Those who love country have always craved to give expression to their feelings of patriotism by flying the national flag. But they could not do so as the rules did not permit. Now the Union Government has liberalised the rules pertaining to hoisting the national flag. Individuals are free to fly the Tricolour in their homes, offices and shops.

This amended code came into force from January 26, this year. People would no longer have to wait for the Independence Day or the Republic Day to fly the Tricolour, as long as they hoist the flag respectfully and abide by the conditions laid in the ‘Prevention of the Insults to National Honours Act, 1971’. Now they can fly the national flag everyday. However, while the flag can be hoisted on and inside private buildings, the ban on putting the Tricolour on private vehicles still remains. Citizens cannot fly a damaged flag or hoist it upside down. It should not touch the ground and should fly higher than all other flags. The Tricolour also cannot be used as a shroud for private funerals or also not be printed on a costume, cushion or napkin. The flag, if hoisted outdoors, can be flown only from sunrise to sunset. State-run Khadi Bhandars are the only authorised agency to supply the flags.

There, however, remain some hitches which have to be cleared before people can freely fly the flag. An amendment in the Flag Code might have thrown to the winds whatever restrictions there were on citizens flying the Tricolour atop their homes or offices on all days but, in the Capital’s context, a new problem seems to be fluttering in the breeze. Delhi does not have a single unit approved by the Bureau Of Standards to manufacture the Tricolour according to the laid down specifications. At present, the country has only the BIS-certified unit in Mumbai which supplies the Tricolour to various states for official functions. As per BIS specifications, everything from the nature of the fabric and thread used to the colours and number of spokes in the Ashok Chakra needs to conform with design parameters.

The dimensions of the national flag have to be in the length to breadth ratio of 3:2. Khadi Gram Udyog Bhawan has applied for ISI approval of the KBIC’s Delhi unit. Keeping in mind the demand for the Tricolour, they have temporarily secured supplies from the KBIC’s Mumbai unit.

The Tricolour is available at Khadi Gram Udyog outlets at prices ranging from Rs 245 to 1,840. Prices will dip once production starts in the capital and other important towns. Till then, the tricolour waits for winds of change to blow across the country.