Question

Which of the following Articles on Fundamental Duties was added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act?

• A. 40
• B. 52-A
• C. 51-A
• D. 45A

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 51-A

Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution

• The concept of Fundamental Duties was inspired by the Constitution of the Soviet Union.
• These duties were not originally part of the Indian Constitution.
• They were incorporated into the Constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976.
• This amendment added a new Part, Part IV-A, to the Constitution.
• Article 51-A is the sole article under Part IV-A, which enlists the Fundamental Duties of the citizens.
• Initially, the 42nd Amendment introduced ten Fundamental Duties.
• Later, the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002 added an eleventh Fundamental Duty.
• These duties are essentially a codification of certain basic national ethics and ideals that every citizen is expected to uphold.
• They serve as a constant reminder to citizens that while enjoying their fundamental rights, they also have certain responsibilities towards the nation, society, and fellow citizens.

Key Points for Exams:

• Amendment Act: 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
• Part Added: Part IV-A.
• Article Number: 51-A.
• Number of Duties (initially): 10.
• Number of Duties (currently): 11.
• Committee for Recommendations: Swaran Singh Committee. The government accepted most of its recommendations.