The ministry claimed that in the past it was noticed that national flags made of plastic were being used instead of paper.

New Delhi: Days before the Republic Day, the home ministry, in an advisory to all states and Union Territories, has directed not to use national flags made of plastic and that the authorities must ensure compliance of the flag code.

In its communication the ministry has also stated that national flag must occupy a position of honour as it reflects hopes and aspiration of the citizens. The ministry claimed that in the past it was noticed that national flags made of plastic were being used instead of paper.

Terming the issue as a practical problem, the ministry claimed since plastic flags were not biod-egradable like paper, they do not get decomposed for a long duration which hampers its proper disposal and was thus linked to the dignity of the flag.

According to the provisions of the Prevention of insults to National Honour Act, 1971, “if any person in public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or shows disrespect to or brings into contempt the Indian National Flag or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both”.

The advisory also cautions that after any important national, cultural and sports events, they should not be thrown on the gro-und as it shows disrespect to the national flag. States have also been asked to widely publicise not to use national flag made of plastic. All senior officers of the Centre and state have been asked to ensure that national flags were displayed and used in accordance with the provisions of the Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.