Which Article of the Constitution of India specifies the Fundamental Duties of every citizen?

Introduction / Context:

The Fundamental Duties of citizens were added to the Constitution of India by the Forty Second Constitutional Amendment Act. They outline a moral code of conduct expected from citizens towards the nation, the Constitution, and fellow citizens. These duties are listed in a specific Article of the Constitution, which is frequently asked in examinations. This question checks whether you remember the exact Article number associated with Fundamental Duties.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The topic is Fundamental Duties of citizens under the Constitution of India.
• We must identify the Article that enumerates these duties.
• Options include Article 80, Article 343, Article 51A, Article 356, and Article 32.
• We assume the standard numbering as per the Forty Second Amendment and subsequent changes.

Concept / Approach:

The Fundamental Duties are inserted in Part IV-A of the Constitution under Article 51A. This Article lists duties such as respecting the Constitution, the National Flag, and the National Anthem, protecting the environment, and promoting harmony. The other Articles mentioned in the options relate to different matters: Article 80 deals with the composition of the Rajya Sabha, Article 343 with the official language, Article 356 with President's Rule in states, and Article 32 with the right to constitutional remedies. Only Article 51A matches the description given in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

An easy way to verify is to remember that Articles 36 to 51 belong to Part IV, which contains Directive Principles of State Policy, and that Part IV-A, inserted afterwards, begins with Article 51A. Many textbooks group these together and describe Article 51A as the sole Article in Part IV-A. Therefore, whenever the exam asks for the Article specifying Fundamental Duties, you can immediately recall Article 51A as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Article 80 defines the composition of the Rajya Sabha, including the number of members to be elected and nominated. Article 343 declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. Article 356 deals with the President's power to impose President's Rule in a state where the constitutional machinery has failed. Article 32 guarantees the right to move the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights and is often called the soul of the Constitution, but it is not about duties. None of these Articles list Fundamental Duties, so they are incorrect in this context.

Common Pitfalls:

Some learners confuse Directive Principles in Part IV with Fundamental Duties in Part IV-A because their numbers and themes sometimes overlap. Others confuse Article 51 with 51A. A useful memory aid is that Article 51 deals with promotion of international peace and security, while Article 51A, with the additional letter, contains the duties. Remembering the link between Part IV-A and Article 51A can help avoid such mistakes.

Final Answer:

The Fundamental Duties of citizens are specified in Article 51A of the Constitution of India.