Fundamental Duties comprehends obligations for every citizens such as respecting national symbols, upholding the sovereignty, cherishing the nation’s heritage ultimately encouraging a committed and responsible citizenship in contributing to the nation’s welfare and integrity.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The framers of the Constitution initially did not find it essential to include the Fundamental Duties to citizens within the Constitution and it was not until 1976. These duties were eventually incorporated to Part IV of the Constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act , 1976 in “Article 51 A” based on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. This idea of Fundamental Duties were inspired form the Soviet Union Constitution.
SWARAN SINGH COMMITTEE
Following a comprehensive analysis of historical events and the repercussions of internal emergencies, the Swaran Singh Committee put forth a series of proposals outlining the ideal path forward for the citizens of India. The Swaran Singh Committee suggested in total eight duties to be incorporated as the duties of the citizens.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- To respect and abide by the Constitution and the laws.
- To uphold the sovereignty of the nation and to function in such a way as to sustain and strengthen its unity and integrity.
- To respect the democratic institutions enshrined in the Constitution, and not to do anything which a may impair their dignity or authority.
- To defend the country and to render national service including military service when called upon to do so.
- To abjure communalism in any form.
- To render assistance and cooperation to the State in the implementation of Directive Principles of the State Policy and to promote the common good of the people so as to sub-serve the interests of social and economic justice.
- To abjure violence.
- To pay taxes according to the law.
However, the then Government led by Mrs. Indira Gandhi did not accept all suggestions or recommendations made by Swaran Singh Committee like duty to pay taxes. Through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 an additional duty was added in clause (k) to Article 51A, which specifies that parents and guardians have a duty to provide education to their children within the age group of 6-14 years.
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