Question

The 'Fundamental Duties' contained in the Constitution of India were incorporated on the recommendation of which of the following Committees?

• A. Sarkaria Commission
• B. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
• C. Swaran Singh Committee
• D. Verma Committee

Hint:

Remember the important association:

• Swaran Singh Committee \(\rightarrow\) Fundamental Duties

• Balwant Rai Mehta Committee \(\rightarrow\) Panchayati Raj

• Sarkaria Commission \(\rightarrow\) Centre-State Relations

• Verma Committee \(\rightarrow\) Implementation of Fundamental Duties
A common examination question is: ``Which committee recommended Fundamental Duties?'' The answer is always Swaran Singh Committee.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the country and contains provisions relating to Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties. While Fundamental Rights protect the freedoms of citizens, Fundamental Duties remind citizens of their responsibilities towards the nation. Originally, the Constitution adopted in 1950 did not contain any Fundamental Duties. These duties were introduced later through a constitutional amendment during a period of major constitutional reforms. The inclusion of Fundamental Duties was intended to create a balance between rights and responsibilities and to encourage citizens to actively contribute to national development and unity.

Step 1: Understanding the origin of Fundamental Duties. When the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, it contained:

• Fundamental Rights (Part III)

• Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV)
However, there was no separate provision dealing with the duties of citizens. During the 1970s, it was felt that citizens should not only enjoy constitutional rights but should also be aware of their obligations toward the nation. Therefore, the Government constituted a committee to examine this issue and recommend suitable provisions.

Step 2: Examining the role of the Swaran Singh Committee. In 1976, the Government of India established the: \[ \boxed{\text{Swaran Singh Committee}} \] under the chairmanship of Sardar Swaran Singh, a distinguished political leader and former Union Minister. The committee was entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing constitutional provisions and suggesting reforms. One of its important recommendations was the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Constitution. The committee believed that:

• Citizens should be conscious of their duties.

• Rights and duties should exist together.

• National unity and discipline could be strengthened through constitutional duties.

Step 3: Understanding how the recommendation was implemented. Based on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee, Parliament enacted the: \[ \boxed{\text{42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976}} \] This amendment introduced:

• Part IV-A into the Constitution.

• Article 51-A.
Initially, ten Fundamental Duties were inserted. Later, through the: \[ \boxed{\text{86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002}} \] an additional Fundamental Duty relating to education of children was added, increasing the total number of Fundamental Duties to eleven.

Step 4: Analyzing Option (A) Sarkaria Commission. The Sarkaria Commission was established in 1983. Its primary objective was to examine:

• Centre-State relations.

• Distribution of powers between the Union and States.

• Federal structure of India.
It had no role in recommending Fundamental Duties. Therefore, Option (A) is incorrect.

Step 5: Analyzing Option (B) Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee was appointed in 1957. It is famous for recommending: \[ \boxed{\text{Panchayati Raj System}} \] The committee proposed a three-tier system of local self-government to strengthen democratic decentralization. It was not connected with Fundamental Duties. Therefore, Option (B) is incorrect.

Step 6: Analyzing Option (D) Verma Committee. The Verma Committee was constituted much later in 1999. Its purpose was not to recommend the inclusion of Fundamental Duties. Instead, it examined:

• Existing legal provisions supporting Fundamental Duties.

• Measures for their effective implementation.
Hence, it was not responsible for introducing Fundamental Duties into the Constitution. Therefore, Option (D) is incorrect.

Step 7: Final conclusion. The recommendation for incorporating Fundamental Duties into the Constitution of India was made by the: \[ \boxed{\text{Swaran Singh Committee}} \] Consequently, through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, Fundamental Duties were added under Article 51-A. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) Swaran Singh Committee}} \]