Viksit Bharat 2047
Akhilesh Singh Jamwal
As India strides towards its centenary of independence, the ambitious vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 embodies the nation’s collective aspiration for multi-dimensional progress – economic prosperity, social inclusion, and global leadership. Yet, achieving this monumental goal demands confronting an uncomfortable truth: citizen complacency, ingrained over decades, is crippling our potential. We envision gleaming infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation, but overlook the foundational bedrock: the disciplined, civic-minded character of our populace.
The perception of Indians as lacking civic sense, often facing discrimination abroad, and the erosion of India’s soft power are stark symptoms of a deeper malaise. This stems from viewing development solely as the Government’s responsibility, reducing citizens to passive recipients. The consequence is indiscipline, littered public spaces, traffic anarchy, vandalism of national assets, and a pervasive disregard for collective well-being that directly impedes national progress and squanders resources. A developed nation isn’t just built on GDP; it’s built on the daily choices of its citizens.
The framers of our Constitution foresaw this risk. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 introduced Fundamental Duties (Article 51A), the essential flip side to Fundamental Rights. While Rights grant freedom, Duties ensure responsible citizenship, preventing freedom from descending into chaos. They recognise that true development hinges not just on state action, but crucially on the character, cooperation, and active contribution of its people.Duties like cherishing our heritage, protecting the environment, developing scientific temper, and striving for excellence aren’t mere suggestions; they are the blueprint for a harmonious, progressive society.
Ironically, duties, though famously termed as the other side of the rights coin, remain tragically neglected. Ask any citizen about their Rights, and they might list them; ask about their Duties, and silence often follows. This imbalance fuels the very complacency undermining Viksit Bharat. For this vision to move beyond rhetoric and become tangible reality, Fundamental Duties must take center stage. In the opinion of author, it requires transformative action:
Partial Enforceability:
Select Duties must carry reasonable, motivating penalties. Drawing upon existing frameworks (like the Flag Code, NSA, or environmental laws), this would signal seriousness and deter egregious violations of civic responsibility (e.g., rampant littering, destruction of public property, hate speech masquerading as free expression). The goal isn’t mass punishment, but establishing a clear societal norm that duties matter. Penalties should primarily serve as deterrents and catalysts for behavioral change, integrated with community service where appropriate.
Education Revolution: Instilling civic duty must begin in childhood and permeate the school ethos. Integrate the essence of Indian thinkers like Swami Vivekananda (emphasizing selfless service – Seva) and Sri Aurobindo (focusing on national resurgence and individual perfection) into school curricula and daily practices – morning assemblies, project work, community engagement. Mirror Japan’s success where civic values (influenced by Confucius) are woven into the fabric of education, fostering respect, cleanliness, and collective responsibility from kindergarten.
Focus on internalisation through experiential learning and role-modelling by teachers, not rote grading or adding another exam subject.
Grassroots Awakening: Counteracting decades of neglect demands more than sporadic campaigns. Launch a sustained, multi-platform national movement targeting adults. Utilize local governance institutions (panchayats, municipalities), workplaces, resident welfare associations, and media to continuously reinforce the message. Highlight the tangible link between responsible citizen conduct (following traffic rules, paying taxes honestly, respecting public spaces, volunteering) and achieving Viksit Bharat. Showcase positive examples and foster community ownership of civic standards.
India’s developmental leap hinges irrevocably on active, disciplined citizen participation – the critical differentiator observed in nations like China, where mass adherence to societal norms accelerated infrastructure and public order. Elevating Fundamental Duties from constitutional obscurity to daily practice is not optional; it’s the essential catalyst for transforming citizen character and unlocking our collective potential. By making Duties tangible through limited, sensible enforceability and embedding their spirit deep within our education system and national culture, we cultivate the civic discipline, shared responsibility, and national pride indispensable for realising the Viksit Bharat 2047 dream. The time for passive citizenship is over; the era of responsible, duty-conscious nation-building must begin now
(The author is from National Law Institute University, Bhopal)
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