National flag manufacturing centre awaits R-Day orders

Hubballi: Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) in Hubballi, the only national flag manufacturing centre in the country, has not received any fresh orders for the upcoming 77th Republic Day celebrations in Jan 2026. The amendment to the National Flag Code, introduced during Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav in 2022, continues to impact procurement.

Usually, bulk orders begin arriving by early Dec, but even after nearly 15 days into the month, no orders have been placed. The centre has already produced flags of various sizes and stocked inventory valued at over Rs 2 crore in anticipation of demand.

During the Independence Day period, the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha, which manufactures national flags as per BIS standards, witnessed its poorest sales of Rs 54 lakh against Rs 2.5 crore in previous years. The centre is now eagerly awaiting bulk orders for the Republic Day celebration.

The amendment to the national flag code, introduced to commemorate the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga' Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav during the 75th Independence Day in 2022, has had a lasting impact on the national flag manufacturing centre in Hubballi. This centre, operated by the KKGSS in Bengeri, is responsible for producing national flags in compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). As the 77th Republic Day approaches in Jan 2026, the centre is facing an uncertain future.

The situation highlights the challenges faced by traditional manufacturing centres in adapting to changes in national policies and consumer behaviour. The amendment to the flag code, while intended to enhance the celebration of national events, has inadvertently affected the livelihoods of those involved in the production of national symbols.

As the Republic Day approaches, the centre remains hopeful for a turnaround in orders, but the situation serves as a reminder of the need for resilience and innovation in the face of evolving challenges.

Annapurna Doddamani, manager at the centre, said, "Every day, 25 to 30 employees used to prepare the national flags, but now the situation has become worse. We have enough employees, but we are not getting orders for national flags. To keep the employees engaged, we are making them stitch bags and other things. If the situation continues, it will be difficult for artisans to survive," she added.

Shivanand Mathapati, secretary of KKGSS, said, "To date, not a single order has been placed for national flags. The relaxation in the National Flag Code to hoist national flags made of polyester material also has a larger impact on the khadi-made national flags. The KKGSS and other khadi mandals have repeatedly requested the Union govt to change the amended national flag code, but to no avail. We don't know the reason why," he added.