As Independence Day Is Over, Know How You Can Dispose Indian Flag In A Proper Way

Proper and dignified disposal of damaged Flag
Most of us know proper ways of displaying the National Flag. However, many don’t carry the Flag out of concerns of proper disposal of damaged pieces. Moreover, we also notice many torn or soiled Flags lying along roads and on grounds. Many of us hesitate to pick them up for the same reason mentioned above. Such a sight brings concerns to the mind.

The Flag indeed brings to the mind, at once, the valour and sacrifice our foreparents had displayed to win for us the air of liberty we breathe today. The design of our Flag aptly symbolizes the values our Nation stands for. Hence, the dignity of the Flag is to be maintained all throughout its life cycle, and the damaged ones are to be destroyed with dignity.

Thus, it is important to know about proper disposal methods for destroying the damaged pieces.

How to dispose off a damaged Flag?
The following clause from the Flag Code of India 2002 makes it amply clear:

Part II- Section I- 2.2 (xiii): when the Flag is in a damaged or soiled condition, it shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag.

Few things are to be noted here
The damaged Flag should be preferably burnt. Burying can be another consistent method, however, over time, the soil turns up and the damaged pieces may come to the surface. Moreover, a vast majority of Flags are made of plastic, thus the environmental concerns associated with it. Hence, it would be advisable to avoid burying.

The damaged Flag should be destroyed as a whole. The fire should consume entire Flag. This is to ensure that partially burnt Flag does not remain.
One has to ensure privacy while disposing off the damaged Flag. Ensure that nobody is around preferably in a remote place.
Dignity of the Flag is to be ensured while destroying a damaged Flag. Thus, the Flag should not be thrown in a fire or in a pit, but the damaged Flag should be set on fire. The Flag should not be crumpled as far as possible. A salute to the Flag would be appreciable, if it doesn’t undermine privacy.

Proper and dignified disposal of damaged Flag is equally important as respecting one in good condition. It is our Fundamental Duty to respect our National Symbols. Let us include dignified disposal of damaged National Flag as one in it. Let not a flag be left in a damaged condition.