Fundamental Duties
What is Article 51A?
Article 51A lists the Fundamental Duties of citizens of India. These duties encourage citizens to respect the Constitution, protect the country's unity, promote harmony, preserve cultural heritage, protect the environment, develop scientific temper, safeguard public property and support children's education. Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. Clause (k), relating to providing educational opportunities for children between six and fourteen years, was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002. These duties guide responsible citizenship. Their legal enforceability depends on the relevant constitutional provisions and applicable laws.
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Official Constitutional Text
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India— (a) to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; (b) to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; (c) to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; (d) to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; (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; (f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; (g) to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures; (h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; (i) to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; (j) 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; (k) 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 and fourteen years.
Article 51A Explained in Simple Words
Article 51A lists the Fundamental Duties of citizens of India. These duties encourage citizens to respect the Constitution, protect the country's unity, promote harmony, preserve cultural heritage, protect the environment, develop scientific temper, safeguard public property and support children's education. Fundamental Duties were added to the Constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. Clause (k), relating to providing educational opportunities for children between six and fourteen years, was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002. These duties guide responsible citizenship. Their legal enforceability depends on the relevant constitutional provisions and applicable laws.
Article 51A in Simple Words
Article 51A explains the fundamental duties of Indian citizens, such as respecting the Constitution, protecting the environment, safeguarding public property and supporting children’s education.
Article 51A Example
A citizen who respects the National Flag, avoids damaging public property, helps protect rivers and forests, and promotes harmony is acting consistently with the values reflected in Article 51A. Parents and guardians also have a fundamental duty under clause (k) to provide opportunities for education to their children or wards between six and fourteen years of age.
What is Article 51A of the Indian Constitution?
Article 51A lists the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens, including respect for the Constitution, national unity, environmental protection and safeguarding public property.
How many Fundamental Duties are listed in Article 51A?
Article 51A contains eleven clauses describing the Fundamental Duties of citizens of India.
When were Fundamental Duties added to the Constitution?
Fundamental Duties were added through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. The duty concerning educational opportunities for children aged six to fourteen was added through the 86th Constitutional Amendment in 2002.
What are examples of Fundamental Duties?
Examples include respecting the Constitution and National Flag, promoting harmony, protecting the environment, safeguarding public property and developing scientific temper.
Are Fundamental Duties important?
Fundamental Duties encourage responsible citizenship and remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the Constitution, society and the environment.