Introduction
The Constitution of India provides the citizens of India the Fundamental Rights. In the same way, every citizen owes some duties towards the nation. These are known as Fundamental Duties. The relationship of a right and duty go hand-in-hand. If someone has given you a right, then it is your duty to not hinder another person’s right. They are provided under Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution. They were adopted in 1976 by the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution. The 11 fundamental duties are to:
- Oblige with the Indian Constitution and respect the National Anthem and Flag.
- Cherish and follow the noble ideas that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
- Protect the integrity, sovereignty, and unity of India.
- Defend the country and perform national services if the country requires.
- Promote the spirit of harmony and brotherhood amongst all people of India and renounce any practices derogatory to women.
- Cherish and preserve the rich national heritage of our composite culture.
- Protect and improve the natural environment including lakes, wildlife, rivers, forests, etc.
- Develop a scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry.
- Safeguard all public property.
- Strive towards excellence in all genres of individual and collective activities.
- Provide opportunities of education to the children between 6-14 years of age, and parents to ensure that such opportunities are being awarded to their child.
Importance of Fundamental Duties
India is a country in which people from a different caste, creed, religion, sects, etc. live together so to promote peace and harmony between the citizens the Fundamental Duties play an important role. Moreover, they help in protecting the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of our country. It is the responsibility of the citizen to know it is in their own interest to fulfill the Fundamental Duties wholeheartedly because it will ultimately help in the growth of the nation.
Enforceability of Fundamental Duties
The fundamental duties are not backed up by any legal sanction. Moreover, the Fundamental Duties are addressed to the citizens as the Directive Principles of State Policy are addressed to the State. The Central and the State Government can make any law and regulation to enforce the Fundamental Duties. It’s the responsibility of the citizens to build a free and healthy society.
Though the Fundamental Rights are not legally enforceable, they are important for the growth of the nation. There are certain Fundamental Rights for which we have the Law too for the specific enforcement. Hence, the right is also the duty. The Fundamental Right of Right to Education of the children between 6-14 years of age states a duty to the parents to provide educational qualification to their children.
We have the law for environmental protection, in the same way, as we have the duty to protect wildlife. Even though these duties are non-enforceable, but they are not merely the expression of morals or religions, the courts can take cognizance in the matter to enforce and give effect to these duties.
Conclusion
As we have moral obligations towards our family and environment, in the same way, we have moral obligations towards our Nation. Since, a Court can punish a person for violating any Fundamental Duties, therefore; the people don’t want to fulfill their duties. Everyone is selfish to look at their rights, forgets that a right hails from fundamental duties. One should remember the Fundamental Duties before you exercise your rights and responsibilities as Indian citizens.