Civic Duties and Responsibilities
As participants in the system of governance, citizens have certain rights, and it is important to ensure that these rights are provided properly and without undue delay. Citizens should also prevent actions that undermine these rights and practise responsible citizenship.
Citizens have certain duties and responsibilities towards society and the nation. These are broadly referred to as civic duties. A responsible citizen should voluntarily uphold and fulfil these duties.
Fundamental Duties – Article 51A of the Constitution of India
Under Article 51A of the Constitution of India (introduced through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976), citizens have the following fundamental duties:
Respect and uphold the Constitution, national ideals and institutions, and promote the values and ideals that inspired India’s freedom struggle.
Protect and preserve public property and refrain from damaging or destroying it.
Preserve and value India's historical, cultural and heritage assets.
Protect the natural environment, including forests, wildlife and ecological balance, and safeguard natural resources.
Respect and promote the dignity and status of women and oppose practices that discriminate against or harm women.
Develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform, while opposing superstition and harmful social practices.
Uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India, promote communal harmony and the spirit of brotherhood, and be prepared to render national service when required.
Duties and Responsibilities under the Panchayat Raj System
The Panchayat Raj framework establishes responsibilities for citizens residing within a Grama Panchayat area. As citizens of the Panchayat, residents are expected to contribute to local governance and community development in the following ways:
Participation in Local Governance
Participate actively in Grama Sabha meetings and take part directly in the local governance process, thereby strengthening participatory democracy.
Participate in planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes.
Cooperate with the Panchayat in development activities and contribute, where appropriate, through personal effort, physical resources, financial resources and voluntary labour.
Support and participate in social audit processes.
Taxes and Public Revenue
Prevent tax evasion and pay taxes and other lawful dues on time, thereby strengthening the Panchayat's own-source revenue.
Avoid fraudulent claims, misrepresentation or attempts to evade legitimate tax obligations.
Public Health, Sanitation and Community Welfare
Cooperate with the Panchayat in activities relating to sanitation, disease prevention, nutrition, literacy, legal awareness and dispute-resolution initiatives.
Avoid creating public nuisance, obstructing public life or dumping waste in public places, and remain vigilant against such practices.
Avoid anti-social behaviour in public places and on roads, including spitting, open defecation, public drinking and smoking where prohibited.
Work against social evils such as alcohol and drug abuse, dowry, violence against women, child labour and discrimination or violence against disadvantaged communities.
Promote gender equality and social justice and participate in activities that advance these principles.
Social Harmony and Democratic Values
Oppose fundamentalism, communalism and divisive practices, and support social harmony and participatory development.
Remain vigilant against corruption and maladministration through lawful and democratic means.
Help create conditions that strengthen democratic and accountable local governance.
Environment and Natural Resources
Participate in environmental awareness and conservation activities and help maintain ecological balance.
Cooperate in protecting natural resources and public transport systems, and refrain from their misuse, overexploitation or destruction.
Support measures for the protection and conservation of public resources.
Disaster Management and Community Support
Assist in protecting and supporting people affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
Develop and promote saving, cooperation and mutual-aid practices within the community.
Community Organisation and Self-Help
Promote neighbourhood groups, self-help groups and mutual-aid groups.
Encourage community participation and collective action for local development.
Practise economy and responsible use of resources, avoid unnecessary extravagance and encourage self-reliant community initiatives.
Responsible Use of Land and Public Spaces
Cooperate, where lawfully required, in making land available for legitimate public development purposes.
Do not illegally occupy or encroach upon public land.
Help protect public spaces and community assets.
Animals and Public Hygiene
Do not slaughter animals openly in public places.
Do not display or sell meat or animal waste in an open, unhygienic or offensive manner.
Ensure that pet and domestic animals and birds receive necessary vaccinations and licences/registrations as required by law.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Observe applicable laws, rules and regulations and refrain from violating them.
Do not encourage, assist or facilitate violations of law.
Provide accurate information when required for legitimate public purposes and cooperate in the collection, compilation and verification of statistical data.
Do not knowingly provide false information or encourage others to do so.
