Darrang DC issues strict order regarding Independence Day celebration

OUR CORRESPONDENT

MANGALDAI: It is often seen that a section of heads of government departments engage Grade IV employees to hoist the national flag in their offices on Republic Day or Independence Day. Maybe they cannot spare time for hoisting the flag or maybe they have no respect for the tricolour. The officials and employees too are never present during the ceremonial celebration. For them, both these auspicious occasions are mere holidays. At times, the national flag can be seen fluttering even during the night, which is not only a violation of the protocol but also an insult to the honour of the national flag.

Taking a serious note of such violations, Darrang Deputy Commissioner Dilip Kumar Bora, while taking part in a meeting attended by all the heads of the government departments on Friday, asked the heads of the departments to unfurl the flag without engaging other employees and to send the video clippings of unfurling and lowering of the flag at the prescribed time to the Deputy Commissioner. He also warned them that failure on their part to comply with this guideline would lead them to face strict action as per the provisions of the 'Prevention of Insults to National honour Act, 1971' and their simultaneous arrest.

The district administration on Friday had convened a meeting in the conference hall of the DC's office to discuss the smooth celebration of the ensuing 73rd Independence Day in view of the prevailing situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent of Police Amrit Bhuyan, Additional Deputy Commissioners Kalpana Deka, Nabajyoti Ojha and Surajit Bora, president of Mangaldai Chambers of Commerce, Mukul Deka, DIPRO Moni Mala Gogoi, media person Bhargab Kumar Das and all the Circle Officers and heads of the departments attended it. As per the guideline of the government, it has been decided to celebrate I-Day as per COVID protocol maintaining social distancing.

This I-Day celebration will witness no participation of the NCC, Scouts and Guides in the march past, cultural function and felicitation of distinguished persons in different fields. Even the ceremonial celebration at the Parade Ground here in Mangaldai will be restricted to limited invitees only. However, the meeting also decided to offer felicitation to the frontline COVID-19 warriors and health workers for their significant role in the fight against COVID-19, and Harijans for their active participation in the funeral of COVID-19 patients.

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