6 Indian rights and 10 compulsory duties of an Indian citizen

Introduction to basic rights and compulsory duties

This basic rights will highlight the rights and duties of Indian citizens The constitution of India has framed certain rights to safeguard the people for a better India. In order to live a happy and sustainable life without any hindrance from a political party, a person or a community, the constitution has kept various courts in charge, in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the state.

Most of the Indian citizens are well aware of their constitutional rights, but most of them pay little to no attention to their duties towards the state. Little do we realize that our rights and duties are a two way procedure and are faces of the same coin. In order to ensure a regular and smooth functioning of the state, the citizens should fulfill their duties, which are often neglected by most of us.

The constitution of India provides six fundamental rights to every citizen irrespective of their background, these rights are meant to overcome the pre- Independence short– comings and aims for a democratic society in which religious and ethnic minorities are not only protected but also provided with the opportunity to prosper for a better livelihood and well-being by living to the rights and duties.

List of rights and duties

Certain rights have been demanded from the constitution such as the right to work and the right to economic assistance in case of unemployment. The fundamental and basic rights of any individual are as follows –

1. The right to equality (Article 14- 18) – This right clearly states that a person should not be discriminated on the grounds of his/ her race, religion, color, place, sex. Democracy can prevail and flourish only when the citizens  are treated without any discrimination.
2. The right to freedom (Article 19- 22) – Freedom can be defined as the right to speak, act and live in dignity. The right to freedom is associated as a human right which includes civil liberty and political freedom.
3. The right against exploitation (Article 23 and 24) – This right clearly states that the Constitution prohibits human trafficking. During pre- Independence forced labors were imposed by landlords, moneylenders and other wealthy landholders, thus in order to prevent the poor farmers from being exploited for their labor, this right came into existence.
4. The right to freedom of religion (Article 25 – 28) – An individual is free to express and practice his/her religion without the hindrance and interference of any third party.
5. Cultural and educational rights (Article 29 and 30) – This right states that every section of the Indian society has the right and privilege to preserve and conserve their language, script and culture.
6. The right to constitutional remedies (Article 32- 35) – This right states that if a citizen’s plea is not heard and answered by the high court, he/she can approach the Supreme court for further justice.

Along with the rights of citizens, the constitution also consists of fundamental duties which were added to the Constitution by the 42^nd Amendment Act in 1976 under Article 51A part 4A. The Russian Constitution was a source of inspiration for the fundamental duties of the Indian citizens. The fundamental right obliges its citizens to respect the national symbol of India and its Constitution. The two ways process of rights and duties enables the Indian citizens to create a sense of brotherhood amongst all living beings, however the abolition of fundamental duties is not a punishable offence and as they are not enforceable on any citizen.

Introduction to 10 compulsory duties

However there is a vast gap between the written work in the Constitution and the practical effort which can be bridged by the fundamental duties. Following are the duties of every citizen which the constitution urges an individual to follow so as to ensure smooth functioning of the state-

1. Every citizen should abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
2. To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom
3. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
4.  To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
5. To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all people of India, irrespective of their regional, linguistic and religious diversities.
6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
7. To protect and improve the natural environment including lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for all living creatures.
8. To develop a scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry.
9. To safeguard public property and avoid violence.
10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation rises to higher levels of achievement.
11. https://youtu.be/TyP09S0UEzA