What are Fundamental Duties, when were they added to the Constitution, and why are they significant?

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Detailed Solution

Fundamental Duties are a set of moral obligations for citizens of India, listed under Article 51A in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution. These duties outline the expected behavior of citizens to promote national harmony, respect for the nation’s ideals, and a sense of responsibility toward society and the environment.

When They Were Added:
Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 (during the Emergency period) based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. Initially, there were 10 Fundamental Duties; later, the 86th Amendment (2002) added the 11th duty — to provide opportunities for education to children aged 6 to 14 years.

Why They Are Significant:

They serve as a constant reminder to citizens that while they enjoy Fundamental Rights, they also have obligations toward the nation.
They aim to build a responsible, disciplined, and harmonious society.
They help promote patriotism, respect for the Constitution, and protect national unity.
Though not legally enforceable, they can be used by courts to interpret laws and decide cases where citizen conduct is questioned.

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