The idea of including Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the constitution of:

The idea of including Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution was inspired by the Constitution of the former USSR (Soviet Union), which listed the duties of citizens along with their rights.

How the Fundamental Duties were added:

• The original Constitution of 1950 did not contain any Fundamental Duties.
• In 1976, during the Emergency, the government set up the Swaran Singh Committee to recommend changes to the Constitution.
• The committee recommended that a chapter on Fundamental Duties should be added, because citizens should also be aware of their duties along with their rights.
• The Fundamental Duties were added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, as a new Part of the Constitution.

Some of the Fundamental Duties:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
• To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired the national struggle for freedom.
• To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
• To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
• To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
• To protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
• To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

Nature of the Fundamental Duties:

• They are not enforceable by the courts; there is no legal penalty for not following them.
• However, the courts can take them into account while interpreting laws, and Parliament can make laws to enforce them.

The Soviet Constitution:

The Constitution of the USSR (1936, and later 1977) listed the duties of citizens, such as working, defending the country and protecting state property.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The constitutions of the USA, Ireland and Japan were not the source of this idea.