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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