Role and Responsibilities of Citizens under Indian Constitution

Constitution of India, a comprehensive document, lays down the framework for the country’s governance and ensures a balance between the rights and duties of the state and its citizens. While much emphasis is placed on the rights that the constitution guarantees to every citizen, it is equally important to highlight the roles and responsibilities that come with these rights, ensuring a healthy democracy and progressive society.

Constitutional Rights and the Implicit Responsibilities

Constitution of India explicitly enshrines several fundamental rights under Part III, ranging from the Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) to the Right to Constitutional Remedies (Article 32). These rights are crucial for the functioning of a democratic society and for safeguarding individual freedoms. However, accompanying these rights are implicit responsibilities that every citizen must adhere to, in order to maintain societal harmony and the rule of law.

Explicit Responsibilities and Duties

Recognizing the need for a formal set of duties, the Constitution was amended in 1976 during the Emergency period, by which a new section called the Fundamental Duties was added under Article 51A in Part IV-A. This addition underscores the importance of duties in maintaining national character and serves as a constant reminder to all citizens to uphold the spirit of nationalism and to promote a sense of brotherhood and equality among all.

Responsibilities are:

• To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions:

Citizens are expected to respect the Constitution and its ideals, the national flag, and the national anthem. This fundamental duty underscores the need for a basic allegiance to the principles and laws of the nation, forming the foundation of national identity.

• To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired the national struggle for freedom:

This duty calls for citizens to appreciate and emulate the values that fueled India’s freedom movement, encouraging them to foster a spirit of patriotism and to struggle against any form of oppression or injustice.

• To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India:

Every citizen has a duty to ensure that actions or words do not undermine the sovereignty and unity of the country. This is crucial in a diverse country like India, where communal and regional tensions can lead to discord.

• To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so:

Citizens are expected to defend the nation against threats and to contribute to the community according to their abilities and when required, including national service schemes or when called upon by the state.

• To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood:

India’s diversity in religion, language, and culture can only be a strength if there is a concerted effort by citizens to bridge divides and work towards mutual respect and unity.

• To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country’s composite culture:

With India’s history and cultural diversity, citizens are encouraged to preserve, protect, and promote the country’s heritage, contributing to a sense of national pride and identity.

• To protect and improve the natural environment:

Citizens are tasked with safeguarding public property and abjuring violence. Environmental conservation becomes a duty not just for personal benefit but for the welfare of the future generations.

• To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform:

Encouraging rational thought and a scientific approach in daily life is seen as essential for the progress of the society.

• To safeguard public property and to abjure violence:

Destruction of public property often leads to enormous economic losses and setbacks to progress; hence, respecting and preserving it is fundamental.

• To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity:

The pursuit of excellence is intended to inspire every citizen to commit to personal and professional growth, which in turn can contribute to the nation’s development.