Fundamental Rights and Duties of Indian Citizens
Fundamental Rights:
- Right to Equality: Article 14-18 guarantee equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
- Right to Freedom: Articles 19-22 ensure various freedoms such as speech, expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, and profession.
- Right against Exploitation: Articles 23-24 prohibit trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.
- Right to Freedom of Religion: Articles 25-28 grant individuals the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate religion.
- Cultural and Educational Rights: Articles 29-30 protect the rights of minorities to conserve their culture, language, and religion and provide for special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes.
- Right to Constitutional Remedies: Article 32 enables individuals to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of their fundamental rights.
Duties of Indian Citizens:
- To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions.
- To cherish and follow the noble ideals that inspired India's freedom struggle.
- 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.
- To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
- To develop the scientific temper, humanism, and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
- To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
- To provide opportunities for education to their children between the ages of 6 and 14 years.
In conclusion, fundamental rights ensure the protection of individual liberties, while duties guide citizens to contribute towards the overall welfare and development of the nation.