Fundamental Duties in Indian Constitution

The article provides detail insights about Fundamental duties of Indian Constitution, list of fundamental duties, importance of fundamental duties mentioned in Indian Constitution and related information.

The constitution of India enlists various fundamental duties for citizens. These duties were incorporated in the 42nd amendment of Constitution in 1976. These duties have been specified in Article 51 A and include the following –

1. To abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, National Flag and National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called to do so.
5. To promote harmony and promote spirit of common brotherhood among 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 wild life and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop a 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 continuously rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.

Enforcement of Fundamental Duties

It is important to note that all the above fundamental duties are enforceable by law and the parliament can provide penalty for failure to fulfill these duties and obligations.  The inclusion of fundamental duties in constitution have been justified on the ground that they would strengthen our democracy.