Lok Sabha Question No. 3260 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-08
Subject: Cultivation of Duty-Centred Values
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Dr. Anand Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3260 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 08 TH  AUGUST, 2025

## Cultivation of Duty-Centred Values

## †3260. Dr. Anand Kumar:

## Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  practical  implementation  of  the  Fundamental  Duties  is  essential  for strengthening democracy, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government is aware of the recently launched national initiative called 'Kartavyam'  by  Delhi  University  in  collaboration  and  participation  of  other  Law Universities which seeks to make the duty-centric approach and duty jurisprudence a part of the national legislative discourse, if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether adopting a duty-centred approach will contribute to positive civic discipline, social harmony, ideological balance and the long-term strengthening of democracy; and
- (d)  if so, whether the Government is contemplating upon any policy/legal framework to  give  equal  constitutional  priority  to  fundamental  duties  as  compared  to fundamental rights so as to develop duty jurisprudence in the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE   MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)

(a): The implementation of Fundamental duties under article 51A of the Indian Constitution is a vital step toward fostering responsible citizenship within a constitutional democracy. The Hon'ble Prime Minister has emphasized that fulfilling these Fundamental duties is essential  for  national  progress,  referring  to  the  present  era  as 'Kartavya  Kaal' .  These duties  serve  as  moral  obligations  that  complement  legal  rights,  helping  to  balance individual liberty with collective responsibility in a democratic society.

They  reflect  a  constitutional  philosophy  wherein  citizens,  endowed  with  Fundamental Rights (Part III), are also expected to fulfil their Fundamental duties (Part IV-A) for the greater good of the nation. Initiatives such as the Citizen's Duties Awareness Programme (2020),  integration  of  duties  into  educational  curricula,  and  outreach  efforts  through Constitution Day observances and media broadcasts among other legal, educational, and public  initiatives  have  been  undertaken  to  promote  awareness of Fundamental duties. These efforts recognise that democracy can only truly thrive when citizens uphold both their rights and responsibilities.

(b): The Government is aware of the recently launched initiative titled 'Kartavyam' by the Campus  Law  Centre,  University of Delhi. This national initiative, undertaken in collaboration with 21 universities and institutions, aims to promote a duty-centric approach and  develop  duty  jurisprudence  within  the  framework  of  constitutional  and  legislative discourse.

In celebration of 75 glorious years of the Constitution of India, the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi, inaugurated the Kartavyam Lecture Series on April 22 Rooted in the concept  of  constitutional  duty,  the  series  aspires  to  inspire  a  profound  shift  in  public consciousness- transitioning from a rights-centric discourse to one that equally honours responsibilities.  It  represents  a  meaningful  step  toward  fostering  civic  awareness  and cultivating a culture of accountable citizenship.

' Kartavyam' is not just a lecture series- it is an unprecedented platform where courtroom legends,  eminent  jurists,  and  leading  legal  minds  converge  to  explore  and  redefine constitutional thought. Seize this opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, gain invaluable insights, and be part of a transformative dialogue on law, governance, and justice.

(c):  The Government is of the view that adopting a duty-centred approach, in line with the Fundamental  Duties  enshrined  under  Article  51A  of  the  Constitution,  can  significantly contribute  to  fostering  civic  discipline,  promoting  social  harmony,  ensuring  ideological balance, and strengthening democratic values in the long term.

Fundamental Duties serve as moral and civic responsibilities for every citizen. A culture that  emphasizes  these  duties  alongside  fundamental  rights  encourages  law-abiding behaviour, mutual respect among communities, and greater participation in democratic processes. Such an approach complements  the rights-based framework of the Constitution  by  promoting  a  balanced  and  responsible  citizenship.  The  Government promotes awareness and understanding of these duties through school curricula, public campaigns, and academic collaborations.

(d): Fundamental duties, included in Part IV-A of the Constitution through article 51A, are moral obligations rather than legally enforceable mandates. Unlike Fundamental Rights, which are justiciable and enforceable through courts, Fundamental duties remain nonjusticiable.  However,  several  key  legislations  in  India  have  been  enacted  to  give  legal effect to the values embedded in these duties.

In  addition  to  statutory  provisions,  many  Fundamental  duties  have  been  reinforced through judicial interpretation rather than explicit laws, for example, the M.C. Mehta series of  cases,  where  the  courts  interpreted  article  51A(g)  (mandating  duty  to  protect  the environment) as binding on state actions. Over the decades, India has introduced so many laws  aimed  at  protecting  national  honour,  preserving  the  environment,  safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting gender dignity, advancing education, and protecting public property. Such as: -

- (a) The Environment Protection Act 1986 and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- (b) The  Prevention  of  Damage  to  Public  Property Act,  1984,  The  Bhartiya  Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Section 325 to 327).
- (c) Right to Education Act, 2009.

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