Which of the following amendment acts included Fundamental Duties in the Constitution of India?

The correct answer is 42nd Amendment Act.Key Points

• The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976, during the period of the Emergency (1975-77). This was done upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee that was constituted by the government in 1976.
• The Committee had recommended the inclusion of a separate chapter in the Constitution on Fundamental Duties. As a result, Part IVA was inserted into the Constitution, with Article 51A defining the Fundamental Duties.
• These Duties were designed to promote patriotism among citizens and ensure an active involvement of the citizens in the nation's democratic processes. As originally incorporated, there were ten Fundamental Duties. Here they are for reference:
  • To respect the Constitution, National Flag, and National Anthem.
  • To respect the ideals of freedom struggle.
  • To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  • To defend the country and render national service when called upon.
  • To promote harmony and brotherhood among all the people.
  • To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
  • To protect and improve the natural environment.
  • To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
  • To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
  • To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
• Later, the 86th Amendment Act in 2002 added one more duty:
  • Parent or guardian is to provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
• However, unlike the Fundamental Rights which are enforceable by the courts, the Fundamental Duties are unenforceable by the law. The Constitution does not provide any direct mechanism for their enforcement. Nevertheless, they serve as a constant reminder to citizens of the expectations that the nation has from them and the responsibilities they need to fulfill to ensure the fruition of their rights.