MHA issues advisory for Independence Day; asks States to avoid large gatherings

New Delhi, July 24: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday released advisory guidelines for Independence Day celebrations on August 15th and asked all the government offices, states, Governors, etc to avoid congregation of public and use technology for the celebrations.

 

 

 

Joint Secretary Anuj Sharma has written a letter to all States and Union Territories sharing with them how the 15th August celebrations should be carried out."Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervor, and enthusiasm. This year also, the Independence Day will be celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion.

 

However, in view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programs 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," the letter read.

 

“The ceremony at Red Fort will consist of Guard of Honour to the Prime Minister, firing of 21-gun salute, speech by the PM and the singing of the national anthem,” the Home Ministry said in its notification.

 

 

As per the order, the performance of police or military bands will be recorded at places of historic importance associated with the Independence movement and recorded versions will be displayed through large screens or digital media during public functions and on social media. For celebrations of the event at different levels in the states or UTs, the order prescribes certain guidelines for the state level, district level, sub-divisional level or block level, and Panchayat Headquarters or bigger villages.

 

-“All programs should be organized in a way that a large congregation of people is avoided and technology is used in the best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion. The event organized could be web-cast to reach out to people at large, who are not able to participate,” the MHA advisory read.

 

-It has asked that all programs should be organized in a way that a large congregation of people is avoided & technology is used in the best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion.

 

-It may be ensured that the national flag is hoisted at all state capitals or districts or block or Panchayat levels, the order says adding that no large congregation to take place in the ceremony. Basic COVID-19 preventive measures and social distancing norms to be followed.

 

-To avoid congregation of public a the MHA asked to use technology for the celebrations, has asked states to go digital in a big way to enable people to celebrate indoors.

 

-It also added "It would 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 of Covid-19 infection may also be invited."

 

-In the end, it added, It would be appropriate that the theme of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” is suitably spread and publicized amongst the masses through various activities/messages in the functions and on social media during Independence Day celebrations.