Chennai: After Central Universities and Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, UGC has now reminded all other universities of the importance of national flag.
In a circular to vice-chancellors of all universities, UGC secretary, Jaspal S.Sandhu said the Tricolour represented hopes and aspirations of the people and hence should occupy a position of honour.
He requested universities to put in place an effective mechanism to create awareness for strict adherence to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and the Flag Code of India 2002.
The UGC also asked universities to ensure that used paper flags are not discarded or thrown on the ground after important national, cultural and sports events.
It has pointed out that whoever in any public place bums, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to or brings into contempt the National Flag or any part of it, should be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or both.
It also wanted wide publicity being given for discouraging colleges from using national flags made of plastic.
“The appropriate disposal of national flags made of plastic with the dignity of the flag is a big problem. If plastic flags are used, they are to be disposed of in private consistent with the dignity of the flag,” the circular said.
Following students unrest at various campuses, Vice-Chancellors of central universities decided to fly the national flag at prominent places on their campuses.
