DPSP & Fundamental Duties — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections

Article 46 directs the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, and to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. This DPSP supports affirmative action measures for disadvantaged groups. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: B. 11

Article 51A lists 11 Fundamental Duties. Originally 10 duties were added by the 42nd Amendment (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee. The 11th Fundamental Duty — to provide opportunities for education to one's child between the ages of 6 and 14 years — was added by the 86th Amendment (2002).

Correct Answer: B. Rights of linguistic and religious minorities

Articles 29-30 protect the cultural and educational rights of minorities. Article 29 gives every section of citizens the right to conserve its distinct language, script, or culture. Article 30 gives religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. The State shall not discriminate against minority institutions in granting aid. These rights protect the diverse cultural fabric of India.

Correct Answer: C. Article 17

Article 17 abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. Enforcement of any disability arising out of untouchability shall be an offence punishable under law. The Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (earlier Untouchability Offences Act 1955) was enacted to give effect to Article 17. Article 17 applies not only against the State but also against private individuals, making it one of the unique Fundamental Rights.

Correct Answer: B. Public employment

Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the State. It prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence. Article 16(3) allows Parliament to make laws prescribing residence requirements for certain state employment. Article 16(4) allows reservation for backward classes inadequately represented in state services.

Correct Answer: B. Article 51A(e)

Article 51A(e) requires every citizen to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic, regional or sectional diversities, and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. This duty emphasises national integration. Understanding this constitutional provision is essential for competitive examinations and civic awareness.

Correct Answer: C. Article 18

Article 18 abolishes titles and provides that no title (except military or academic distinctions) shall be conferred by the State. No citizen shall accept any title from a foreign State without the President's consent. No person holding an office of profit under the State shall accept any present, emolument, or office from any foreign State without the President's consent. This article promotes republicanism and equality by eliminating hereditary distinctions.

Correct Answer: A. 86th Amendment 2002

The 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A which provides for free and compulsory education to all children between 6 and 14 years as a Fundamental Right. Accordingly, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE Act) was enacted in 2009. The 86th Amendment also amended Article 45 (Directive Principle) and Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) to reflect this change. India became the 135th country to make education a fundamental right.

Correct Answer: B. Protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife

Article 51A(g) requires every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures. This duty mirrors the DPSP in Article 48A regarding environmental protection. Both together have been used as the constitutional basis for environmental protection by courts.

Correct Answer: A. Right to Property

The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 deleted the Right to Property (Article 31) from the list of Fundamental Rights. Now property rights are only a legal right under Article 300-A which states that no person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law. The 44th Amendment was passed by the Janata government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai. The right to property as a Fundamental Right was always controversial due to land reform legislation.