The Union Home Ministry on Monday directed all states and Union territories to strictly adhere to the Flag Code of India, stressing that paper national flags used by the public during important national, cultural and sporting events should not be discarded or thrown on the ground afterwards. In a communique to chief secretaries of all states and Union territories, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said there was a “perceptible lack of awareness” among people as well as government organisations and agencies about the laws, practices and conventions governing the display of the national flag. “I am directed to say that the Indian National Flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour,” the ministry said.
The advisory comes ahead of Independence Day celebrations on August 15 and amid the government’s ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The MHA asked states and Union territories to undertake mass awareness programmes on the proper use and handling of the national flag and give them wide publicity through advertisements in electronic and print media.
The ministry reiterated that while members of the public may wave flags made of paper during important national, cultural and sporting events, such flags should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. The Flag Code requires that national flags damaged or no longer fit for display be disposed of privately and with due dignity, keeping in mind the honour attached to the Tricolour.
The ministry said the national flag can be hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made and may be made of cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting. Under the Flag Code, members of the public, private organisations and educational institutions can hoist or display the national flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, provided its dignity and honour are maintained. Following an amendment to the Flag Code on July 19, 2022, where the national flag is displayed in the open or on the house of a member of the public, it may be flown during both day and night.
The ministry reiterated that whenever the Tricolour is displayed, it must occupy a position of honour and be distinctly placed. A damaged or dishevelled national flag should not be displayed. The flag should also not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with any other flag or flags. No other flag or bunting should be placed higher than, above or side by side with the national flag, according to the advisory. The Flag Code also restricts the display of the national flag on vehicles to specified dignitaries, including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Governors.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to citizens to participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign through Tiranga yatras, rallies, mass singing of Vande Mataram and by hoisting the national flag at their homes.
He also urged citizens to upload selfies with the Tricolour on the Har Ghar Tiranga portal. “The #HarGharTiranga campaign, initiated by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, is a reflection of our nation's collective strength, uniting us in our endeavour to build a Viksit Bharat,” Shah said in a post on X.
He said this year’s campaign coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, making the occasion particularly significant. “The movement, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram this year, makes the occasion even more heart-stirring for every patriot,” Shah said. The MHA’s latest directions seek to ensure that the widespread display of the Tricolour during Independence Day celebrations is accompanied by adherence to the rules intended to preserve the dignity and honour of the national flag.