SHILLONG: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory to all the State and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance of the provisions contained in the ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’ and ‘The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971’.
There is universal affection and respect for, and loyalty to the National Flag. Yet, a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst the people as well as organisations/agencies of the Government, in respect of laws, practices and conventions that apply to ‘display of the National Flag’, a government statement said on Wednesday.
It also said that the MHA has noticed National Flags made of plastic, instead of paper flags being used during important events and functions. Plastic flags are not biodegradable lime paper flags and do not decompose for a long time thus posing practical problems regarding appropriate disposal of National Flags made of plastic to commensurate with the dignity of the flag.
The MHA has directed all concerned to ensure that on important national, cultural and sports events, flags made of paper only are to be used, according to the provisions of the ‘Flag Code of India, 2002’ and that such paper flags are not discarded or thrown haphazardly, after such events.