Fundamental Duties – Article 51A

It was inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976 on the recommendations of Swaran Singh Committee and it was taken from erstwhile Constitution of USSR.

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 wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.

(h) to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry 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.

The 86th Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 51 A (K) , “each parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of 6 and 14 years.”