Fundamental Duties

Definition

The moral obligations of citizens listed in Article 51A (Part IVA) of the Constitution, added to promote a sense of discipline and commitment to the nation.

Key points

• Contained in Part IVA, Article 51A; added by the 42nd Amendment, 1976, on the Swaran Singh Committee's recommendation.
• Originally ten duties; an eleventh (to provide education to one's child or ward aged 6 to 14) added by the 86th Amendment, 2002.
• Inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR.
• Non-justiciable: not enforceable by any court, but a constitutional reminder of citizen responsibility.
• Examples: respect the Constitution and National Flag, defend the country, promote harmony, protect the environment, develop scientific temper, safeguard public property.

Why it matters for CAPF

They embody the discipline and duty ethic relevant to a future officer, and the count (now 11), the amendment (42nd), and the committee (Swaran Singh) are standard facts.

Common confusion

Fundamental Duties (Part IVA, citizens) versus Directive Principles (Part IV, the State); both are non-justiciable, but they bind different actors.

Parent note

directive principles and fundamental duties