Notwithstanding advisories from the Union and State governments against the use of national flags made of plastic, the sale of such items is brisk in the wholesale markets across the city.
Wholesale shops in Broadway as well as Purasawalkam have been selling plastic flags to schools and colleges in bulk. A few shopkeepers said they were unaware of a rule against use of plastic flags.
Last week, the Centre urged people not to use national flag made of plastic and asked States and union territories to ensure strict compliance with Flag Code.
Problem with disposal
Since plastic flags are not biodegradable, it becomes difficult to dispose them in a way befitting the national flag, the advisory said.
Following a similar advisory from the Centre in January, the State government’s Public Department, on February 2, issued an advisory to all Secretaries, Heads of Departments, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to ensure strict adherence to the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Although there was universal affection and respect for the national flag, the State government advisory said: “Yet a perceptible lack of awareness is often noticed amongst people as well as organisations/agencies of the government, in regard to laws, practices and conventions that apply to display of the national flag.” Even the flags made of paper are to be disposed of in private consistent with the dignity of the flag, it added.
A top official in the Public Department was not available for a comment on the sale of plastic flags.