MHA Issues Guidelines for Independence Day Celebrations in States, UTs

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs today issued guidelines and conditions for the celebrations of Independence Day on August 15 in view of COVID-19 pandemic situation across the country.

Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervour, and enthusiasm. This year also, the Independence Day will be celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion, said Anuj Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all State Governments and Administrators of all Union Territory.

In view of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, while organizing various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons, etc.; and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Therefore, all programmes should be organized in a way that large congregation of people is avoided and technology is used in a best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion. The events organized could be web-cast in order to reach out people at large, who are not able to participate, the letter read.

Keeping the above limitations and precautionary steps in view, the Independence Day Celebrations in Delhi shall consist of the following: –

The Ceremony at Red Fort consisting of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister (Pradhan Mantri), unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after PM’s speech, and release of tri-coloured balloons at the end.
“At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
For celebrations of the Independence Day at different levels in the States/UTs, certain guidelines have been prescribed, as enumerated in the succeeding paragraphs: ‘

The functions in the State/Union Territories on this day may consist of the following: –

State Level:

A ceremony in the morning (after 9.00 AM) in the State/Union Territory Capitals consisting of unfurling of the National Flag by the Chief Minister; playing of the National Anthem; presentation of Guard of Honour by the Police including Para-Military Forces, Home Guards, NCC, Scouts, etc; speech by the Chief Minister; and singing of the National Anthem.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, large congregation in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that social distancing norms, wearing masks, etc., are followed.

It would also be appropriate that Covid-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc., are invited in the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service in the fight against Covid-19 Pandemic. Some persons cured from COVID-19 infection may also be invited.

District Level:

A similar ceremony as mentioned above in the morning (after 9.00 AM) at the District level which may, inter-alia, consist of unfurling of the National Flag by a Minister/Commissioner/District Magistrate; playing of the National Anthem; parade by State Police personnel, Home Guards/NCC, Scouts; speech by the Minister/ Commissioner/ District Magistrate explaining the significance of 15th August and exhorting the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country; and singing of the National Anthem.

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, large congregation in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that social distancing norms, wearing masks, etc., are followed.

It would also be appropriate that Covid-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc., are invited in the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service in the fight against Covid-19 Pandemic. Some persons cured from Covid-19 infection may also be invited.

Sub-Divisional Level/Block Level:
Ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag by a Minister/Sub-Divisional Magistrate (after 9.00 AM), playing of the National Anthem; speech by the dignitary explaining the significance of 15 August and exhorting the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country; unfurling of the National Flag; singing of the National Anthem, etc.

In view of COVID-19 pandemic, large congregation in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that social distancing norms, wearing masks, etc., are followed.

It would also be appropriate that Covid-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc., are invited in the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service in the fight against Covid-19 Pandemic. Some persons cured from Covid-19 infection may also be invited.