Shillong, February 8: The Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. It is a symbol of our national pride and there is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to, the National Flag. It occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the people of India.
Some of the salient features of the Flag Code of India, 2002 have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Public Section), Government of India, for the information of the public and to ensure strict compliance of the provisions of the Flag Code of India.
The hoisting, use and display of the Indian National Flag is governed by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Flag Code of India, 2002. The Flag Code of India 2002 was amended vide Order dated 30th December, 2021 where the National Flag made of polyester or machine made Flag have been allowed.
Now, the National Flag shall be made of hand spun and hand woven or machine made, cotton, polyester, wool, silk khadi bunting. Members of the public, private organizations or educational institutions may hoist,display the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag.
The Flag Code of India 2002 was amended vide Order dated 20th July, 2022 and clause (xi) of paragraph 2.2 of Part II of the Flag Code of India was replaced by the clause “where the flag is displayed in open or displayed on the house of a member of public, it may be flown day and night”.
The National Flag shall be rectangular in shape and can be of any size but the ratio of length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2. Whenever the National Flag is displayed, it should occupy the position of honour and should be distinctly placed. Damaged or disheveled Flag shall not be displayed.
The flag should not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with any other flag or flags. No other flag or bunting should be placed higher than or above or side by side with the National Flag.
The Flag should not be flown on any vehicle except of the dignitaries mentioned in Section IX of Part III of the Flag Code, such as President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Governors, etc.For further details, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Flag Code of India, 2002 are available on Ministry of Home Affairs’ website www.mha.gov.in.
