Fundamental Duties and the Right to Equality

Fundamental duties are outlined in the Constitution of India for the citizens. It’s their responsibility to fulfil with honesty. Citizens should respect the freedom ideals and struggle, the national flag, national anthem and the Constitution of India. In 1976, under the 42nd Amendment Act, the constitution revised 11 fundamental duties in Part lV-A of our constitution of India. These 11 fundamental duties are presently incorporated under section 51-A and are not enforceable by law. Similarly Right to Equality comes under rights but also the duty of citizens. Let’s read about the 11 fundamental duties of Indian citizens.

Fundamental Duties

The idea of fundamental duties comes from the Constitution of Russia. Here are the 11 fundamental duties of India’s citizens:

• 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 which inspired our 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; 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 and 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 endeavour and achievement

Significance of the Fundamental Duties 

The fundamental duties spread awareness to citizens about their responsibility. Here is the importance of fundamental duties according to our constitution:

• These duties remind citizens to respect the national flag, anthem, and institutions. Disrespect of these is a punishable offence.
• It reminds us to perform activities in favour of the nation and promote peace and non-violence in the nation.
• The duties timely promote a sense of responsibility towards the nation and its citizens.
• The fundamental duties do not impose on foreigners.

Fundamental Rights

Fundamental rights are basic rights awarded by the constitution of India. The government introduced these rights to save the country’s people from exploitation. It builds a sense of confidence among citizens, like the Right to Equality, the Right to Education, and the Right against Exploitation. Along with duties, citizens must be aware of their rights. 

There are fundamental rights adopted by the constitution, and over time these were divided for better understanding.

• Right to Equality
• Right to Freedom 
• Right against Exploitation
• Right to freedom of religion
• Cultural and Educational Rights
• Right to Constitutional Remedies

These rights included articles that define the situation in which a citizen can exercise them. For example, the Right to Equality included articles 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. 

These rights have strengthened the voice of citizens and protected them. 

Conclusion

The article educates you about the fundamental duties of Indian citizens. Under the 42nd amendment act of 1976, the constitution incorporated the fundamental duties in part lV-A. The Russian constitution inspired fundamental duties. These duties include respect, security, education, national anthem, flag, ideals, institutions, secularism and scientific temperament. 

Fundamental rights and importance are discussed as well. There are six fundamental rights: the Right to Freedom, the Right to Equality, the Right to Constitutional Remedies, and so on. The fundamental duties and rights are adopted and revised for the betterment of citizens. The government is actively participating in the awareness campaign with the collaboration of citizens.