The idea of including a chapter on duties was recommended by the Swaran Singh Committee on lines of the Constitution of USSR.
There is a list of ten duties for every citizen of India, though there is no provision in the Constitution for direct enforcement of these duties as there is no sanction to prevent their violation.
Their inclusion in the Indian Constitution has been justified on the ground that they would help to fortify the democratic system of the country. However, a consciousness of these duties can hardly be brought about by putting them on the Statute books. It is only through education and liberal public opinion that a feeling of pride and responsibility towards these constitutional duties to the nation can be infused in the people of the country.
The Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution are enumerated herein below:-
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India-
to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;
to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;
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 so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
