Essential Responsibilities: A Listing of Obligations Outlined for Citizens
The Fundamental Duties, enshrined in Articles 51A to 51K, were added to the Indian Constitution in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment Act. These moral obligations serve as a guiding compass for citizens, encouraging responsible behaviour towards the nation.
Historical Origin
The idea of Fundamental Duties was inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile Soviet Union and movements within India aiming to bolster citizen responsibility alongside their rights. The Swaran Singh Committee recommended inserting eight duties, but the 42nd Amendment incorporated ten duties, which were introduced during a period when the government sought to reinforce national unity, patriotism, and discipline in the wake of political unrest in the 1970s.
Significance
These duties emphasize reverence for the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem. They promote protection of sovereignty, unity, the natural environment, social harmony, scientific temper, and public property. They complement Fundamental Rights by reminding citizens that enjoying rights accompanies corresponding responsibilities. Although non-justiciable, they hold practical significance in fostering patriotism and civic sense.
Criticism
The primary criticism lies in their non-justiciability, meaning citizens cannot be legally compelled to follow these duties. There is a gap between citizens focusing heavily on their rights while neglecting these duties. Some argue that the duties are somewhat vague and moralistic without strict accountability. Politically, some leaders exploit religious or regional divides, neglecting duties related to maintaining national sovereignty and harmony.
Current Relevance
Despite being non-enforceable legally, Fundamental Duties play an important role in civic education and promoting ethical citizenship. They remind citizens of their role in democracy and responsible behaviour. With issues like environmental degradation, social polarization, and challenges to national unity, these duties remain relevant as normative standards. The addition of the duty to educate children (by the 86th Amendment) underscores evolving societal priorities. Courts and government institutions sometimes invoke these duties to interpret laws or frame policies promoting public interest.
Summary of Current Fundamental Duties (Article 51A):
- Abide by the Constitution and respect its institutions, National Flag, and National Anthem.
- Cherish the ideals of the freedom struggle.
- Uphold sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- Defend the country and render national service when called.
- Promote harmony and brotherhood among citizens.
- Preserve the composite culture and heritage.
- Protect and improve environment.
- Develop scientific temper, humanism, and inquiry.
- Safeguard public property and oppose violence.
- Strive for excellence in all fields.
- Provide education opportunities to children aged 6 to 14 years.
These duties complement citizens’ rights, shaping a balanced democratic ethos and underlining the importance of responsible citizenship in India’s constitutional framework. Vagueness is a common criticism of the Fundamental Duties, particularly in terms related to composite culture, the spirit of the freedom struggle movement, and scientific temper. Article 51A applies only to citizens.
In the spirit of responsible citizenship, it's essential to promote education-and-self-development by striving for excellence in all fields, as outlined in the Fundamental Duties (Article 51A). Furthermore, one's duties extend to protecting and improving the environment, which is crucial for the general-news and the preservation of our natural resources.
