Civic Duties and Responsibilities
Civic Awareness and Public Participation
Civic Duties and Responsibilities
The rights, duties and responsibilities of every citizen as a participant in the system of governance
Civic Duties and Responsibilities
Citizens have rights as participants in the system of governance, and it is necessary to ensure that these rights are delivered properly and effectively. Actions that violate these rights must be prevented, and responsible citizenship must be practised.
Citizens also have certain duties and responsibilities towards society and the nation. These are collectively referred to as civic duties. It is the responsibility of every good citizen to fulfil these duties voluntarily.
Article 51A of the Constitution of India (1976)
- Respect and uphold the Constitution and the fundamental values of the nation; refrain from disrespecting or violating them; and cherish and follow the ideals that inspired the national freedom struggle.
- Protect and preserve public property and refrain from damaging or destroying it.
- Preserve historical and cultural heritage.
- Protect natural resources, forests, wildlife and ecological balance, and ensure their conservation.
- Protect and promote the dignity and status of women, and oppose practices that discriminate against women.
- Reject superstition and outdated social practices, and promote scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. Strive for excellence in individual and collective activities.
- Uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the nation; promote religious harmony and fraternity; and be prepared to render national service when required.
Kerala Panchayat Raj Act (1994, 1999)
The Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994, defines the duties and responsibilities of citizens residing within a Grama Panchayat area. Every person residing within a Grama Panchayat area, as a citizen of that Panchayat, is expected to fulfil the following responsibilities.
Participate in the Grama Sabha and take an active part in the local self-government process, thereby strengthening participatory democracy.
Prevent tax evasion and pay taxes promptly to ensure the own-source revenue of the Local Self-Government Institution. Avoid manipulation or excuses to evade tax payments.
Assist the Panchayat in development activities by contributing personal effort, physical and financial resources, and support for resource mobilisation.
Actively participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes.
Avoid causing public nuisance, disturbing public life or dumping waste in public places, and remain vigilant against such activities.
Cooperate with the Panchayat in implementing activities related to sanitation, disease prevention, nutrition, literacy, legal awareness and dispute resolution.
Help make the social audit process effective.
Engage in activities that promote social unity and participatory development, and oppose fundamentalism and divisive practices.
Remain vigilant against corruption and maladministration in accordance with the law. Help ensure that local self-government functions democratically.
Cooperate in the conservation of natural resources and public transport systems, and avoid their misuse or exploitation.
Promote and practise thrift, avoid extravagance and excessive consumption, and encourage self-reliant activities and public participation.
Stand against social evils such as alcoholism, drug abuse, dowry, violence against women, child labour and discrimination against disadvantaged communities.
Participate in environmental awareness activities and help maintain ecological balance.
Cooperate in the accurate collection, compilation and consolidation of statistical data. Do not provide false information, and oppose the submission of incorrect information.
Help protect and support people affected by natural disasters.
Promote habits of cooperation and saving.
Make land available for development needs and refrain from unauthorised occupation of public land.
Organise neighbourhood groups, self-help groups and mutual-help groups.
Avoid antisocial behaviour in public places and on roads, such as spitting, open defecation, urinating, drinking alcohol and smoking.
Refrain from slaughtering animals openly in public places. Do not sell meat or meat waste in the open or display them in an unhygienic or offensive manner.
Ensure that pets, domestic animals and birds receive the required vaccinations on time and obtain the necessary licences.
Comply with applicable laws and rules, refrain from violating them, and do not encourage or assist others in violating them.
Uphold gender equality and justice, and participate in activities that promote them.