Deputy Commissioner Kohima has issued a circular in pursuance of a letter from the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Section, regarding strict compliance and mass awareness on the use and dignity of the National Flag.
The National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country and must always occupy a position of honour. While there is universal affection and loyalty towards the National Flag, lack of awareness is often noticed among the general public as well as government agencies regarding the laws, practices and conventions governing its display.
The use, hoisting and display of the National Flag are governed by the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 and the Flag Code of India, 2002, as amended in 2021 and 2022. Detailed regulations and salient features are available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website website at www.mha.gov.in.
In this regard, all departments, organisations and the general public have been directed to strictly adhere to the prescribed instructions. As per Clause (x) of Paragraph 2.2 of Part-II of the Flag Code, members of the public may wave paper flags during important national, cultural and sports events. However, paper flags should not be discarded or thrown on the ground after such events and must be disposed of in private in a manner consistent with the dignity of the National Flag.
Further, all Heads of Departments have been directed to undertake mass awareness programmes and ensure wide publicity through electronic and print media advertisements regarding the proper use and dignity of the National Flag.
All concerned administrative officers under Kohima district have also been directed to monitor compliance and ensure strict adherence to these statutory instructions.

(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)