The fundamental duties was added in the Indian Constitution to promote harmony. Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar wrote the constitution of India, who was the chairman of the drafting committee of India in 1947. The fundamental duties have been mentioned in Article 51 –A of Part IVA. Although, fundamental duties are introduced in the 42nd Amendment of the constitution. When the constitution came into practice, there were only ten fundamental duties of Indian citizens; later, the 11th was added by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002. 

Fundamental Duties of Indian Constitution 

In 1976, the Indian constitution of India added the fundamental duties of Indian citizens. The Swaran Singh Committee has suggested adding fundamental duties, and then these duties abide by the Indian Constitution. The Swaran Singh Committee was constituted by the former prime minister Indira Gandhi. It was introduced just after the proclamation of a national emergency in India. 

However, In 2002, the Indian Constitution added one more fundamental duty 2002. It was added to demonstrate the importance of education for the nation’s growth. So, from 2002, there is one more Fundamental Duty added in the constitution, and 11 duties are listed. These fundamental duties are important to promote harmony in the whole country. These duties are Abide by the Indian Constitution and are compulsory to follow by every Indian citizen. 

11 Fundamental Duties mentioned in the Indian Constitution

There are 11 Fundamental Duties introduced in the constitution of India. These are: 

  1. To oblige with the Indian Constitution and respect the National Anthem and Flag. 
  2. To cherish and follow the noble ideas that inspired the national struggle for freedom. 
  3. To protect the integrity, sovereignty, and unity of India. 
  4. To defend the country and perform national services if and when the country requires it. 
  5. 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. 
  6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. 
  7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. 
  8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. 
  9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence. 
  10. 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. 
  11. Who is a parent or guardian, to provide opportunities for education to his child, or as the case may be, ward between the age of six to fourteen years. 

All these fundamental duties abide by the Indian Constitution, and are written for the welfare of Indian citizens. They play a major role in India and India’s overall growth and development. 

Importance of Fundamental Duties 

Fundamental duties signify the duties of every individual living in India. These duties are important to promote harmony and integrity within the country. Although, it generates a feeling of patriotism among the Indian citizens and motivates them to defend the country from enemies. Let’s understand the importance of fundamental duties which are abiding by the Indian Constitution:

  1. These duties work as a continuous alarming system for the citizens so that they can serve themselves in building a healthy, peaceful and responsible society. It makes them aware not to behave badly and not indulge in anti-social activities. They only need to promote harmony and integrity among themselves. 
  2. It is indispensable to promote the growth of the country. Every citizen has to follow these duties to serve themselves in its growth. 
  3. In 2002, by the 86th Amendment of the Indian constitution, one more fundamental duty was added. The newly added fundamental duty ensures that every child below 14 will get an education. The right to education is also the fundamental right of India. Although, the education or literacy rate is the biggest factor that demonstrates the growth of any country. So, fundamental duties cover the welfare of both Indian citizens and the country’s growth. 
  4. Every individual born on the earth is a child of mother earth. So, it is the responsibility of every individual to protect the earth from pollution. The fundamental duties also cover this aspect. It makes Indian citizens aware of not to damage the mother earth and inspires them to defend the country from any natural mismanagement by their contribution. 

Conclusion

Fundamental duties that abide by the Indian Constitution are the duties of every Indian citizen. As an ideal citizen, it is the responsibility of every individual to follow these duties. It is very important to promote harmony between various societies of India. Fundamental Duties are designated by considering all the moral, cultural and ethical aspects of Indian society. It also takes care of the integrity of the individual and is designed for promoting the growth of both country and its citizens. Fundamental Duties abide by the Indian Constitution allows the government to maintain adequate governance and functioning within the country.