Fundamental Duties

The idea of fundamental duty refers to a sense of moral obligations and responsibilities that an individual should uphold as a member of society and a nation. It serves as a moral compass for individuals, guiding them to act responsibly, ethically and with consideration for the nation’s well-being.

• It is often associated with the concept of citizenship and a sense of commitment towards the welfare and progress of the nation.
• The fundamental duties and the fundamental rights are interrelated concepts. The rights can be properly realised if the citizens perform their duty. If one performs his/her duty, the rights of others are safeguarded.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution takes inspiration from the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR.
• The original Constitution of India, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, did not contain the provision of fundamental duties. It was anticipated that citizens would willingly perform their duty.
• The fundamental duties were added to the Constitution through the 42^nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, on the recommendation of the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee. It inserted Article 51A in the Part 4A of the Constitution. It came into effect on 3 January 1977.