Who are the Swaran Singh Committee Members?

In 1976, during the period of national emergency in India, the government formed the Swaran Singh Committee to explore ways to include Fundamental Duties in the Constitution. The committee was led by Dr. Swaran Singh, a senior leader and former Union Minister. Their primary goal was to raise awareness among citizens about their responsibilities alongside their rights. This led to the creation of Article 51A, which lists ten key Fundamental Duties. Understanding the role of the Swaran Singh Committee members is crucial to grasp how these duties became a formal part of the Indian Constitution.

Background of the Swaran Singh Committee

The Indian government realised that while the Constitution guaranteed fundamental rights to citizens, it was equally important to define their duties. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed the committee to recommend necessary changes based on India’s historical and social context. The committee strongly advised the inclusion of Fundamental Duties to encourage responsible citizenship.

The government accepted this suggestion, and the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 added these duties under a new part of the Constitution, Part IVA. This amendment also brought changes to the Preamble and other parts of the Constitution.

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Members of the Swaran Singh Committee

The committee consisted of 12 members, with Dr. Swaran Singh as Chairman. The members included:

Name	Role
Swaran Singh	Chairman
Vasanth Sathe	Member
A.R. Antulay	Member
B.N. Banerjee	Member
Rajni Patel	Member
Dinesh Goswami	Member
H.R. Gokhale	Member
D.P. Singh	Member
V.N. Gadgil	Member
C.M. Stephen	Member
S.S. Ray	Member
V.A. Sayed Muhammed	Member

How Many Fundamental Duties Did the Swaran Singh Committee Recommend?

After thorough study, the committee recommended eight Fundamental Duties. These duties focused on fostering respect for the Constitution, encouraging national harmony, protecting public property, and promoting a sense of responsibility among citizens. However, the government later expanded the list to ten duties, which were formally added to the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment. Knowing the original number of duties helps us appreciate the foundational ideas behind the current list.

Summary of Recommendations and Their Status

Recommendation	Details	Status
Suggested laws to penalise those who ignore their duties.	Proposed a new chapter defining citizens’ Fundamental Duties.	Accepted
Citizens to be aware of their duties alongside their rights	Suggested that citizens should know their responsibilities as well.	Accepted
Introduction of eight specific Fundamental Duties	Listed eight key duties covering respect for symbols, harmony, etc.	Partially accepted (10 included)
Parliament’s power to impose penalties for non-compliance	Legal consequences for failing to fulfil duties	Not accepted
Exclusion of judicial review on punishment laws	Proposed no court challenge for laws punishing non-compliance.	Not accepted
Proposed alignment of laws with the Fundamental Duties concept.	Suggested punishment for failing duties.	Not accepted
Paying taxes as a Fundamental Duty	Paying taxes is a Fundamental Duty	Not accepted
Parliament review of laws related to civic responsibilities	Recommended, including tax payment as a duty.	Accepted in principle

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What are the Fundamental Duties Added?

In 1976, the Indian Constitution was amended to include ten Fundamental Duties for citizens. These duties were suggested by the Swaran Singh Committee to remind every Indian about their responsibilities toward the nation. Here’s a clear explanation of each duty:

S.No	Fundamental Duty	Description
1.	Respect the Constitution and National Symbols	Follow the Constitution and honor symbols like the National Flag and Anthem to promote national pride and unity.
2.	Honour the Ideals of the Freedom Movement	Uphold values such as justice, equality, and freedom that guided India’s struggle for independence.
3.	Protect India’s Sovereignty and Unity	Safeguard the country’s independence and work towards its unity and integrity.
4.	Defend the Country	Be prepared to serve and protect the nation in times of need.
5.	Promote Harmony and Brotherhood	Encourage peace and understanding among diverse communities and respect the dignity of women.
6.	Preserve India’s Cultural Heritage	Protect and value India’s traditions, history, and cultural legacy.
7.	Protect the Environment	Care for nature, wildlife, and all living beings; keep the environment clean and safe.
8.	Develop Scientific Thinking	Encourage curiosity, rational thinking, and reform-oriented mindset for positive societal change.
9.	Safeguard Public Property	Avoid damage to public resources and maintain cleanliness and order in public places.
10.	Chase for Excellence	Strive for improvement and excellence in personal and community efforts to contribute to nation-building.

Conclusion

The Swaran Singh Committee significantly influenced the Indian Constitution by recommending the inclusion of Fundamental Duties. While these duties are not legally enforceable, they serve as a moral compass guiding citizens to act responsibly. By understanding the committee’s role, we appreciate how these duties contribute to national unity, integrity, and progress. This knowledge is valuable for students and all citizens committed to building a stronger India.

Related Reads

What is Constitutional Morality?	What is a Money Bill?
Who is the Father of Modern Politics?	Mughal Emperor Jahangir: Life, Legacy, and Influence
Satavahana Dynasty: History, Rulers and Decline	Lord Dalhousie: Early Life and Role in India

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