Article 51A of The Constitution of India
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India—
- (a)to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;
- (b)to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
- (c)to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
- (d)to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
- (e)to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
- (f)to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
- (g)to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures;
- (h)to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
- (i)to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
- (j)to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement; ] 2[(k) who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.]
↩1.Ins. by the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, s. 11 (w.e.f. 3-1-1977).
↩2.Ins. by the Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002, s. 4 (w.e.f. 1-4-2010).
Summary
- It is the duty of every citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
- Citizens must uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- Citizens must promote harmony and renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- Citizens must protect and improve the natural environment and have compassion for living creatures.
- A parent or guardian must provide opportunities for education to their child or ward between the ages of six and fourteen years.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What are the citizen duties in Section 51A of the Constitution of India?
Section 51A of the Constitution of India lists several fundamental duties, including respecting the Constitution, protecting the environment, upholding India's sovereignty, and providing education to children.
2. Does Section 51A of the Constitution mention the National Anthem?
Yes, Section 51A of the Constitution requires every citizen to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag, and the National Anthem.
3. What does Section 51A of the Indian Constitution say about women?
Section 51A of the Indian Constitution states that it is the duty of every citizen to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
4. At what age must parents provide education under Section 51A of the Constitution?
Under Section 51A of the Constitution, parents or guardians must provide education opportunities to their children between the age of six and fourteen years.
Test yourself
Q1.What specific age range is mentioned in Section 51A of the Constitution of India for a parent or guardian to provide educational opportunities to a child?
Q2.According to Section 51A of the Indian Constitution, citizens have a duty to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of whom?
Q3.Which three things must citizens uphold and protect under Section 51A of the Constitution of India?
Q4.How does Section 51A of the Indian Constitution describe the citizen's duty towards the natural environment?
Q5.According to Section 51A of the Constitution of India, citizens must have compassion for what?