Flag Day

Flag Day and it's Significance

• In accordance with directive of the Defence Committee of Cabinet in July 1948, Armed Forces Flag Day is commemorated on 07 Dec annually to honour the valiant and dead, to salute the veterans and brave and to enhance the traditional bonds that exist between citizens of the country and the Armed Forces. On this day the services rendered by personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force are remembered and tributes paid for the same.
• There cannot be a nobler cause than laying down ones life for the country. At the same time, our admiration for the martyrs should not mean that we have little time for the living heroes who were wounded while doing their duty towards their motherland or their widows and children whom they left behind to fend for themselves.
• During the course of achieving victories, in the various wars the nation has fought and in combating the ongoing cross-border terrorism and insurgency, our Armed Forces have lost and continue to lose valuable lives as well as leaving quite a few disabled. The trauma that the family suffers on demise of the head of the family is hard to fathom. Those of our men who are disabled require care and rehabilitation so that they do not become a burden on their family and can instead lead a life of dignity. Furthermore, there are Ex- servicemen who suffer from serious diseases such as Cancer, Heart ailments and Joint Replacement etc. and who cannot afford the high cost of treatment. Hence, they too need our care and support.
• The requirement of keeping our Armed Forces young necessitates the release of our service personnel at 35-40 years of age when they are still young, physically fit and have qualities of discipline, drive and leadership. Every year about 60000 Defence personnel are compulsorily retired. Caring for these ex-soldiers and their families is therefore a national responsibility.
• Many brave and gallant heroes from the Armed forces have laid down their lives in the service of the country. Ongoing counter-insurgency operations have also left many broken homes without a breadwinner. Flag Day brings to the forefront our obligation of looking after our disabled comrades-in-arms, widows and dependents of those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
• It is for these reasons, we observe the Armed Forces Flag Day. On this day the services rendered by personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force are remembered. It is the collective duty of every citizen of our country to ensure rehabilitation and welfare of the dependents of our brave martyrs and disabled personnel. The Flag Day gives us an opportunity to contribute most generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
• A concerted effort is made on this day to raise collections from the public. The significance of the Day is brought home through electronic and print media. In some places, Armed Forces formations and units also arrange variety shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programmes. Token Flags and Car Stickers in red, deep blue and light colours, representing the three Services are received from the Kendriya Sainik Board and distributed to the public.
• With the issue of GOI, Ministry of Defence Notification No.SRO-7E dated 13 Apr 93, the following funds have been amalgamated into one fund named as "Armed Forces Flag Day Fund". a) Amalgamated Special Fund for war bereaved, war disabled and other Ex-servicemen /Serving Personnel, b) Flag Day Fund, c) St.Dunstan’s (India)and Kendriya Sainik Board Fund, and d) Indian Gorkha Ex-servicemen’s Welfare Fund.
• The Armed Forces Flag Day Fund is controlled by a “Managing Committee”, Hon’ble Defence Minister as its Chairperson at the Centre and the Governor/ Lt. Governor in the States/UTs. The Managing Committee lays down the policies and guidelines for allocation of funds for various welfare schemes. These funds are managed , audited and accounted periodically. Donations to this fund are exempt f rom income Tax under sections 10(23)(C) (IV) and 80 (G) (3) of Income Tax Act 1961.
• On this day, citizens and volunteer organisations collect donations in exchange of token flags and car stickers throughout the country. Token flags and car flags in red, navy blue and light blue colours representing the three Services are distributed to the public through Rajya/Zilla Sainik Boards and the National Cadet Corps throughout the country by the Kendriya Sainik Board in return for donations.
• A concerted effort is made on this day to raise collection from the public. The significance of the Day is brought home to the potential donors in a variety of ways. The Flag Day messages are displayed through media to step up collections. At some places, Armed Forces Formations and Units also arrange variety of shows, carnivals, dramas and other entertainment programme.
• It is pertinent to mention that the Centre's share is only one paisa per individual of the population of each State/UT. This is forwarded by RSB to KSB on 01 Jan each year.