Har Ghar Tiranga and The Flag Code of India

 

What is the Flag Code of India?

Divided into three parts, the Flag Code of India 2002 contains the general description of the National Flag, its display by members of the public, private organisations, educational institutions etc, and the central and state governments and their agencies.

The Flag Code of India states that a member of the public, private organisation, or educational institute is allowed to hoist the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the dignity and honour of the Tricolour.

“There shall be no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of the general public, private organisations, educational institutions, etc., except to the extent provided in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1950 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act 1971….,” the Flag Code of India 2002 states, before adding a list of do’s and dont’s for the use, display and hoisting of the National Flag.

What amendments has the Centre brought in?

On December 30, 2021 the Centre amended the Flag Code of India, 2002 to allow the manufacture and use of machine-made and polyster National Flags. These were not allowed earlier under the Code. As per the amended flag code, National Flags made of hand-spun, hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk, khadi bunting, can also be used.

In another amendment brought on July 20, 2022, the Centre allowed the National Flag to be flown both during the day as well as at night if it is displayed in the open or on the house of a member of the public. Under earlier rules, the Tricolour could only be hoisted between sunrise and sunset.

Why did Centre amend the Flag Code of India?

The amendments to the flag code came ahead of the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under which the government is encouraging people to hoist the Tricolour at their homes to mark the 75th Independence Day. The government says it plans to reach out to more than 20 crore homes across India by August 15 through this campaign ahead of the 75th Independence Day of India.

The government believes that amending the flag code will make the National Flag easily available and affordable to the general public.