The Constitution also mentions fundamental duties. Find out with the help of your parents what these include and why it is important for citizens in a democracy to observe these
The fundamental duties of Indian citizens are a set of 11 obligations that are enshrined in **Article 51-A** under **Part IV-A** of the Constitution of India¹². They were added by the **42nd Amendment Act of 1976** during the Emergency¹², except for the 11th duty which was added by the **86th Amendment Act of 2002**¹.
The fundamental duties are intended to remind the citizens that while they enjoy certain rights, they also have to observe certain norms of democratic conduct and behaviour². They are also meant to promote patriotism, harmony, culture and environment among the people³.
Some of the fundamental duties include:
- 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 that inspired the 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 and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women
- To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture
- To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures
- To develop 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 endeavour and achievement
- To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years
It is important for citizens in a democracy to observe these duties because they help in strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation and fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment among the people³⁴. They also help in preserving and promoting the constitutional values and principles that form the basis of India's democracy⁴.
In India, the Constitution not only guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens but also emphasizes the importance of fundamental duties. The fundamental duties were added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. These duties are enshrined in Article 51A and serve as a reminder to citizens about their responsibilities towards the nation and society. While they are not legally enforceable, they are considered vital for the overall well-being of the country and its democratic functioning.
The fundamental duties mentioned in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution are as follows:
To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
To defend the country and render national service when required.
To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities.
To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country's composite culture.
To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
To develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
To safeguard public property and abjure violence.
To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
Observing these fundamental duties is important for citizens in a democracy for several reasons:
Strengthening Democracy: Fundamental duties contribute to the overall strengthening of democracy by instilling a sense of responsibility and active participation among citizens. When individuals fulfill their duties, they contribute to the well-being and progress of the nation as a whole.
National Unity and Integrity: Duties such as upholding the sovereignty and unity of the nation, promoting harmony, and fostering a spirit of common brotherhood help in maintaining social cohesion and preventing divisions based on religion, language, or region. They foster a sense of unity among diverse communities, creating a strong and inclusive nation.
Environmental Conservation: Protecting the environment and showing compassion towards living creatures are essential duties that promote sustainable development and ensure the preservation of natural resources for future generations. By fulfilling these duties, citizens contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Valuing and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the country helps in maintaining cultural diversity and promoting a sense of pride and identity. By respecting and nurturing their cultural roots, citizens contribute to the preservation of a vibrant and inclusive society.
Personal and Social Development: The fundamental duties also emphasize personal development and social welfare. Duties such as developing a scientific temper, striving for excellence, and rendering national service foster a spirit of self-improvement, innovation, and societal progress.
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Answer:
The fundamental duties of Indian citizens are a set of 11 obligations that are enshrined in **Article 51-A** under **Part IV-A** of the Constitution of India¹². They were added by the **42nd Amendment Act of 1976** during the Emergency¹², except for the 11th duty which was added by the **86th Amendment Act of 2002**¹.
The fundamental duties are intended to remind the citizens that while they enjoy certain rights, they also have to observe certain norms of democratic conduct and behaviour². They are also meant to promote patriotism, harmony, culture and environment among the people³.
Some of the fundamental duties include:
- 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 that inspired the 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 and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women
- To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture
- To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures
- To develop 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 endeavour and achievement
- To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years
It is important for citizens in a democracy to observe these duties because they help in strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation and fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment among the people³⁴. They also help in preserving and promoting the constitutional values and principles that form the basis of India's democracy⁴.
Answer:
In India, the Constitution not only guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens but also emphasizes the importance of fundamental duties. The fundamental duties were added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976. These duties are enshrined in Article 51A and serve as a reminder to citizens about their responsibilities towards the nation and society. While they are not legally enforceable, they are considered vital for the overall well-being of the country and its democratic functioning.
The fundamental duties mentioned in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution are as follows:
To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
To defend the country and render national service when required.
To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic, and regional diversities.
To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country's composite culture.
To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
To develop scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
To safeguard public property and abjure violence.
To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
Observing these fundamental duties is important for citizens in a democracy for several reasons:
Strengthening Democracy: Fundamental duties contribute to the overall strengthening of democracy by instilling a sense of responsibility and active participation among citizens. When individuals fulfill their duties, they contribute to the well-being and progress of the nation as a whole.
National Unity and Integrity: Duties such as upholding the sovereignty and unity of the nation, promoting harmony, and fostering a spirit of common brotherhood help in maintaining social cohesion and preventing divisions based on religion, language, or region. They foster a sense of unity among diverse communities, creating a strong and inclusive nation.
Environmental Conservation: Protecting the environment and showing compassion towards living creatures are essential duties that promote sustainable development and ensure the preservation of natural resources for future generations. By fulfilling these duties, citizens contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Valuing and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the country helps in maintaining cultural diversity and promoting a sense of pride and identity. By respecting and nurturing their cultural roots, citizens contribute to the preservation of a vibrant and inclusive society.
Personal and Social Development: The fundamental duties also emphasize personal development and social welfare. Duties such as developing a scientific temper, striving for excellence, and rendering national service foster a spirit of self-improvement, innovation, and societal progress.
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