MHA advises citizens to not use plastic made National Flag

The Advisory reiterates that the National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country and hence should occupy a position of honour.

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 display of the National Flag, a statement by the MHA said.

The Advisory directs that mass awareness programmes be carried out in this regard and also give it wide publicity through advertisements in the electronic and print media.

Further, it has been brought to notice of the MHA 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 easily 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.

The Advisory asks that on the occasions of important national, cultural and sports events, flags made of paper only are used by public in terms of the provisions of the 'Flag Code of India, 2002' and such paper flags should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event.

Such flags are to be disposed of, in private.