Civic Duties and Responsibilities
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CIVIC AWARENESS
Civic Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible Citizen Participation is the Strength of Democracy
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Citizen Participation
As participants in the system of governance, citizens have certain rights. These rights should be ensured in a definite and proper manner. Actions that undermine these rights should be prevented, and responsible exercise of civic rights should be promoted.
Citizens also have certain duties and responsibilities towards society and the nation. These are broadly referred to as civic duties. It is the responsibility of every good citizen to observe these duties voluntarily and contribute to the welfare of society and the nation.
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01
Fundamental Duties
Article 51A of the Constitution of India
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The following civic responsibilities promote respect for constitutional values, national unity, social harmony and responsible citizenship.
01. Respect and abide by the Constitution and its fundamental values, uphold the ideals of the national freedom struggle, and refrain from acts of disrespect or violation.
02. Protect, preserve and safeguard public property and refrain from damaging or destroying it.
03. Preserve and protect the historical and cultural heritage of the country.
04. Protect natural resources, forests and wildlife, and safeguard the ecological balance and environment.
05. Protect and uphold the dignity and status of women and oppose practices that undermine the dignity of women.
06. Promote scientific temper, scientific awareness and humanism; oppose superstition and harmful social practices; and strive towards excellence in individual and social life.
07. Uphold the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the nation; promote communal harmony and the spirit of brotherhood; and be prepared to render national service when required.
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02
Duties under the Panchayat Raj Framework
Responsibilities of citizens in Local Self Government
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The Panchayat Raj framework provides for duties and responsibilities of citizens residing within a Grama Panchayat area. Citizens are expected to actively contribute to participatory, transparent and responsible local governance.
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01 Participate in Gram Sabha meetings and take an active part in the local governance process, thereby strengthening participatory democracy.
02 Prevent tax evasion and pay taxes accurately and on time, thereby strengthening the own-source revenue of the Local Self Government Institution.
03 Assist the Panchayat in development activities and contribute to the mobilisation of personal, material and financial resources and voluntary labour.
04 Participate actively in planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes.
05 Avoid causing public nuisance, obstruction to public life or dumping of waste in public places, and remain vigilant against such practices.
06 Cooperate with the Panchayat in implementing programmes relating to sanitation, disease prevention, nutrition, literacy, legal awareness and dispute resolution.
07 Support and contribute to making the social audit process meaningful and effective.
08 Participate in activities that promote social harmony, inclusive development and cooperation, and oppose divisive practices.
09 Remain vigilant against corruption and maladministration in accordance with law and support democratic local self-government.
10 Cooperate in the protection and maintenance of natural resources, public transport systems and other public assets, and refrain from their misuse or exploitation.
11 Promote and practise economy, avoid unnecessary extravagance and encourage self-reliance, collective action and public participation.
12 Stand against social evils such as alcoholism, drug abuse, dowry, violence against women, child labour and discrimination against disadvantaged sections of society.
13 Participate in environmental awareness activities and contribute to maintaining ecological balance.
14 Cooperate in the accurate collection, compilation and consolidation of statistical information and refrain from providing false information.
15 Assist in protecting and supporting persons affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.
16 Develop habits of cooperation, saving and mutual assistance.
17 Cooperate in making land available for genuine development requirements and refrain from unauthorised occupation of public land.
18 Organise and participate in neighbourhood groups, self-help groups and mutual-aid groups.
19 Avoid anti-social practices in public places and on roads, including spitting, open defecation, public drinking and smoking.
20 Refrain from slaughtering animals openly in public places and from displaying or selling meat and meat waste in an open or objectionable manner.
21 Ensure that pet animals, domestic animals and birds receive necessary vaccinations and obtain the required licences wherever applicable.
22 Observe all applicable laws and regulations, refrain from violating them and do not encourage or assist others in violating them.
23 Promote and uphold equality and justice between women and men and participate in activities that support gender equality.
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Responsible Citizen Participation
Strong Local Democracy • Transparency • Accountability • Social Responsibility
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