UPSC Mains Question & Answer GS2

Essentially all that is contained in the part IV-A of the constitution is first a codification of tasks integral to Indian way of life. Critically examine this statement.

(IAS 2011- 250 words) 

ANS:

•  The Part IV-A of the constitution contain the Fundamental Duties, which were incorporated by the 42^nd Constitutional Amendment act. 
• Although these duties are not enforceable in a court of law yet they carry the ethical and moral connotations that are required for smooth functioning of the plural democracy like India. 
• Many of these duties reflect the ethos of Indian tradition, culture, customs, mores and practices. 
• The duties include practices such as to abjure violence, to develop scientific tempo, to preserve the rich heritage and culture, to protect and improve the environment and to promote spirit of brotherhood. 
• These practices are professed by various Indian religions like Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism etc. 
• Various great Indian rulers like Ashoka and Akbar have also adopted the similar tenets. 
• Thus the Fundamental duties codify the tenets which various Indian religion, philosophies and great rulers had envisaged since time immemorial. 
• However it is ironical that despite of the fact that Fundamental duties are present in the constitution and the crux of these duties professed from time immemorial, the ground realities are entirely different. 
• There are various instances in day to day life where citizens act exactly opposite to what is expected as Fundamental Duties. For instance there are rampant cases of communal frenzy, there are instances of citizens polluting the environment especially the rivers in the guise of religion, a bulk of population is still in the grip of various superstitious practices, and there are instances where the unscrupulous groups tend to dismantle the harmony in the society. 
• All these are exactly opposite to the Fundamental duties that constitution of India expects from the citizens. 
• We must understand that rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. 
• For smooth functioning of a plural society like India requires not awareness about rights but also to be bound by the duties.