New Delhi: Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent an advisory to all states and Union Territories on strict compliance with the provisions of the Flag Code of India 2002.
The states have been asked to ensure the National Flag made of paper used by the public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, 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 advisory said.
There is 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/agencies of the government, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to the display of the National Flag, it further said.
All government offices have, therefore, been requested to undertake mass awareness programmes in this regard.
According to the Flag Code of India 2002, there are two ways to dispose of the national flag – burning or burying. “When damaged or soiled condition, it should not be cast aside or disrespectfully disposed of but should be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag,” it says.
There are certain rules that need to be followed:
Burying: To bury the national flag, collect all the damaged flags in a wooden box. Fold and place it properly. Bury the box in soil and observe a moment of silence once the flag is buried.
Burning: Choose a safe place and clean it. Fold the flag, build a fire and carefully place it in the centre of the flames. The flag should be burnt with dignity. Maintain silence while the fire is burning.
Flags burned without being folded or burning the flags first and then putting it on flames is an offence.
