Shillong, March 12: The Indian National Flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of our country and hence should occupy a position of honour. There is a universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the National Flag. Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst people as well as organizations and agencies of the Government in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to display of the National Flag. ‘The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’ and ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’ which governs display of National Flag are available in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Further, it has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Home Affairs that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, the National Flags made of plastic are also being used in place of National Flags made 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.
On the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, Flags made of paper only are to 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. Such Flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the Flag. This was informed by the Under Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.
