Context:
Tripura unveiled its first official state emblem.
State Flag:
- Constitution of India does not prohibit states from having their own flags.
- States can have their own flags, as long as they do not dishonour the national flag.
- However, state flag should always be flown below the national flag, cannot be flown alongside it, and cannot be used for official or statutory purposes.
State Emblem:
- States in India can adopt their emblem but require Union Home Ministry approval for state symbols.
- Regulated under – State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
- Authorized uses of states’ emblems include official seals, stationery, vehicles, and key public buildings.
State Song:
- India lacks uniform legislation on state songs, which are typically approved by state legislatures or executives.
- These songs are sung at official events, ensuring respect for national unity and the national anthem.
- Example – West Bengal announced Banglar Mati Banglar Jal, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, as the State Song.
Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950:
- Prohibits the unauthorized use of national emblems, names, and symbols for commercial purposes by private entities without proper permission.
- Also extends to state symbols, meaning that state emblems and names are protected under this legislation as well to ensure that state symbols are not misused for commercial purposes without proper authorization.
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002:
Statement-I: One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm * 400 mm.
Statement-II: The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. The standard sizes of the National Flag of India does not include the dimension 600*400mm.