Independence Day celebrations amid Covid-19, guidelines issued…Read here
In the guidelines, it has been advised to avoid large congregations and solicit participation of Covid-19 warriors, health workers, sanitation workers in the flag hoisted ceremony.
New Delhi: As the nation battles Coronavirus with daily surge in fresh Covid-19 cases, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday has issued guidelines for the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 in Centre and states and Union Territories (UTs).
It has 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 celebrations should be carried out in these testing times.
“In view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programmes 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.; and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health a Family Welfare,” the letter read.
Guidelines for I-Day celebrations in Delhi
The Ceremony at Red Fort consisting of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister (Pradhan Mantri), unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after PM’s speech, and release of tricoloured balloons at the end. This will be followed by “At Home” reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Guidelines for I-Day celebrations in States
A ceremony in the morning (after 9.00 AM) in the State/Union Territory Capitals consisting of unfurling of the National Flag by the Chief Minister; playing of the National Anthem; presentation of Guard of Honour by the Police including Para-Military Forces, Home Guards, NCC, Scouts, etc; speech by the Chief Minister; and singing of the National Anthem.
In view of Covid-19 pandemic, large congregation in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that social distancing norms, wearing masks, etc., are followed.
It would also 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 fight against Covid-19 Pandemic. Some persons cured from Covid-19 infection may also be invited.
For Districts/Sub-divisional blocks/Panchayat HQs
Similar guidelines have been issued at district, block and Panchayat level also. It has been advised to avoid large congregations and solicit participation of Covid-19 warriors, health workers, sanitation workers in the flag hoisted ceremony.
Other patriotic events or social activities like planting of tree should be encouraged, it said.
The letter further says, “It would be appropriate that the theme of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” is suitably spread and publicised amongst the masses through various activities/messages in the functions and on social media during Independence Day celebrations.”