Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is not a part of Fundamental Duties under Indian Constitution?
To defend the country and render national service.
To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
To help in organizing Village Panchayats.
To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Helping in the organisation of Village Panchayats is not a Fundamental Duty. Organisation of Village Panchayats is provided under Article 40, which forms part of Part IV—Directive Principles of State Policy. It directs the State to organise Village Panchayats and endow them with powers necessary to function as units of self-government.
Option (a) is a Fundamental Duty. Under Article 51A(d), every citizen has the duty to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
Option (b) is also a Fundamental Duty. Article 51A(f) requires citizens to value and preserve the rich heritage of India's composite culture.
Option (d) is also a Fundamental Duty. Under Article 51A(i), every citizen has the duty to safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
Fundamental Duties were inserted into the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, through the addition of Part IVA and Article 51A. Initially there were 10 Fundamental Duties; a later constitutional amendment added the education-related duty, bringing the present total to 11.
The targeted distinction is—
Village Panchayats → Article 40 → DPSP
Defend Country → Article 51A(d) → Fundamental Duty
Preserve Cultural Heritage → Article 51A(f) → Fundamental Duty
Safeguard Public Property → Article 51A(i) → Fundamental Duty