Independence Day 2020: MHA says digital celebrations; People to follow guidelines

New Delhi: The home ministry besides advising the states to conduct Independence Day celebrations 2020 digitally also asked people to strictly follow basic COVID-19 preventive measures like social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoid large congregations and so on.

The advisory issued Friday, said “All programs should be organized in a way that large congregation of people is avoided and technology is used in the best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion. The event organized could be web-cast in order to reach out to people at large, who are not able to participate.” The home ministry also asked people to strictly follow basic COVID-19 preventive measures like social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoid large congregations, and so on.

Here are the guidelines for Independence Day celebrations 2020:

1. Flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort in Delhi to consist of a presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and Delhi Police.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unfurl National Flag accompanied by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. PM Modi will give a speech and release tri-colored balloons at the end.
3. Rashtrapati Bhavan to have “at home” reception.
4. Performance of Police and military bands may be recorded at places of historic importance and screened during public functions and on social media.
5. Other functions allowed include tree plantation, inter-school and inter-college debates on digital platforms, quiz contests, patriotic essay writing and poetry competitions on virtual platforms, webinars centered around patriotic themes, and any other innovative event keeping in mind social distancing rules.

For States/UTs and other districts:

1. Flag hoisting ceremony in State/Union Territory Capitals, including unfurling of the flag by Chief Minister, playing of National Anthem, presentation of Guard of Honour.
2. COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, and sanitization workers may be invited to the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service. Some COVID-19 cured persons can also be invited.
3. No large congregation to take place in the ceremony. Basic COVID-19 preventive measures and social distancing norms to be followed.