Useful information on our constitutional Rights and Duties

Our Rights:

To provide better living conditions for the people, the Constitution has provided some rights for every citizen. These rights of the people cannot be ignored and thus are known as the Fundamental Rights. Some of them are:

1. All the people are equal before the law.

2. All the people are free to express their views.

3. All people have the right to assemble and form lawful associations or unions.

4. All people have the right to travel in any part of India.

5. They can follow any profession or occupation of their choice.

6. They can follow, preach or practice the religion of their choice.

7. No one has the right to exploit others. Children cannot be employed as laborers.

8. Right to education for children from ages 6 to 16 years.

The courts in our country protect these Fundamental Rights of the Indian people.

Our Duties:

When we have rights, we also have duties. We must do our duties properly, if we want to enjoy our rights. Some of the Fundamental Duties are:

1. We must follow the ideals given in the Constitution.

2. We must respect our national symbols such as the National Flag and the National Anthem.

3. We must defend the unity of our country.

4. We must cooperate with the government as and when needed.

5. We must treat others as our equal.

6. We must protect and improve our natural environment.

7. We must protect the monuments and other public properties.

The Constitution has also laid down some principles for the government to follow. The aim is to work for a welfare state. These are the Directive Principles of State Policy. Some of them are:

1. The law should be made to improve the living conditions of the people.

2. There should be enough means of livelihood.

3. Men and women should get equal wages for equal work.

4. Opportunities must be provided for free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years of age.

5. Some people should not become rich at the cost of others.

6. Welfare schemes must be promoted for the benefit of scheduled castes and tribes, backward classes and the weaker sections of the society.

The constitution has been prepared to look after the welfare of all the people. Now it is our duty to respect and follow it.