The Flag Code of India, 2002, allowed only hand-woven and handspun khadi to be used for making the national flag. In an amendment to the code in December 2021, “handspun or hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool silk, khadi bunting” was also allowed to make the national flag.
One of the arguments behind the amendment is that it would make the national flag affordable for people and help ensure the success of the Centre’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ programme. Set to be launched on August 15 this year, under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ programme aims to encourage every citizen to hoist the national flag at home.
The amendment to the flag code has, however, been questioned by proponents of khadi, who feel the government’s move will sever the association between the national flag, Indian independence movement and khadi.