In a move to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the national flag and statues of national heroes in the capital, the Delhi government has issued a circular directing all departments and organisations to ensure the dignified handling and maintenance of the national flag and its surroundings, which are installed at various locations.

This follows directives from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to all officers, autonomous bodies, organisations,  and departments of the Delhi government regarding the “respectful maintenance” of the national flag and statues of national heroes in the city.

In a circular issued to all departments and organisations of the Delhi government, Chief Secretary Dharmendra has directed the proper maintenance of all statues installed at various locations and requested compliance reports from the departments within 30 days.

There are hundreds of statues of national heroes across the city, many of which are not properly maintained.

“The officers, departments, and organisations of the Government of the NCT of Delhi are directed to ensure the dignified handling and upkeep of the national flag and its surroundings, which are installed at various locations in the NCT of Delhi.”

“Furthermore, they are also instructed to properly maintain the statues installed in different parts of Delhi. Any statues that are damaged or have deteriorated should be appropriately repaired with due respect or replaced if necessary. A special drive may be undertaken in this regard, and a compliance report must be submitted within 30 days,” the circular states.

The circular has been issued to all Additional Chief Secretaries, the MCD Commissioner, the Chairperson of the NDMC, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, the Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, all heads of autonomous bodies, organisations, and departments, as well as secretaries to ministers and the Speaker of the Delhi Assembly.

The directive emphasises the importance of maintaining proper decorum and respect for the national flag and statues of national heroes in accordance with established protocols and regulations, according to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The Chief Minister has mandated the dignified handling and meticulous upkeep of the national flag and its surrounding areas at all installation points across Delhi, the statement added.

She stated, “Our national flag and statues of national heroes represent our glorious history, struggles, and cultural heritage.  “Their respectful maintenance is not only our duty but also a source of inspiration and patriotism for future generations. It is our responsibility to honour the national flag and statues and contribute to their preservation,” she added.

Gupta criticised previous governments for installing the national flag at many locations in the city but failing to ensure their proper maintenance.

“The condition is deplorable in many places. Similarly, they also neglected the maintenance of the statues of our national heroes,” she said. The Chief Minister has instructed “the concerned authorities to undertake thorough inspections and ensure the proper maintenance of the national flag and statues of national heroes installed throughout Delhi”.

“The directive specifically addresses statues that have suffered damage or deterioration, requiring that they be repaired with due respect or replaced if necessary. An order has been issued to launch a special campaign to address this issue, with a compliance report to be submitted within 30 days,” she stated.

The Delhi government’s objective is to foster a deep sense of respect for the national flag and statues of national heroes, undertaking all necessary measures to ensure their maintenance and upkeep, the statement added.