Centre asks states and UTs to avoid using plastic national flags

Ahead of Independence Day, the government on Saturday urged citizens not to use national flag made of plastic and asked the states and Union territories to ensure strict compliance of the flag code. Along with this, the MHA asked all states and UTs to publicise widely in the media that the use of plastic national flags should be avoided.

New Delhi: The government on Saturday asked all the states and Union Territories (UTs) to use national flags made up of paper.

In an advisory issued to states and UTs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) advised that the use of flags made of plastic should be avoided.

"A perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst people as well as organisation and agencies of the government on the use of national flags," the letter with the subject line strict compliance of the provisions of Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults of National Honour Act, 1971-Advisory said.

It has been brought to the notice of MHA that on occasions of national importance such as cultural or sports events, the flags made up of plastic are used instead of paper.

"Since plastic flags are not biodegradable like paper flags, these do not get decomposed for a long time and ensuring appropriate disposal of national flags made of plastic commensurate with dignity of the flag, is a practical problem. You are therefore requested to ensure that on the occasion of important national, cultural and sports events, flags made of paper only are used by the public in terms of the provisions of the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and such paper flags are not discarded or thrown on the ground after the event," the advisory issued by the MHA read.

It said that such flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the flag.

The advisory reminded us that the Indian National flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour.

"There is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the national flag," the advisory said.

The Ministry has also asked all states and UTs to publicise widely in the media that the use of plastic national flags should be avoided.