Fundamental Duties and Rights of Citizens in Nepal, According to New Constitution 2072

Fundamental Duties and Rights of Citizens in Nepal, According to New Constitution 2072

Let’s discuss first 3 fundamental duties of citizens in Nepal. There are many duties, responsibilities to contribute to the Nation being Nepali. Let’s have the closer look.

Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens in Nepal

We have well understood the system of government our country has adopted the new constitution of Nepal 2015 (2072). We have got a new constitution. Our country, Nepal, is now the Federal Democratic Republic.

There are two words in ‘Federal Democracy. It is a political system in which citizens have equal participation in government. According to this system, a country is divided into a number of states distinct from independent states. There are generally three levels of government in a federal state: central, provincial and local. All the levels of government have their own constitutions, legislature, laws and administrative.

There are generally three levels of government in a federal state: central, provincial and local. All the levels of government have their own constitutions, legislature, laws and administrative machinery. It’s a concept of government in which power or sovereignty is divided between central, provincial and local governments. Generally, central government retains foreign, financial and national defence matters and rest are given to states or local levels.

We all know democracy is the rule of law. It is the rule of people, for the people, by the people. And, as there is closer and deeper involvement or participation of common people in this system, democracy is found to be more effective in a federal democracy.

In the federal system, as there are governments at different levels, people’s participation will be more, closer and deeper. They elect their own leaders or representatives at different levels. They get involved in making major decisions and carrying out them.

The system of government is only a means, the end is the service, welfare ‘ and wellbeing of the people. In a democracy, people enjoy many political, social and cultural rights and privileges. It is the primary function of a government to provide for its citizens. At the same time, citizens also have important roles to play for making this system effective and credible. As responsible citizens, we have moral and legal obligations and responsibilities towards our country. It is the primary duty and obligation of every citizen to respect and uphold the dignity of the constitution. We can’t enjoy our rights without fulfilling our duties. Rights and duties go together. We can’t imagine of one without the other.

There are some fundamental duties or responsibilities that we have to fulfill. They can be categorized as Moral Duty, Legal Duty, and Civil Duty.

a. Legal Duty:

This is a duty which we are required to fulfill by law. It is every citizen’s duty to respect and abide by laws of the land.Moral Duty: A duty which we ought to perform, as we think it is right to do, but we are not legally bound to fulfill. We should learn to live morally and ethically dignified life. We need to respect elders, teachers, relatives and neighbours, and should contribute to developing a social and harmonious society.

b. Moral Duty:

A duty which we ought to perform, as we think it is right to do, but we are not legally bound to fulfill. We should learn to live morally and ethically dignified life. We need to respect elders, teachers, relatives and neighbours, and should contribute to developing a social and harmonious society.

c. Civil Duties:

As responsible citizens of a country, we have to fulfill certain obligations towards our country. Such obligations or duties are called civil duty. They can be as under:

1. To Serve the Nation:

It is every citizen’s first and foremost duty to serve one’s nation for its peace, well-being and prosperity. Devotion and loyalty to the nation are expected from every citizen. Unless we all serve the nation in various capacities, the nation can’t achieve peace, progress, social harmony and economic development.

2. To Obey the Law of the Nation:

As citizens, it’s our duty to honour and abides by the laws of the land, which are made by our own representatives for our own benefits. In front of laws, everyone is equal. We should exercise our rights without infringing the rights of others.

3. To Pay Taxes:

A country requires human, material, and financial resources. The government collects direct or indirect taxes from its citizens to carry out various programmes. It is the duty of every citizen to pay government taxes.

4. To Exercise Voting Right:

Democracy is of the people, by the people and for the people. In a democracy, people elect their own representatives. Hence, it is every eligible citizen’s duty to exercise their voting right wisely. They should do it keeping in mind the overall welfare and well-being of the country. They should not come under any influence or pressure or temptation while voting.

5. To Raise Voice in Favour of the Truth and Justice:

As responsible citizens, we should always raise a voice in favour of truth and one should not hesitate to speak against anybody when the national interests are infringed, fundamental rights violated and injustice is done to anyone.
As mentioned above, there are many roles that the citizens have to fulfill in a federal democracy. No system can succeed without its citizens’ full support and cooperation.

Rights of Citizens in Nepal

Nepal is a democratic country. We have a constitution which guides us to lead our lives as good citizens. Our constitution has given us certain basic rights. These rights are called fundamental rights. They are essential for all around development of an individual.

Some of the fundamental rights granted by our constitution are:

Right to Freedom

According to this right, every citizen has freedom to:

• Assemble peacefully without carrying arms.
• Speak on any matter, individually or in groups.
• Express opinions on any matter through speech or writing.
• Practise any religion of one’s choice.
• Engage in any profession;
• Travel to any part of the country.

Right to equality

According to this right, all the people in the country are equal. Nobody is greater or smaller on the basis of caste, creed, religion and sex. However, special laws have been made for the protection and development of women, children, aged and those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

Right to information

According to this right all citizens can seek information on matters of public interest. All citizens should be provided with information on such matters.

Right to property

As per this right all citizens can buy and keep property in the country. At the same time they can sell or give away their property to anyone they prefer.

Women’s rights

According to this right, sons and daughters both shall have equal rights to their parental property.

Child right

According to this right, every child  has their own  identity and name. Helpless, orphans, physically   challenged,   street children  and  conflict victims shall have the right to get special provisions from the state for their future.

Emailed by Writer : Krishna Yadav, Biratnagar