When were Fundamental Duties first included in the Indian Constitution?

Question

Question

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Punjab Police Constable Official Paper-I & II (Held On: 30 Jul, 2024 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 1976.

Key Points

Fundamental Duties were first incorporated in the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act in 1976.
This amendment was carried out during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The Fundamental Duties are enshrined in Article 51A of the Indian Constitution.
Initially, there were ten Fundamental Duties listed in the Constitution, which were later increased to eleven by the 86th Amendment Act in 2002.

Additional Information

42nd Amendment Act of 1976:
- Known as the "Mini Constitution" due to the extensive changes it brought to the Indian Constitution.
- It introduced Fundamental Duties to instill a sense of moral obligation among citizens.
- The amendment also brought significant changes to the Preamble, Directive Principles, and several articles of the Constitution.
Fundamental Duties:
- Article 51A lists the Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens, which include respecting national symbols, protecting public property, and promoting harmony among communities.
- These duties are non-justiciable, meaning they are not enforceable by law but serve as a moral guide for citizens.
86th Amendment Act of 2002:
- This amendment added the eleventh Fundamental Duty, which mandates parents or guardians to provide opportunities for education to their children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
- It also made elementary education a fundamental right under Article 21A.