The Centre has urged all citizens not to use national flags made of plastic and asked the states and the union territories to ensure strict compliance of the flag code of India.

In its advisory, the Home Ministry said plastic flags are not easily biodegradable like paper flags and ensuring appropriate disposal of National Flags made of plastic commensurate with dignity of the flag, is a practical problem.

The ministry said on the occasion of important national, cultural and sports events, flags made of paper only are to be used by public in terms of the provisions of the Flag Code.

It said such paper flags are not to be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event. The Advisory reiterates that the National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of the country and hence should occupy a position of honour.