Use only paper National Flags: AP Govt

Hyderabad, Aug 13 (INN): The Andhra Pradesh Government has directed that all the District Collectors and all the Heads of Departments should ensure that on important National, Cultural and Sports events only Flags made of paper are used (not made of plastic) and that as per the provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002, paper Flags are not discarded or thrown on the grounds after the event.

In a communication on eve of the Independence Day , on August 15th,, the Secretary, (Poll) said that as the Plastic Flags are not biodegradable like the paper Flags and these do not get destroyed for a long time as their appearance on ground , hanging on trees, poles, gates, doors, windows, buildings, walls etc will affect the dignity of the Flag, .

As per para 2.2 (ix and x) of section I of part II of the Flag Code of India, 2002 the National Flag should not be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting or in any other manner for decoration and the Flag made of paper may be waved by public on occasions of important national, cultural and sports events. However, such paper Flags should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. As far as possible, it should be disposed off in private consistent with the dignity of the Flag.

As per Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971: 'The expression 'Indian National Flag' includes any picture, painting, drawing or photograph or other visible representation of the Indian National Flag, or of any part or parts thereof, made of any substance or represented on any substance'. And it is also punishable offence ie., imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine, or with both.

The Secretary further requested all the Collectors & District Magistrates, all the Superintendents of Police, all the Heads of Departments to launch awareness campaigns and circulate the pamphlets against misuse of National Flag and instruct all the Police Stations, all the concerned authorities/Organizers concerned to identify places where the National Flag Hoisting will be done and follow the above instructions scrupulously,

Any deviation of the rules and disrespect to Honour of the National Flag be viewed seriously and necessary action be initiated against the concerned as it is a cognizable offence punishable under Flag Code of India, 2002 and Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act, 1971.