The feature of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution was included in the Constitution on the recommendation of which of the following committees?

Key Points

• The Swaran Singh Committee was formed in 1976 to make recommendations about the Fundamental Duties.
• The Fundamental Duties were added to the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.
• The committee recommended the inclusion of a separate chapter on Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution.
• Based on these recommendations, Article 51A was added to the Indian Constitution, listing the Fundamental Duties of the citizens of India.

Additional Information

• Fundamental Duties:
  • These are moral obligations of all citizens to help promote a spirit of patriotism and to uphold the unity of India.
  • They are inspired by the Constitution of the former USSR.
  • These duties are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be enforced by the courts for their violation.
  • Currently, there are 11 Fundamental Duties listed in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
• 42nd Amendment Act, 1976:
  • Also known as the ""Mini-Constitution"" due to its comprehensive and wide-ranging amendments.
  • It was enacted during the Emergency period (1975-1977) under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
  • This amendment added the words ""Socialist"", ""Secular"" and ""Integrity"" to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.
  • It also made significant changes to the powers and functions of the Parliament and the Judiciary.
• Swaran Singh Committee:
  • Formed under the chairmanship of Sardar Swaran Singh, the then Union Minister for External Affairs.
  • Its primary objective was to study the Constitution and recommend changes to strengthen the internal security of India.
  • One of its key recommendations was the inclusion of Fundamental Duties to remind citizens of their responsibilities.
  • The recommendations led to the insertion of Part IVA (Article 51A) in the Constitution, specifying the Fundamental Duties.