confi ned to citizens only and do not extend to foreigners.

 Some of them are moral duties while others are civic duties.

 Although, these duties are not enforceable by a Court, they provide a valuable guide and aid in 

the interpretation of the Constitution.

 They are non-justiciable in nature that is, there is not legal sanction against their violation. However, 

the Parliament is free to enforce them by suitable legislation.

 They serve as a reminder to the citizens that while enjoying their rights, they should also be 

conscious of duties they owe to their country, their society and to their fellow citizens.

 They serve as a source of inspiration for the citizens and promote a sense of discipline and 

commitment among them.

 It was originally ten; the Eleventh duty was added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002.

List of Fundamental Duties

 51A (a) To abide the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the 

National Anthem

 51A (b) To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom

 51A (c) To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of Indian51A (d) To defend the country and render national services when called upon to do so

 51A (e) 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

 51A (f) To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture

 51A (g) To value protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and 

wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures

 51A (h) To develop the scientifi c temper, humanism and spirit of inquiry and reform

 51A (i) To safeguard public property and to abjure violence

 51A (j)To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the 

nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement

 51A (k) Duty of the parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child, as the 

case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years (added by 86th Amendment Act,