Test: Constitution & Political System - 2 - UPSC MCQ

• The Directive Principles of State Policy are enumerated in Part IV of the Constitution from Articles 36 to 51.
• This idea was borrowed from the Irish Constitution of 1937, which had copied it from the Spanish Constitution.
• These principles were described as ‘novel features’ of the Indian Constitution by Dr BR Ambedkar and along with the Fundamental Rights contain the philosophy of the Constitution and is the soul of the Constitution, also described as the ‘Conscience of the Constitution’.

Features:

• They are the constitutional instructions or recommendations to the State in legislative, executive and administrative matters where the phrase ‘Directive Principles of State Policy’ denotes the ideals that the 'State' (as defined in Article 36) should keep in mind while formulating policies and enacting laws.   
• They resemble the ‘Instrument of Instructions’ enumerated in the Government of India Act of 1935; in Ambedkar's words the Directive Principles are like the instrument of instructions, which were issued to the Governor-General and to the Governors of the colonies of India by the British Government and is merely another name for the instrument of instructions with only difference that they are instructions to the legislature and the executive.
• They constitute a very comprehensive economic, social and political programme for a modern democratic State to aim at realizing the high ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity as outlined in the Preamble to the Constitution which embody the concept of a ‘welfare state’ and not that of a ‘police state’, which existed during the colonial era i.e. they seek to establish economic and social democracy in the country. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• They are non-justiciable in nature i.e. they are not legally enforceable by the courts for their violation and therefore, the government (central, state and local) cannot be compelled to implement them but the Constitution (in Article 37) itself says that these principles are nevertheless fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• Though non-justiciable in nature, they help the courts in examining and determining the constitutional validity of a law, as the Supreme Court has many times ruled that if a court finds that the law in question seeks to give effect to a Directive Principle, it may consider such law to be ‘reasonable’ in relation to Article 14 (equality before law) or Article 19 (six freedoms) and thus save such law from unconstitutionality.

The correct answer is Directive Principles of State Policy.

• A welfare state is a concept of government where the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social welfare of its citizens.
• DPSPs promote the ideal of the welfare state by emphasizing the state to promote the welfare of people by providing them with basic facilities like shelter, food, and clothing.

Key Points

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
  • Articles 36-51 of Part-IV of the Indian Constitution deals with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). 
  • They are borrowed from the constitution of Ireland. 
  • They act as directives to the government to create any law.
  • They act as the ‘instrument of instructions’.

Additional Information

• Preamble:
  • The preamble can be referred to as the preface of the constitution as it highlights the entire constitution.
  • The preamble is the soul of the constitution as it is the part of the constitution.
  • Preamble acts as an interpreter of the constitution.
  • Whenever a question of doubt arises in the interpretation of the constitution then the matter is decided in the light of preamble.
• Fundamental Rights:
  • Articles 12-35 of Part - III of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights.
  • Fundamental rights are enforceable in the court of law.
  • The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the allocation of powers and functions between Union & States.

The correct answer is Fundamental Duties.

Confusion Points

• Preamble finds the mention of the words "Sovereign, Unity and Integrity".
• However, if you try to focus on the complete sentence i.e "To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India" is a provision mentioned in Article 51-A of the Constitution i.e Fundamental Duties.

Key Points

Fundamental Duties:

• The fundamental duties were incorporated in Part IV-A of our constitution through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.
• At present, there are eleven fundamental duties under article 51 A of the constitution.
• The idea of Fundamental Duties has been borrowed from the erstwhile USSR.
• Originally the duties were ten in number, later on through 86th Amendment Act, 2002, the eleventh Fundamental duty was added.
• Swaran Singh Committee recommended the inclusion of Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution.
• Fundamental duties are non-enforceable in nature.
• Following are the eleven Fundamental Duties:
  1. To 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 amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
  6. To value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.
  7. To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
  8. To develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
  9. To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
  10. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity, so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
  11. To provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six to fourteen years. This duty was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.

Additional Information

• Preamble:
  • The preamble can be referred to as the preface of the constitution as it highlights the entire constitution.
  • The preamble is the soul of the constitution as it is part of the constitution.
  • Preamble acts as an interpreter of the constitution.
  • Whenever a question of doubt arises in the interpretation of the constitution then the matter is decided in the light of the preamble.
• Fundamental Rights:
  • Articles 12-35 of Part - III of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights.
  • Fundamental rights are enforceable in the court of law.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
  • Articles 36-51 of Part-IV of the Indian Constitution deals with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP). 
  • They are borrowed from the constitution of Ireland. 
  • DPSP's are non-justiciable and are not enforceable in the court of law.
  • They act as directives to the government to create any law.
  • They act as the ‘instrument of instructions’.

The Supreme Court is the Custodian of the Constitution of India.  

• It is the guardian of fundamental rights (Article 32).
• It has the power of Judicial review. 
• Indian Judiciary is an integrated, powerful, and independent judiciary. 
• The Legislature and the Executive participate directly in the law-making process but it's the judiciary that safeguards Public Interest by checking into overreach, misuse, and error of law. 
• The Supreme Court is also an interpreter and Guardian of the constitution.  
• The authority to amend the constitution is with Parliament but the Supreme Court has the authority to examine the validity of these amendments. (Amend constitution except for Basic structure: Keshavananda Bharati case)
• The supreme court ensures that all the government branches perform their duties in accordance with the constitution through various checks and balances.

The correct answer is to protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes.

• The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution deals with the administration and control of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes in any state except the four states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, on the other hand, deals with the administration of the tribal areas in the four northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• It protects the interest of Schedule tribes.
• Hence Option A is Correct
• It does not relate to the boundaries of states. Hence Option B is Not Correct.
• It excludes the fifth and sixth schedule areas from the application of the Panchayati Raj system.
• This is to ensure that the local tribal practices, customs, religious laws, social and political institutions are not tampered with. Hence Option C is also Not Correct.
• It does not protect the interests of the border States. Hence Option D is Not Correct.

The correct answer is the Directive Principles of State Policy.

• In the Constitution of India, promotion of international peace and security is included in the "Directive Principles of State Policy".
• Article 51 says to promote international peace and security and maintain just and honourable relations between nations. It is to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations and to encourage settlement of the international dispute by arbitration.
• These provisions are contained in Part IV (Article 36–51) of the Constitution of India. However, these are not enforceable by any court.
• It is the duty of the states to consider Directive Principles while making laws for the welfare of the people.
• It is taken from the Constitution of Ireland.
• The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was adopted i.e. November 26, 1949. 
• The objectives are to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.
• The Ninth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains a list of central and state laws which cannot be challenged in courts.
• The fundamental duties are included in Article 51-A of the Indian Constitution. There are 11 fundamental duties to which citizens must abide by.

• The Tenth Schedule was inserted in the Constitution in 1985 by the 52nd Amendment Act.
• It deals with the Anti defection law i.e, provisions as to disqualification on the ground of defection.
• Decision on questions as to disqualification on the ground of detection:-
  • If any question arises as to whether a member of a House has become subject to disqualification under this Schedule, the question shall be referred for the decision of the Chairman or, as the case may be, the Speaker of such House and his decision shall be final
  • Provided that where the question which has arisen is as to whether the Chairman or the Speaker of a House has become subject to such disqualification, the question shall be referred for the decision of such member of the House as the House may elect in this behalf and his decision shall be final.

PREAMBLE:

1. It is a short introduction to the Indian Constitution.

According to the Preamble-

•  The source of authority of the Indian Constitution lies with the Indian people.
•  India is a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic nation.
• Objectives - to secure justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens and promote fraternity so as to maintain the unity and integrity of India.

1. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution secures the Social, Economic, and Political Justice of its people.
2. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution gives Liberty of Thought, Expression, Belief, Faith, and Worship to its people.
3. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution gives  Equality of Status and Opportunity to its people.

DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY (DPSP):

1. These are the 15 guidelines given to the federal institutes governing the State of India that are to be kept under consideration while forming the laws.
2. These are moral obligations and not legal bindings on the state authorities.
3. Articles 36-51 in Part IV of the Indian Constitution contain the DPSP.
4. Borrowed from the Irish Constitution.
5. As per Article 38 of the DPSP, the state shall strive to promote the welfare of the people of India by securing and protecting their Social, Economic, and Political justice.

Hence, Economic Justice is one of the main objectives of both the Preamble as well as DPSP.

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Key Points

• NDC is listed as an advisory body to the Planning commission. Moreover, the plans made by the Planning commission are placed before NDC for its acceptance. 
• Now, the National Development Council (NDC) and Planning Commission (PC) has been abolished now. Hence statement 1 is not correct.
  • NDC used to advise PC on planning and included all CMs and union ministers etc.
• The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
• The 73rd Amendment 1992 added a new Part IX to the constitution titled “The Panchayats” covering provisions from Article 243 to 243(O); and a new Eleventh Schedule covering 29 subjects within the functions of the Panchayats.
  • Hence statement 3 is correct.

​​​Additional Information

• National Development Council was an organ of the Planning Commission
  • Planning Commission was replaced by a new institution – NITI AAYYOG on January 1, 2015, with emphasis on the ‘Bottom –Up’ approach to envisage the vision of Maximum Governance, Minimum Government, echoing the spirit of ‘Cooperative Federalism’.
  • Objectives
    • To foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a continuous basis, recognizing that strong States make a strong nation.
    • To develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and aggregate these progressively at higher levels of government.
    • To ensure, on areas that are specifically referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy and policy.
    • To pay special attention to the sections of our society that may be at risk of not benefitting adequately from economic progress.
    • To provide advice and encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and national and international like-minded Think Tanks, as well as educational and policy research institutions.
    • To create a knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support system through a collaborative community of national and international experts, practitioners and other partners.
    • To offer a platform for the resolution of inter-sectoral and inter-departmental issues in order to accelerate the implementation of the development agenda.
    • To maintain a state-of-the-art Resource Centre, be a repository of research on good governance and best practices in sustainable and equitable development as well as help their dissemination to stake-holders.

CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES:

1. The bodies/institutions that find a place in the Constitution of India, are termed Constitutional Bodies.
2. The table mentioned below contains the names of the Constitutional Bodies and the Article in which they are mentioned:
   

NON-CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES:

• The institutions that do not find a place in the Constitution and are established after passing an act of Parliament.
• Following are some of the Non-Constitutional Bodies:

1. Central Bureau of Investigation
2. Central Information Commission
3. Central Vigilance Commission
4. Lokpal and Lokayuktas
5. NITI Aayog
6. National Development Council
7. National Disaster Management Authority
8. National Human Right Commission
9. National Investigation Agency
10. State Human Right Commission

The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2.

PROCEDURE OF AMENDMENT (ARTICLE 368):

1. The amendment process is initiated by introducing a bill in any of the two houses of the Parliament, but not in the state legislatures.
2. A minister or any private member can initiate the bill and prior permission of the President is not required.
3. A simple majority (i.e. majority of the total membership of the House) and a special majority (i.e. majority of two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting) is required in each house for the bill to be passed.
4. Federal provisions of the Constitution can be amended only after the ratification by the legislatures of half of the states by a simple majority.
5. The bill is then sent for the assent of the President. He can neither withhold his assent to the bill nor return the bill for reconsideration of the Parliament, i.e. he has to give his assent in any case.
6. With the President's assent to the bill, it becomes a Constitutional Amendment Act and the Constitution stands amended in accordance with the terms of the Act.

The correct answer is Directive Principles of State Policy.

Key Points

• The Constitution itself declares that the Directive Principles of State Policy are fundamental to the governance of the country.
• These are the constitutional instructions or recommendations to the State in legislative, executive, and administrative matters.
• Hence option 3 is correct.

​​Additional Information

• Socialistic Principles:
  • to promote the welfare of the people by securing a social order permeated by social, economic, and political justice and to minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities and opportunities. (Art 38)
  • to secure (a) the right to adequate means of livelihood for all citizens; (b) the equitable distribution of material resources of the community for common good; (c) prevention of concentration of wealth and means of production; (d) equal pay for equal work for men and women; (e) preservation of the health and strength of workers and children against forcible abuse; and (f) opportunities for the healthy development of children. (Art 39)
  • to promote equal justice and to provide free legal aid to the poor. (Art 39A)
  • to secure the right to work, to education and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement. (Art 41)
  • to make provision for just and humane conditions for work and maternity relief. (Art 42)
  • to secure a living wage, a decent standard of living and social and cultural opportunities for all workers. (Art 43)
  • to take steps to secure the participation of workers in the management of industries. (Art 43A)
  • to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living of people and to improve public health. (Art 47)
• The Gandhian Principles:
  • Based on Gandhian ideology, these include
    • organizing village Panchayats and endowing them with necessary powers and authority to enable them to function as units of self-government. (Art 40)
    • promoting cottage industries on an individual or co-operation basis in rural areas. (Art 43)
    • promoting voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of co-operative societies. (Art 43B)
    • promoting the educational and economic interests of SCs, STs and other weaker sections of the society and protecting them from social injustice and exploitation. (Art 46)
    • prohibiting the consumption of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health. (Art 47)
    • prohibiting the slaughter of cows, calves and other milch and drought cattle and improving their breeds. (Art 48)
• Liberal-Intellectual Principles:
  • These principles represent the ideology of liberalism and direct the state to
    • secure for all citizens a uniform civil code. (Art 44)
    • to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of 6 years. (Art 45)
    • to organise agricultural and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. (Art 48)
    • to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife. (Art 48A)
    • to protect monuments, places and objects of artistic or historic interest which are declared to be of national importance. (Art 49)
    • to separate the judiciary from the executive in the public services of the state. (Art 50)
    • to promote international peace and security and maintain just and honourable relations between nations; to foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and to encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. (Art 51)

The correct answer is elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.

• The Cabinet Mission Plan formulated a scheme under which the Constituent Assembly was formed in November 1946.

Following are the salient features of the scheme:

1. The Constituent Assembly's total strength was fixed as 389, out of which 296 seats were to be allotted to British India
   and 93 seats to the princely states.
2. Seats allotment in each province and princely state was to be done in accordance with their respective population.
3. In each British province, the seats allocated were divided among Muslims, Sikhs, and General communities in proportion to their population.
4. The representatives of each community were to be elected only by members of their own community in the provincial legislative assembly.
5. The heads of the princely state nominated the representatives of their states.

Important Points

• The Constituent Assembly thus formed was a partly elected and partly nominated body.
• Also, the Constituent Assembly from the Provinces were indirectly elected by the Provincial Legislative Assemblies.

The correct answer is the Government of India Act, 1935.

Key Points

• Government of India Act of 1935: 
  • The Act marked a second milestone towards a completely responsible government in India. It was a lengthy and detailed document having 321 Sections and 10 Schedules.

Additional Information

• The features of this Act were as follows:  
  • It provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation consisting of provinces and princely states as units.
    • The Act divided the powers between the Centre and units in terms of three lists–Federal List (for Centre, with 59 items), Provincial List (for provinces, with 54 items) and the Concurrent List (for both, with 36 items).
    • Residuary powers were given to the Viceroy.
    • However, the federation never came into being as the princely states did not join it.
  • It abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced ‘provincial autonomy’ in its place.
    • The provinces were allowed to act as autonomous units of administration in their defined spheres.
    • Moreover, the Act introduced responsible Governments in provinces, that is, the Governor was required to act with the advice of ministers responsible to the provincial legislature.
    • This came into effect in 1937 and was discontinued in 1939.
  • It provided for the adoption of dyarchy at the Centre.
    • Consequently, the federal subjects were divided into reserved subjects and transferred subjects.
    • However, this provision of the Act did not come into operation at all.
  • It introduced bicameralism in six out of eleven provinces.
    • Thus, the legislatures of Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Assam and the United Provinces were made bicameral consisting of a legislative council (upper house) and a legislative assembly (lower house).
    • However, many restrictions were placed on them.
  • It further extended the principle of communal representation by providing separate electorates for depressed classes (Scheduled Castes), women and labor (workers).
  • It abolished the Council of India, established by the Government of India Act of 1858.
    • The secretary of state for India was provided with a team of advisors.
  • It extended the franchise. About 10 percent of the total population got the voting right.
  • It provided for the establishment of a Reserve Bank of India to control the currency and credit of the country.
  • It provided for the establishment of not only a Federal Public Service Commission but also a Provincial Public Service Commission and Joint Public Service Commission for two or more provinces.
  • It provided for the establishment of a Federal Court, which was set up in 1937.

• Part IV A of the Indian constitution constitutes fundamental duties for citizens under A 51A.

It shall be the duty of every citizen of India:

• to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem;
• to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom;
• to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India;
• to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so;
• to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
• to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture;
• to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures;
• to develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform;
• to safeguard public property and to abjure violence;
• to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement;
• who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or, as the case may be, ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
• Hence only 1, 3 and 4 are correct.

• The President lays Reports and Statements before the parliament of the following bodies,
  • Reports of Auditor General
  • Annual report of UPSC
  • Reports of Finance Commission
  • Reports of Special officers of SC & ST
  • Report of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
  • Report of the National Commission of Backward Classes
• Hence statement 1, 3 and 4 are correct.
• Article 112-
  • The President shall in respect of every financial year cause to be laid before both the Houses of Parliament a statement of the estimated receipts and expenditure of the Government of India for that year, in this Part referred to as the “annual financial statement”. 

Important Points

• The Public Account Committee carries out the examination of the Appropriation Accounts relating to the Railways, Defence Services, P&T Department and other Civil Ministries of the Government of India and Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India thereon as also the Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General on Revenue Receipts mainly form the basis of the deliberation of the Committee.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General is the “friend, philosopher and guide” of the Committee.
• The Public Accounts Committee examines public expenditure.
• That public expenditure is not only examined from a legal and formal point of view to discover technical irregularities but also from the point of view of the economy, prudence, wisdom, and propriety.
• The sole purpose to do this is to bring out cases of waste, loss, corruption, extravagance, inefficiency, and nugatory expenses.
• Hence statement 2 is not correct.

The correct answer is 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

Key Points

• Article 45- Provides for early childhood care and education below the age of six years. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Under Schedule 11 of the constitution, the Panchayati raj institutions have allowed 29 subjects to work in their local areas. Education is one of them. Similarly, Schedule 12 of the constitution provides for 18 subjects and education is included here also. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• The Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the administration and management of Scheduled areas and Scheduled tribes where tribal communities are in majority.
• This Schedule aims to hold the state accountable for the advancement of tribals’ educational and economic objectives. It also attempts to give them social justice and protect them from all forms of exploitation. Hence Statement 3 is correct.
• According to the Sixth Schedule Autonomous District Councils (ADC) were established in four northeastern states, namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram.
• These councils within their respective districts, shall have power to make laws with respect to education, primary and secondary and vocational training. Hence Statement 4 is correct.
• The seventh schedule of the constitution deals with the distribution of powers among states and centres via three lists i.e State List, Center List and Concurrent List. 
• 42nd amendment Act 1976 shifted below mentioned five subjects from the State list to Concurrent List:
  • Education
  • Forests
  • Protection of wild animals and birds
  • Weights and measures and
  • Administration of justice, constitution and organisation of all courts except the Supreme Court and the High Courts. 

The correct answer is option B.

Key Points

• Rajya Sabha is authorized to do the following
  • It can authorize the parliament to make a law on a subject enumerated in the state list (Art.249).
  • It can authorize the parliament to create a new India service common to both the Centre and the State (Art.312).

The correct answer is 2 and 3 only.

Key Points

The Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy are Organizing village Panchayats and Promoting cottage industries in rural areas.

• The Directive Principles of the State Policy (DPSPs) lay down the guidelines for the state and are reflections of the overall objectives laid down in the Preamble of the Constitution.
• DPSPs are incorporated to attain the ultimate ideals of preamble i.e. Justice, Liberty, Equality, and fraternity.
• The Directive Principles of State Policy of India are the guidelines or 15 principles given to the federal institutes governing the State of India, to be kept in citation while framing laws and policies.
• These provide Part IV of the Constitution of India, are not enforceable by any court, but the principles laid down therein are considered in the governance of the country, making it the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws to establish a just society in the country.
• The principles have been inspired by the Directive Principles given in the Constitution of Ireland which is related to social justice, economic welfare, foreign policy, and legal and administrative matters.

Additional Information

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is defined in our Constitution under Article 44 of Directive Principles of State Policy.

• It states that it is the duty of the state to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. In other words, we can say that it means one country one rule.
• Securing for all the workers' reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities.
• Making efforts to raise the standard of living and public health.
• Providing early childhood care and education to all children until they complete the age of 6 years.

Option A is correct, i.e. To vote in public elections.

• To vote in public elections is not a fundamental duty.
• The Swaran Singh Committee is related to the Fundamental Duties in India.
• On the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee, 11 Fundamental Duties were added to the Indian Constitution.
• Article 51A deals with the Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution.
• The Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution were added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976.
• The concept of fundamental duties of the Indian constitution was borrowed from the USSR(Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
• There are 11 fundamental duties, they are:
  • Abide by the Constitution and respect national flag & National Anthem.
  • Follow ideals of the freedom struggle.
  • Protect sovereignty & integrity of India.
  • Defend the country and render national services when called upon.
  • Sprit of a common brotherhood.
  • Preserve composite culture.
  • Preserve the natural environment.
  • Develop a scientific temper.
  • Safeguard public property.
  • Strive for excellence.
  • Duty fo all parents/guardians to send their children in the age group of 6-14 years to school.