The Justice J.S. Verma Committee, set up by the Government of India in 1999, was concerned with:

The Justice J.S. Verma Committee was set up in 1999 to work out a strategy and methods for teaching the Fundamental Duties to citizens and making them operational.

About Justice J.S. Verma:

• Justice Jagdish Sharan Verma was the 27th Chief Justice of India, serving in 1997 and 1998.
• He later served as Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission.

Findings of the committee:

• The committee found that some Fundamental Duties already had legal provisions to enforce them.
• It identified existing laws that support particular duties.

Examples of such laws:

• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act prevents disrespect to the Constitution, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• Criminal laws punish the promotion of enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, language or caste.
• The Protection of Civil Rights Act punishes the practice of untouchability.
• The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act deals with organisations that threaten the integrity of India.
• Wildlife and forest conservation laws give effect to the duty to protect the environment.

Recommendations:

• The committee recommended including the teaching of Fundamental Duties in schools and colleges.
• It recommended awareness campaigns so that citizens know their duties.

Other famous Verma Committee:

• In 2012 and 2013, Justice Verma also headed a committee on amendments to criminal law after the Delhi gang rape case.
• That committee led to stricter laws on crimes against women.

Value of the Fundamental Duties:

They complement the Fundamental Rights by reminding citizens that rights come with responsibilities.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Electoral reforms were studied by other committees.
• ✗Police reforms were studied by bodies such as the National Police Commission.
• ✗Judicial appointments were dealt with through the collegium system and later reforms.