New Delhi: Like every year, Independence Day will be celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm, in a manner befitting the occasion. However, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has laid out conditions and measures to be followed while organizing various programmes or activities on August 15.
It is imperative to follow preventive like maintaining social distancing, wearing mask, proper sanitization, protecting vulnerable persons, etc. All guidelines related to COVID-19, issued by MHA and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have to be adhered to.
All programmes should be organized ensuring that large congregation of people is avoided and technology used in the best possible manner. The events organized could be webcast in order to reach out to a large number of people who are not able to participate.
Guidelines to celebrate Independence Day in states and UTs, and other places have been issued. They are as follows:
STATE LEVEL
A ceremony in the morning (after 9 am) in the State/UT capitals, consisting of unfurling of the National flag by the Chief Minister; playing of the National Anthem; presentation of Guard of Honour by the Police including Para-Military Forces. Horne Guards, NCC, Scouts. etc; speech by the Chief Minister; and singing of the National Anthem.
COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc may be invited to the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service. Some persons cured of COVID-19 infection may also be Invited.
DISTRICT LEVEL
A similar ceremony as mentioned above after 9 am at the District level which may consist of unfurling of the National Flag by a Minister/Commissioner/District Magistrate; playing of the National Anthem: parade by State Police personnel, Home Guards/NCC, Scouts: speech by the Minister/ Commissioner/ District Magistrate explaining significance of 15th August and exhorting the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country: and singing of the National Anthem. COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc may be invited to the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service. Some persons cured of COVID-19 infection may also be Invited.
SUB-DIVISIONAL LEVEL/BLOCK LEVEL
Ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag by a Minister/Sub-Divisional Magistrate (after 9 am), playing of the National Anthem; speech by the dignitary explaining the significance of 15th August and exhorting the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country; unfurling of the National Flag; singing of the National Anthem, etc. COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc may be invited to the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service. Some persons cured of COVID-19 infection may also be invited.
PANCHAYAT HEADQUARTERS/BIGGER VILLAGES
Ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag by the Sarpanch/Village Head. man (after 9.00 Mk). playing of the National Anthem; speech by the Sarpanch/ Village Head-man explaining the significance of 15th August and exhorting the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country; singing of the National Anthem etc. COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc may be invited to the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service. Some persons cured of COVID-19 infection may also be invited.
RAJ BHAWAN
As regards I-Day celebrations at Raj Bhawan/Raj Niwas, the MHA has left the matter to the discretion of Governors/Lt Governors. However, all preventive measures must be taken.
POLICE/MILITARY BANDS
Performance of Police/Military bands may be recorded at places of historic importance associated with Independence movement, and recorded versions thereof may be displayed through large screens/digital media, during public functions and on social media.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Other functions on August 15 may include activities like planting of trees; inter-school/inter-college debates on digital platforms; online quiz contests/patriotic essay writing and poetry competitions; launching of any important scheme, singing patriotic songs/delivering patriotic talks by selected boys/girls on the social media; illumination of Government Buildings/State Bhawans, etc; thematic webinars; online campaign by NSS and NYKS centred around patriotic themes; or any other activity deerned appropriate by the State Government/Union Territory Administration befitting the occasion.
