Recently, on the occasion of National Flag Day 2022 on July 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled the extraordinary bravery and valour of people who envisioned a flag for a liberated India. He emphasised the importance of the Indian National Flag and appealed to the common masses to strengthen the government’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative.


Once again, during the 91st edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that people can place the Tricolour in their social media profile pictures between August 2 and 15 under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign to celebrate the 75th year of India's Independence.


To facilitate the government initiative, certain changes were made to the Indian Flag Code 2002 in December 2021, which lifted a few restrictions around the use of the national flag by citizens.


The amendments to the Indian Flag Code, however, have sparked a debate across the nation.


Those critical of the amendments are particularly against the government move to now allow the Tricolour to be made from polyester and other machine-made fabric. Earlier, the national flag could only be made of the traditional handspun and handwoven Khadi. 


The association of Khadi and Tricolour symbolised India's struggle for freedom and self-reliance.


The proponents of Khadi fear that the amendments made to the Flag Code could disassociate the relation of Khadi with the  Tricolour. 


Amendments Made Under The Indian Flag Code 2002


The Indian Flag Code 2002 earlier only permitted flags made by ‘hand spun and woven wool or cotton silk khadi bunting’. Any import of  machine-made flags was banned in 2019.


As per the amendments made in December 2021, the flags can be made of handspun, handwoven or machine-made cotton, polyester/wool/silk/khadi bunting. 


In another major change, the code now permits people to fly the Indian National Flag both during day and night time. 


“The Flag Code of India has been additionally amended through an order on 20th July 2022. The clause (xi) of paragraph 2.2 of Part-II of the Flag Code of India, 2022 shall now be read as follows- (xi)- where the flag has been displayed in open or the house of the member of the public, it may be flown day and night,” the official document states.


Earlier, irrespective of the weather conditions, the flags could be flown only from sunrise to sunset. 


The changes are made to commemorate the celebrations of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, under which the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ movement was launched.


The cost of a traditional hand-woven khadi flag is Rs 2,832, as per the official website of Khadi India. It is understandable that the price is far too much for the common masses to get access to a khadi flag. Allowing the use of other fabrics to make flags will result in the mass production of flags, affordability and better accessibility.


What Are The Criticisms Against The Amendments? 


The proponents of Khadi believe that this change will cause a sense of disassociation between Khadi, India’s independence struggle, and the National Flag. 


Secondly, the opposition parties opine, the replacement of the flag material could end up benefiting countries like China. 


Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said: "By allowing the import of tricolour manufactured of polyester, an arrangement has been made for 'China-made tricolour in every home'—the exact China that is encroaching on our land." 


What Is ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign?


On July 20, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign to persuade people to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it to commemorate India's 75th anniversary of independence. The goal of the initiative is to instil a sense of patriotism in the populace and have them observe Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in remembrance of Jan Bhagidari.


To demonstrate the unity and patriotism of the entire nation, numerous events involving individuals from all walks of life will also be held at various sites related to the Freedom Struggle.


The government has taken a number of measures to guarantee that flags are available all around the country. From August 1, 2022, all post offices must begin selling flags. State governments have also partnered with a number of stakeholders to supply and sell flags. The GeM portal has also registered the Indian National Flag.


To speed up the process of providing the flag, the Indian government has partnered with a number of e-commerce platforms and self-help organisations.