Press note

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti requests Goa Government to Prevent Insult to National Flag

Goa: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, along with other organizations and prominent citizens have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Goa requesting him to take measures to prevent insult of National Flag occurring on the National days
It has been observed that on National days like the Independence Day, Liberation Day and Republic Day, there is an increased sale of National flags. Many vendors are also seen selling flags on the roadside where also flags made of plastic material are available.
The official flag specifications require that the flag be made only of "khadi" material and the manufacturing process specifications cover all the essential requirements of the manufacture of the Indian flag including size, dye colour, chromatic values, brightness, thread count and hemp cordage. These guidelines are extremely stringent and any defect in the manufacture of flags is considered to be a serious offence liable to a fine or a jail term or both.

Indian law says that the flag must at all times be treated with "dignity, loyalty and respect". The "Flag Code of India - 2002", which superseded "The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950" governs the display and usage of the flag. Official regulation states that the flag must never touch the ground or water, be used as a tablecloth or draped in front of a platform, cover a statue, plaque, cornerstone, etc.

In this context, our National Flag purchased in large numbers by people, mostly children can be seen lying all over the place, at Flag hoisting venues and on the roadside, being trampled or put into the dustbin after the flag hoisting ceremony is over. This results in an insult to the National flag and is an offence under The Flag Code of India; 2002.There is also variation in the material and the official specifications of the flag in cases of flags that are sold on this occasion. So also, in the case of plastic flags there is a violation of the plastic ban.

This year the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti joins Sanatan Sanstha which has been carrying out a campaign over the last five years to educate people to prevent insult to the National Flag. The Samiti has made the following suggestions.

1. Display notices or posters in government offices, schools, colleges and public places and flag hoisting venues emphasizing the importance and value of the National flag.
2. Provide collection boxes at such places so the flags can be collected and respectfully disposed.
3. Initiate action against those insulting the National Flag.
4. Impose a ban on flags that are not as per the official flag specifications.
5. Impose a ban on plastic flags in view of the plastic ban in the state.

The memorandum has been signed by Retd. Lt Col. J.R.F D'Souza, freedom fighters Shri Madhukar Mordekar, Shri C.P D' Costa ,ex M.L.A and freedom fighter Shri. Rohidas Naik and others.

The copy of the memorandum has been submitted to the Governor if the state, the chief secretary, the Collectors of North and South Goa, Director of Municipal Administration, DIG Police.