Previous Year Question
Which of the following is NOT a fundamental duty?
To respect the National Anthem
To protect and improve the natural environment
To safeguard public property
To protect monuments and places of national importance
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Fundamental Duties are provided under Article 51A in Part IV-A of the Indian Constitution.
They were incorporated into the Constitution by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. Initially, there were 10 Fundamental Duties. Their number increased to 11 after another duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.
Option (a) is incorrect.
According to Article 51A(a), respecting the Constitution, its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen.
Therefore, respecting the National Anthem is included among the Fundamental Duties.
Option (b) is incorrect.
According to Article 51A(g), protecting and improving the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and having compassion for living creatures is a Fundamental Duty of citizens.
Additionally, Article 48A establishes the responsibility of the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
Thus, provisions relating to environmental protection are present under both the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties.
Option (c) is incorrect.
Under Article 51A(i), safeguarding public property and abjuring violence is a Fundamental Duty of every citizen.
Therefore, safeguarding public property is also included among the Fundamental Duties.
Option (d) is correct.
Article 49 of the Constitution provides for the protection of monuments, places and objects of artistic or historic interest declared to be of national importance.
This Article falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution. It establishes the responsibility of the State to protect such monuments and objects from damage, disfigurement, destruction, removal or export.
An important point is that Article 51A(f) requires citizens to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture. However, the specific provision concerning the protection of monuments and places declared to be of national importance is contained in Article 49 and is not separately listed among the Fundamental Duties.