Gandhians, Khadi enthusiasts, and flag advocates have been pressuring the Union Government to rescind the ‘Flag Code of India, 2022’, which permits the use of machine-made polyester and other synthetic materials for the national flag.
In December 2021, the Narendra Modi government amended the ‘Flag Code of India’ to facilitate the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga‘ campaign, part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. The amendment expanded the types of materials allowed for the national flag, including machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk, handspun, handwoven, or khadi bunting flags. Additionally, it authorised the flag to be flown both day and night.
The amendment, however, quickly sparked criticism from political parties, the public, and flag advocates. Critics argue that allowing non-Khadi flags compromises the sanctity of the Khadi flag, which, along with the chakra, is emblematic of India’s freedom struggle.
Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, echoed these concerns during a visit to the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha in Hubballi, the nation’s only certified Khadi flag-making unit. Gandhi condemned the government’s decision, asserting that the amendment undermines the historical and symbolic significance of Khadi. Despite the outcry, the government implemented the new rules, permitting non-Khadi material flags to be flown.
Khadi as a Symbol of Swadeshi
Shivanand Shettar, former chairman of the Department of Gandhian Studies at Karnatak University, Dharwad, stressed that the Khadi flag represents Swadeshi, self-reliance, self-esteem, and self-respect. He noted that even before independence, Khadi was the material of choice for making flags, and only Khadi flags were allowed to be flown both in India and abroad.
Shettar expressed concern that the government’s decision to permit non-Khadi flags threatens the sanctity of the national flag. “The government should safeguard the flag’s sanctity by ensuring that only Khadi flags are allowed to be flown. The Flag Code of India, 2022, amendment should be withdrawn,” he demanded.
The Cost of Khadi Flags
While defending the government’s decision, some leaders and citizens pointed out that Khadi flags are expensive, making them inaccessible for many people during the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
Subsidies and Free Distribution
Political activist P H Neeralakeri suggested that both the State and Union Governments should offer a 90 per cent subsidy on Khadi flags. He also advocated for the free distribution of Khadi flags to schools, colleges, and government institutions, arguing that any effort to diminish the use of Khadi flags is unacceptable.
Neeralakeri further noted that the government initially allowed polyester flags due to a supply shortage during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. However, with the current adequate supply of Khadi flags, he believes it is time for the government to retract the amendment.
The Future of Khadi Units
Shankar Halagatti, a writer and general secretary of the Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangh, warned that continuing to allow machine-made flags could lead to the decline of Khadi units. He asserted that Khadi and Khadi flags are symbols of a work culture that should be preserved. Allowing multinational companies to produce flags could threaten the survival of traditional Khadi manufacturing units, he cautioned.
As the debate continues, Gandhians and Khadi supporters remain steadfast in their call for the government to uphold the legacy of Khadi by withdrawing the 2022 Flag Code amendment.