The Importance of Fundamental Duties- Part IV-A

Fundamental duties were introduced within the constitution of India by the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The constitution of India borrowed the concept of fundamental duties from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics(USSR). These fundamental duties are designed to tell the Indian citizens their duty towards their society, fellow citizens, and the nation. Fundamental Duties also warn citizens against anti-national and anti-social activities and force them to become wise persons. It also demonstrates the role of individuals in the overall growth and development of the country. These duties are necessary to maintain the liberty and integrity of any individual and help them live happily and peacefully. 

Fundamental duties 

Part IV-A demonstrates the fundamental duties of Indian citizens. Although, Article 51 –A of this part is where all the fundamental duties are defined. These duties are introduced under the 42nd Amendment of the constitution. The Swaran Singh Committee  has suggested adding fundamental duties in the constitution of India. This committee was constituted by Indira Gandhi for checking the constitution deeply. But later, this committee added fundamental duties to the constitution. In 1976, the committee had added ten fundamental duties in the constitution of India. But later in the year 2002, one more fundamental duty was added in the constitution under the 86th amendment act. Fundamental Duties are not compulsory to follow by every Indian citizen. These are indispensable to promote the growth of the country. These duties are important to promote harmony and integrity within the country.

Fundamental duties of Indian constitution 

Currently, there are 11 Fundamental Duties written in our constitution of India. Let’s understand those ten fundamental duties which were added previously in 1976.

• To oblige with the Indian Constitution and respect the National Anthem and Flag. 
• To cherish and follow the noble ideas that inspired the national struggle for freedom. 
• To protect the integrity, sovereignty, and unity of India. 
• To defend the country and perform national services if and when the country requires. 
• 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. 
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. 
• To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures. 
• To develop the 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 endeavor and achievement. 

In 2002, one more fundamental duty was added in the Indian constitution, under 86th Amendment. 

• 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. 

Importance of fundamental duties

Fundamental duties demonstrate an individual’s duty towards their society, fellow citizens, and the nation. It is very important to maintain harmony within the whole nation. These fundamental duties are very important to maintain the constitutional validity of a law. Let’s understand their importance for different aspects. 

Importance of fundamental duties for Indian citizens 

Fundamental duties play a major role in the individual’s development. They describe the person’s duty towards their society, fellow citizens, and the nation. Along with this, fundamental duties also tell that as an Indian citizen, everyone must be responsible for their duty towards their society, fellow citizens, and the nation. Fundamental Duties also help Indian citizens to live life with dignity, happiness, and joy. The Constitution of India does not discriminate based on caste, religion, and language. It provides equal opportunity to all the citizens of India. It also warns citizens against anti-national and anti-social activities. 

Importance of fundamental duties for the government of India 

Fundamental duties are indispensable for the proper functioning of all laws of the government of India. Fundamental Duties help the government explain the citizen’s duty towards their society, fellow citizens, and the nation. These duties also help the Indian government maintain the peaceful environment of the whole nation. It also helps in the development and growth of the nation.

Furthermore, fundamental duties also inspire individuals to protect natural and public resources. It also helps the government of India to utilise all the available resources at their optimum level. Fundamental Duties also strengthen the constitutional validity of a law.

Conclusion 

Fundamental duties play a major role in the upliftment of India. Fundamental Duties explain the individual’s duty towards their society, fellow citizens and the nation. It also warns citizens against anti-national and anti-social activities and gives punishment if someone attempts such a practice. It plays a major role in maintaining harmony and integrity towards the whole nation. It also generates the feeling of belongingness among the Indian citizens towards their nation. They precisely demonstrate the role of every individual as an ideal citizen, which also helps Indian citizens grow and get success. It maintains harmony and peace in the entire nation.