Ministry of Home Affairs, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, directed the states and the Union Territories (UTs) to strictly comply with the provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. It is advised that the National Flag made of paper should be waved by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, the Ministry said.
The letter requested to ensure that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, flags used by the public, made of paper 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.”
The MHA has also requested the states, UTs and government ministries as well as departments to undertake mass awareness programmes in this regard and also to give it wide publicity through advertisements in the electronic and print media.
The letter was issued mentioning that Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India and hence should occupy a position of honour and that there is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to the National flag.
The letter further said, “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.”