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UPSC Prelims 2012 · Polity · Directive Principles & Duties
Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution?
- To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
- To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
- To develop the scientific temper and spirit of inquiry
- To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Three are in Art. 51A: (f), (h), (j). Statement 2 is Art. 46, a Directive to the State.
Statement by statement
1. ✓ DUTY — 51A(f) Listed in Art. 51A(f).
2. ✗ NOT A DUTY — it is Art. 46 (DPSP) Art. 46 tells the State to protect weaker sections, especially SCs and STs, from social injustice and exploitation. It is not a citizen’s duty.
3. ✓ DUTY — 51A(h) Art. 51A(h): scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
4. ✓ DUTY — 51A(j) Art. 51A(j).
The idea
Fundamental Duties: added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the Swaran Singh Committee’s advice (10 duties); the 11th — parents to provide education to children 6–14 — came by the 86th Amendment (2002). They apply to citizens only and are not directly enforceable.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Keeps the DPSP line (2) and drops two genuine duties.
(b) Picks only the one that is NOT a duty.
(d) Statement 2 addresses the State, not the citizen.
The trap
Protecting weaker sections sounds like a moral duty of every citizen. In the text it is the State’s job.
🔒 FD = Art. 51A, Part IVA · 42nd (1976) 10 duties + 86th (2002) the 11th · citizens only · Swaran Singh Committee.
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