Fundamental Duties — Indian Polity

Q.1

WBCS Prelims 2023

Which of the following is not a fundamental duty under the Indian Constitution?

A. To protect monument of national importance

B. To develop scientific temper

C. To uphold unity and integrity of the nation

D. None of the above

Explanation

Why Correct: Protecting monuments of national importance is a Directive Principle of State Policy under Article 49, not a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A.
Distractor Analysis: Developing scientific temper is a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(h). Upholding unity and integrity of the nation is a Fundamental Duty under Article 51A(c). None of the above is incorrect because option A is indeed not a Fundamental Duty.
Takeaway: Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 under Article 51A, currently listing 11 duties including respecting the national flag and anthem, protecting the environment, and striving for excellence.

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Q.2

WBCS Prelims 2007

In which year was the part of Fundamental Duties included in the Constitution by the Indian Parliament?

A. 1976

B. 1978

C. 1980

D. 1982

Explanation

Why Correct: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 added Fundamental Duties to Part IV-A of the Constitution through Article 51A.
Distractor Analysis: 1978 saw the 44th Amendment which restored judicial review and fundamental rights after the Emergency. 1980 marked Indira Gandhi's return as Prime Minister after the Janata Party government collapsed. 1982 witnessed the 73rd Amendment Act which gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.
Takeaway: The Swaran Singh Committee (1976) recommended adding Fundamental Duties, drawing inspiration from the Constitution of the USSR.

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Q.3

WBCS Prelims 2004

Fundamental Duties have been included in the Indian Constitution in the-

A. Chapter on Fundamental Rights.

B. Chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy

C. Ninth Schedule

D. 42nd Amendment

Explanation

Why Correct: The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976) inserted Part IV-A containing 10 Fundamental Duties into the Constitution, based on the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations.
Distractor Analysis: Chapter on Fundamental Rights contains Articles 12-35 in Part III, which protect individual liberties against state action. Chapter on Directive Principles of State Policy comprises Articles 36-51 in Part IV, outlining socio-economic goals for governance. Ninth Schedule lists laws immune from judicial review on grounds of violating Fundamental Rights, added by the First Amendment (1951).
Takeaway: The 86th Amendment (2002) added Article 51A(k) making it a duty for parents to provide education opportunities to children aged 6-14 years.

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Q.4

WBPSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2011

How many Fundamental Duties have been incorporated in the Constitution?

A. Five

B. Seven

C. Ten

D. Eleven

Explanation

Why Correct: Article 51A of the Indian Constitution currently lists 11 Fundamental Duties. The original 10 duties were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976), and an 11th duty (to provide education to children aged 6-14) was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).
Distractor Analysis: Five does not correspond to any count in the Constitution; the original Fundamental Rights were seven, not five. Seven is the original number of Fundamental Rights (before the 44th Amendment), not duties. Ten was the original number of Fundamental Duties after the 42nd Amendment but before the 86th Amendment.
Takeaway: Remember: 11 Fundamental Duties under Article 51A. The 42nd Amendment added 10 duties; the 86th Amendment added the 11th. Examiners often test the difference between the original 10 and current 11.

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Q.5

WBPSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2010

To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India is

A. a directive principle of state policy

B. an Act of Parliament

C. a fundamental duty

D. a directive of the Supreme Court of India

Explanation

Why Correct: Article 51A(c) of the Constitution lists as a Fundamental Duty: "to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India."
Distractor Analysis: Directive Principles (Part IV) are non-justiciable guidelines to the state, not duties of citizens. An Act of Parliament is legislation, not a duty. The Supreme Court gives directives but does not prescribe citizen duties.
Takeaway: Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment. Key duty: upholding sovereignty, unity, and integrity (Art. 51A(c)). Expect exam questions mixing duties with directive principles.

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