Page 203 - SST Class 08

the center and the state governments have been the need for every religious community to
clearly defined under three lists—Union List, feel free to practice their religion. Therefore,
State List and Concurrent List. Right to Freedom of Religion was intro-

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS duced as a fundamental right. Every religion
has to be given equal respect and we have
Fundamental Rights are rights given to every
no right to impose our religious beliefs and
citizen of India. The constitution considered
practices upon another.
them as basic rights of every human being,
necessary in a democratic society. The Indian 5. Cultural and Educational Rights
Constitution has guaranteed its citizens six In a multi-cultural country like India where
Fundamental Rights. These are : each community has its distinct language
1. Right to Equality and culture, the constitution has guaranteed
the right of each community to promote and
The constitution declares all citizens equal in
preserve its culture. Minority communities
the eyes of law. However, the government
have the right to set up their own educa-
has made some special provisions like
tional institutions.
reservation of seats to protect the weaker
sections like the schedule castes, schedule 6. Right to Constitutional Remedies
tribes and other backward communities. The constitution guarantees the right to
Untouchability has been abolished by the constitutional remedies if any of its
constitution. Fundamental Rights are encroached upon.
2. Right to Freedom Citiziens of India have the right to go to
court if they feel their Fundamental Rights
Right to Freedom includes freedom of
are being violated. The courts defend the
speech, expression, residence, right to form
citizens’ rights except during emergency
unions, practice any profession and assem-
when a person’s fundamental rights can be
ble peacefully without arms. Right to
suspended.
Freedom provides for any person who is
A democratic society like ours ensures these
kept in detention to be brought to trail
rights to every citizen regardless of caste,
within 24 hours.
creed or community.
3. Right Against Exploitation
But, rights come with duties. A world with
In order to prevent the exploitation of the
only rights and no duties would be a world
poor, the government has provided for
of chaos. Fundamental Duties were incorpo-
minimum wages for labour. The constitution
rated into the constitution with the purpose
has also banned forced labour or beggary.
of promoting unity, patriotism and harmony
Children below 14 years are not allowed to
among the people.
work in factories and mines.
FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES
4. Right to Freedom of Religion
It shall be the duty of every citizens of India to :
India is a land of many religious communi-
1. abide by the constitution and respect its
ties living together. Freedom to practice
ideals and institutions, the National Flag
one’s religion is very important. The consti-
and the National Anthem.
tution has declared India as a secular
country. The constitution makers realised 2. cherish and follow the noble ideals which
inspired our national struggle for freedom.

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