Explained: What is the Flag Code and how has it been changed recently?

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: What is the Flag Code and how has it been changed recently?” published in Indian Express on 14th July 2022

What is the News?

The government of India has amended the Flag Code of India, 2002 allowing for the National Flag to be made from polyester and other machine-made fabric, besides the traditional handspun and handwoven khadi.

What is the Flag Code of India?

The Flag Code of India took effect on January 26, 2002. 

The act brings together all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag. It governs the display of the National Flag by private, public, and government institutions.

As per Clause 2 of the Flag Code, there shall be no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of the general public, private organizations, educational institutions etc. consistent with the dignity and honour of the National Flag.

What is the recent amendment made to the Flag Code of India?

The Government of India has amended the Flag Code of India, 2002 to allow the National Flag made of polyester or machine-made flag.

Hence, from now on, the National Flag can be made of hand-spun, hand-woven or machine-made cotton/polyester/wool/silk/khadi bunting.

Why was this amendment made?

The government has said this change would make the national flag affordable for people and help ensure the success of the Centre’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ programme.

Har Ghar Tiranga programme is to be launched on August 15 this year to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence. The programme aims to encourage every citizen to hoist the national flag at home.

Concerns associated with the amendment: However, this amendment has also been questioned on the grounds that: a) It would break the association between the Tricolour, the Independence movement and khadi and b) Allowing tricolour production using non-khadi fabric would end up benefitting countries like China.