Significance of Fundamental Duties - Indian Polity Notes

Fundamental Duties are the fundamental principles that a citizen should voluntarily follow since he owes them to society and country. Article 51A of Part IV A of the Indian Constitution deals with the Fundamental Duties. Originally, there were 10 duties; however, by the 86th Amendment in 2002, they were increased to eleven. These are the principles that citizens should strive towards in their daily lives. Citizens are responsible for their basic behaviour in relation to the society in which they live. This article explains the Significance of Fundamental Duties which is important for UPSC Indian Polity Preparation.

What are Fundamental Duties?

• The concept of Fundamental Duties was borrowed from the former Soviet Union's Constitution. The socialist government held that both rights and duties were equally important.
• The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 amended the Indian Constitution by adding ten Fundamental Duties.
• The 11th Fundamental Duty was later added to the list by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002.
• The Swaran Singh Committee suggested Fundamental Duties in 1976, which were thought to be necessary during the internal emergency of 1975-77.
• The fundamental duties serve as a reminder to individuals that, while exercising their rights, they must also be mindful of the obligations they owe to their nation, society, and fellow citizens.
• However, the responsibilities, like the Directive Principles, are non-justiciable in nature.

Features of Fundamental Duties

• The fundamental responsibilities included both moral and civic obligations. Respecting the constitution, national flag, and national emblem, for example, is on the moral front line, while cherishing good values from the freedom struggle is on the civic front line.
• While some fundamental rights are provided to both foreigners and aliens, fundamental responsibilities are limited to Indian citizens and do not extend to foreigners.
• Fundamental Duties, like Directive Principles, are non-enforceable in nature. The government is powerless to hold them accountable for their actions.
• The responsibilities are largely based on Indian mythology, religions, and customs.
• Essentially, they were the responsibilities that codify chores that are essential to the Indian way of life.

Significance of Fundamental Duties

• It acts as a continual reminder to citizens that while exercising their rights, they must be mindful of their responsibilities to their country and to other citizens.
• These serve as a warning to the public against anti-social behaviours that defame the country, such as flag burning, harming public property, and disrupting public order.
• These contribute to the development of a sense of discipline and patriotism.
• They contribute to the achievement of national goals through active citizen participation rather than passive spectatorship.
• It aids the Court in determining the law's constitutionality. For example, any law passed by legislators would be considered reasonable when brought before a court for constitutional legality if it is enforcing any Fundamental Duty.
• They can be enforced by law; parliament has the authority to impose any sort of penalty or punishment for any violation of the Fundamental Duties.

Fundamental Duties - Criticism

The soul of a democracy is opposition and criticism. There were no exceptions to this rule when it came to basic responsibilities. The following are some of the different grounds for criticism:

• There aren't many other significant citizen responsibilities on the list. The need to vote in elections and pay taxes on time, for example, are not included in the Swaran Singh Committee's list of fundamental tasks.
• Many of the responsibilities are poorly defined and vague. Words like 'noble ideals,' 'composite culture,"scientific temper,' and many more can be interpreted in a variety of ways.
• Due to their non-justifiable nature, these have been criticised as a moral rule of behaviour. As a result, the Swaran Singh Committee has suggested that those who fail to follow and observe these responsibilities be punished or fined.
• Various critics referred to these as redundant. People would fulfil rights that were either included or not included because these were deemed fundamental and there was no mention of other rights, making them redundant in nature.
• Critics have also questioned the placement of these responsibilities, believing that putting them under Part IV diminishes their worth and significance. These should be included in Part III, where fundamental rights are mentioned and might be linked to responsibilities.

Conclusion

Benefit of embracing fundamental duties lies in fostering a democratic equilibrium where individuals are not only conscious of their rights but also keenly aware of their basic obligations. In upholding these fundamental duties, individuals contribute to the vitality and integrity of the Indian democracy, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of rights and responsibilities

FAQs

MCQs

1. Under which part of the Indian Constitution are the Fundamental Duties listed?

A. Part III
B. Part IVA
C. Part V
D. Part VI

2. Which of the following Fundamental Duties was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment?

A. To respect the Constitution
B. To safeguard public property
C. To provide education to children aged 6 to 14 years
D. To protect the sovereignty of the nation

3. Who recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution?

A. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
B. Swaran Singh Committee
C. Sarkaria Commission
D. Nanavati Commission

4. Which of the following statements is correct regarding Fundamental Duties?

A. They are legally enforceable.
B. They are justiciable.
C. They are non-justiciable.
D. None of the above.

5. How many Fundamental Duties were originally added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act?

A. 5
B. 7
C. 10
D. 11

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

1. Discuss the role of Fundamental Duties in promoting civic responsibility in India.

Answer: Fundamental Duties, added to the Indian Constitution in 1976, play a significant role in promoting civic responsibility among citizens. While Fundamental Rights ensure individual liberties, Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the state and society. They encourage respect for national symbols, the Constitution, and public property, and promote harmony, unity, and environmental protection. Although non-justiciable, these duties serve as a moral compass and contribute to strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation by emphasizing the coexistence of rights and responsibilities.

2. How do Fundamental Duties complement Fundamental Rights in the Indian Constitution?

Answer: Fundamental Duties complement Fundamental Rights by balancing individual liberties with social responsibilities. While Fundamental Rights provide citizens with essential freedoms, Fundamental Duties urge them to use these rights responsibly, promoting values like patriotism, respect for the law, and protection of the environment. The inclusion of Fundamental Duties emphasizes that the exercise of rights should not harm the interests of the nation or other citizens. This balance strengthens democratic governance and promotes collective harmony.

3. Analyze the relevance of Fundamental Duties in contemporary India.

Answer: Fundamental Duties remain highly relevant in contemporary India as they foster a sense of responsibility among citizens towards the nation and society. In an era where rights are often emphasized, the duties remind citizens that their actions should align with national interests, such as preserving the environment, maintaining public order, and respecting the rights of others. By instilling a sense of moral obligation, Fundamental Duties contribute to a more disciplined and responsible society, which is essential for the smooth functioning of democracy.

Previous Year Questions on Fundamental Duties

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018

Question: The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, which introduced the Fundamental Duties, was based on the recommendations of which committee?
A. Sarkaria Commission
B. Swaran Singh Committee
C. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
D. Nanavati Commission

Answer: B

Explanation: The Swaran Singh Committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution, which were introduced through the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2)

Question: "Fundamental Duties act as a constant reminder to citizens that rights and duties are correlative." Discuss this statement with reference to the Indian Constitution.

Answer: The statement highlights the balance between rights and duties in the Indian Constitution. While Fundamental Rights protect individual liberties, Fundamental Duties ensure that citizens fulfill their responsibilities towards society and the nation. Rights and duties are correlative; for instance, while citizens have the right to freedom of speech, they also have the duty to maintain public order. Similarly, the right to life is complemented by the duty to protect the environment. This balance strengthens democratic values and ensures the responsible exercise of rights.

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