Article 51(A) of the Indian Constitution includes the 11 Fundamental Duties, with the first 10 incorporated through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976 based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 introduced the 11th duty. These duties, inspired by the Constitution of the USSR, depicted the moral responsibility among citizens, promoting patriotism and reinforcing the unity of the nation.
Fundamental Duties
Fundamental Duties, unlike Fundamental Rights, are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be legally enforced. The inspiration for incorporating these duties into the Indian Constitution came from the Constitution of the former USSR. Based on the Swaran Singh Committee’s recommendations in 1976, 10 Fundamental Duties were introduced through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act. Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added the 11th duty, making a total of 11 duties listed under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
List of Fundamental Duties of India
The Fundamental Duties were granted constitutional recognition through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1976. The complete List of Fundamental Duties of India is as follows.
| List of Fundamental Duties of India | |
| Article | Description |
|
51A (a) |
To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem. |
|
51A (b) |
To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom. |
|
51A (c) |
To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. |
|
51A (d) |
To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so. |
|
51A (e) |
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. |
|
51A (f) |
To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. |
|
51A (g) |
To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures. |
|
51A (h) |
To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform. |
|
51A (i) |
To safeguard public property and to abjure violence. |
|
51A (j) |
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. |
|
51A (k) |
If a parent or guardian provides opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, wards between the age of six and fourteen years. |
Fundamental Duties Importance
For a democracy like India, Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties must coexist. Fundamental Duties are often seen as an essential complement to Fundamental Rights, enforcing the responsibilities that come with constitutional freedoms. The significance of these Fundamental Duties are discussed in the following points:
- They encourage citizens to be more aware of their responsibilities toward society, fellow citizens, and the nation.
- They promote a sense of discipline, dedication, and commitment among the people.
- They serve as a safeguard against anti-national and anti-social activities.
- They assist judicial bodies in evaluating and upholding the constitutional validity of laws.
Last updated on November, 2025
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Fundamental Duties of India FAQs
Q1. What are the fundamental duties added by the 42nd Amendment?+
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