UPSC Prelims 2012 Q59: Indian Polity – Fundamental Duties
Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the
Indian Constitution?
1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
| Statement | A Fundamental Duty? | Where it is found |
|---|---|---|
| 1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture | Yes | Article 51A(f) |
| 2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice | No | A Directive Principle (Article 46), a duty of the State |
| 3. To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry | Yes | Article 51A(h) |
| 4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity | Yes | Article 51A(j) |
About the Fundamental Duties:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Added by | 42nd Amendment, 1976, on the Swaran Singh Committee's advice |
| Part | Part IVA |
| Number | Eleven; the eleventh was added by the 86th Amendment, 2002 |
| Borrowed from | The Constitution of the former USSR |
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is a Directive Principle, and Statements 3 and 4 are left out.
- (b) Incorrect. Protecting weaker sections is a duty of the State under Article 46.
- (c) CORRECT. Composite culture, scientific temper and excellence are Fundamental Duties.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is a Directive Principle, not a Fundamental Duty.
Key point
Article 51A (Part IVA): eleven duties; 42nd Amendment 1976, Swaran Singh Committee; eleventh added by 86th Amendment 2002. Protecting weaker sections: Article 46 (Directive Principle).
Remember
Weaker sections = Article 46 (State's duty), not Article 51A.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up duties of the citizen (Article 51A) with duties of the State (Directive Principles).
- Thinking there are still only ten Fundamental Duties.
- Assuming every noble-sounding line is a Fundamental Duty.
Exam tip
Ask who must act. If it is the State, it is a Directive Principle; if the citizen, a Fundamental Duty.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Articles 46 and 51A
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, Ch on Fundamental Duties