Har Ghar Tiranga: Govt Amends Flag Code to Allow People to Fly Tricolour 24X7

The central government has amended the country's flag code to allow round-the-clock use of the tricolour ahead of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' (hoisting of the national flag in every home) campaign. The modifications will make machine stitching and the use of plastic material for making the national flag easier.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote a letter to the secretaries of all central ministries and departments three days ago, informing them that the Flag Code of India, 2002, had been amended to allow "where the Flag is displayed in open or displayed on the house of a member of the public, it may be flown day and night."

This was added to clause (xi) of paragraph 2.2 of Part-II of the Flag Code of India, 2002, because the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign will begin on August 13 and conclude on Independence Day as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.'

Previously, the tricolour could only be flown from sun rise to sun set, regardless of weather conditions. The Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 govern the hoisting and use of the Indian national flag, according to the ministry.

According to Bhalla's official communique, paragraph 1.2 of Part-I of India's Flag Code has been changed to read: "The National Flag shall be made of hand spun and hand woven or machine made, cotton/ polyester/ wool/ silk khadi bunting."

Previously, machine-made and polyester flags were not permitted, though private manufacturers were breaking the rules by selling all varieties of tricolour.

“You are requested to ensure that these are distributed among various organisations, PSUs under your administrative control." The letter was accompanied by a summary of the Flag Code and frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the use and display of the tricolour.