Independence Day: Centre's tough stance on the use of plastic national flags, important orders issued by the states

New delhi date. Monday 9 August 2021

Ahead of Independence Day, the central government has given important instructions to the states to carry the national flag. The government has asked states to ensure that people do not use plastic national flags.

The concerned Union Home Ministry has written a letter to all the States and Union Territories in this regard. The letter said that the national flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country. That is why it should be respected.

Ahead of Independence Day, the Center has banned the use of plastic national flags. The Center has asked the states to ensure that people do not use plastic national flags, with the government arguing that ensuring proper disposal of tricolors made of plastic material is a practical issue.

The letter from the Home Ministry also includes a copy of the National Pride Act, Prevention of Insult, 1971 and the Indian Flag Code, 2002.

The Home Ministry has told all the states and union territories that the national flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country and should always be respected.

"Everyone has affection, respect and loyalty for the national flag," the Home Ministry said. Yet there is a clear decline in awareness among the people as well as government organizations, agencies regarding the laws and traditions applicable to the display of the national flag.

The Home Ministry has told the states that on some occasions, national flags made of plastic are being used instead of paper flags on national, cultural and sports planning, which is not appropriate.

The ministry has been asked to ensure that only the national flag made of paper should be used on such arrangements as per the rules of the Indian Flag Code, 2002.