The Constitution of India Part IV-A: Fundamental Duties (Artcle 51A)

IV-A

Part IV-A: Fundamental Duties

Contains the duties of every citizen of India. These duties were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 (10 duties) and later expanded by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002 (11th duty). They are non-justiciable but serve as a constant reminder to citizens that while enjoying rights, they also have responsibilities toward the nation.

51A

Fundamental duties of citizens

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

1. To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom.
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
4. To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. 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.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
11. [Added by 86th Amendment, 2002] To provide opportunities for education to children between the ages of six and fourteen years. (This is a duty of parents and guardians).