All Social Security and Welfare Fund pension beneficiaries whose pensions were sanctioned prior to December 31, 2025, must complete their mustering through Akshaya Centers between July 17, 2026, and September 30, 2026.
Civic Duties and Responsibilities

Citizen Duties and Responsibilities

As participants in the system of governance, citizens have certain rights and privileges. It is their responsibility to ensure that these rights are exercised properly and that actions contrary to them are prevented. Responsible exercise of citizenship is essential for the effective functioning of a democratic society.

Citizens also have certain duties and responsibilities towards society and the nation. These are broadly referred to as civic duties. Observing these duties voluntarily is an important responsibility of every good citizen.

Article 51A of the Constitution of India

  • To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
  • To cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired the national struggle for freedom.
  • To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India.
  • To defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so.
  • To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional diversities.
  • To renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
  • To value and preserve the rich heritage of the country's composite culture.
  • To protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
  • To develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
  • To safeguard public property and to abjure violence.
  • To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
  • To provide opportunities for education to children and ensure their development in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 & 1999

The Panchayat Raj Act defines various duties and responsibilities of citizens residing within the area of a Grama Panchayat. As citizens of the Panchayat, every individual should perform the following responsibilities:

  • Participate in Gram Sabha meetings and actively engage in the local democratic governance process.
  • Pay taxes promptly and help prevent tax evasion, thereby strengthening the own-source revenue of the local government.
  • Extend cooperation to the Panchayat in development activities, resource mobilisation and voluntary labour.
  • Actively participate in planning, implementation and evaluation of development programmes.
  • Help prevent public nuisance, activities that disturb public life and dumping of waste in public places.
  • Cooperate with the Panchayat in sanitation, disease prevention, nutrition, literacy, legal awareness and dispute resolution activities.
  • Support and strengthen the process of social auditing.
  • Work against fundamentalism and divisive tendencies and promote social harmony and participatory development.
  • Remain vigilant against corruption and maladministration and support democratic and accountable local governance.
  • Protect natural resources and public facilities and prevent their misuse and exploitation.
  • Promote thrift and avoid unnecessary expenditure, while encouraging self-reliance and mutual cooperation.
  • Work against social evils such as alcoholism, drug abuse, dowry, violence against women, child labour and discrimination against disadvantaged sections of society.
  • Participate in environmental awareness programmes and help maintain ecological balance.
  • Cooperate in the accurate collection, compilation and consolidation of statistical information and provide truthful information.
  • Extend assistance and support to people affected by natural disasters.
  • Develop habits of saving, cooperation and mutual assistance.
  • Cooperate in providing land required for development purposes and refrain from unauthorised occupation of public land.
  • Organise neighbourhood groups, self-help groups and mutual-aid groups.
  • Avoid socially undesirable activities in public places and on roads, including spitting, open defecation, drinking alcohol and smoking.
  • Do not slaughter animals openly in public places or display or sell meat and animal waste in an unhygienic manner.
  • Ensure that domestic and farm animals receive necessary vaccinations and obtain required licences wherever applicable.
  • Comply with applicable laws and regulations and do not encourage or assist violations of such provisions.
  • Promote equality and justice between women and men and participate in activities that support gender equality.