Question

The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution have been inspired by which of the following countries' constitution?

• A. The United States of America
• B. Germany
• C. Ireland
• D. Erstwhile USSR

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Erstwhile USSR

The concept of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Constitution of the erstwhile USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee that was constituted by the Government. The Committee suggested that steps needed to be taken to ensure that the individual did not overlook his duties while in exercise of his Fundamental Rights. By way of the 42nd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1976, a new Chapter IV-A which consists of only one Article i.e 51-A was added which dealt with a Code of Ten Fundamental Duties for citizens. Fundamental duties are intended to serve as a constant reminder to every citizen that while the constitution specifically conferred on them certain Fundamental Rights, it also requires citizens to observe certain basic norms of democratic conduct and democratic behavior because rights and duties are co-relative.