Amendment to the Flag Code of India and its effect on Khadi flag-maker
- The amendment to the Flag Code of India has upset many Khadi and Village Industries
- Mood at India's sole Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-recognised National Flag manufacturing unit of Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha in Hubballi is not upbeat.
- It supplies Tricolour to be hoisted atop the Red Fort.
The concern
- Every year, by July end, Samyukta Sangha would have despatched Tricolour worth ₹2.5 crores.
- After Centre’s amendment to National Flag Code allowing flags made of polyester, Sangha has not even received half the usual orders.
- Amendment to Flag Code came as shocker not only to Samyukta Sangha but also to all those involved in Khadi and Village Industries.
- There is no demand for khadi flags manufactured even when government has launched ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
- Reason:
- Size specified under the campaign - 20x30 inches and 16x27 inches are not permitted under BIS’ standards for the National Flag.
- Unit in Hubballi, recognised by BIS in 2004, follows the Flag Code and manufactures only nine specified sizes of the flag.
Prelims take away
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
- Flag Code of India