Question

Article 51-A on Fundamental Duties was inserted into the Constitution of India through which Constitutional Amendment Act?

• A. 41\textsuperscript{st} Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1976
• B. 44\textsuperscript{th} Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1978
• C. 40\textsuperscript{th} Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1976
• D. 42\textsuperscript{nd} Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1976

Hint:

Remember: The 42\textsuperscript{nd} Amendment, 1976, added both the Fundamental Duties (Part IV-A) and made changes to the Preamble, DPSPs, and Parliament–State relations. It's often nicknamed the “Mini Constitution.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Article 51-A.
Article 51-A of the Indian Constitution enumerates the Fundamental Duties of every citizen. These duties serve as moral obligations to promote patriotism and uphold the unity of India.

Step 2: Historical background.
The Fundamental Duties were not originally part of the Constitution. They were inspired by the Constitution of the former USSR, where citizens’ duties were explicitly stated.
In 1976, during the Emergency period, the Swaran Singh Committee recommended adding these duties to strengthen the sense of responsibility among citizens.

Step 3: The Constitutional Amendment.
The 42^nd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 1976—often called the “Mini Constitution” due to its wide-ranging changes—inserted Article 51-A under Part IV-A of the Constitution.
It initially listed 10 Fundamental Duties. A later amendment (86^th Amendment, 2002) added an 11^th duty relating to education for children aged 6–14.

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