Page 52 - Plastics News August 2021

IN THE NEwS

Minister Of State Launches 3 ONGC Handicraft 'NO' Plastic Flags
rd
Project Under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav he Union ministry of home affairs

T(MHA) has directed all states and
Union territories (UTs) to ensure that
people do not use national flags made
of plastic during the forthcoming
Independence Day celebrations. In
a statement, MHA said that flags
made of non-biodegradable items
do not decompose for a long time
and make their appropriate disposal a
practical problem. The home ministry
stated that the tricolour represents the
hopes and aspirations of the country;
hence should occupy a position of
honour. “There is universal affection
and respect for, and loyalty to, the
national flag. Yet, a perceptible lack of
inister of State (MoS), Ministry He noted that technological development awareness is often noticed amongst
Mof Petroleum & Natural Gas and is key to increase productivity through people as well as organisations or
Labor & Employment Shri Rameswar these projects. He expressed optimism
Teli launched ONGC-supported Assam that the example set by ONGC will agencies of the government, in regard
Handloom project ‘Ujjwal Abahan’ lead other PSUs to come forward and to laws, practices and conventions
on 6 August 2021 through virtual help support such beneficial schemes in that apply to display of the national
platform. The project will support the country.Petroleum Secretary Tarun flag,” the statement read. The MHA
and train over a hundred artisans of Kapoor said it is commendable that said that tricolours made of plastic are
being used during important national,
Bhatiapar of Sivasagar in Hathkharga ONGC through this unique CSR project sports and cultural events instead of
handicraft. This project is in line with the is supporting handicraft and generating those made of paper. The states and
government’s observance of “Azadi Ka employment in rural areas. He noted UTs have thus been asked to make sure
Amrit Mahotsav”, under which Energy that the skill-based training included that people use national flags made of
Maharatna ONGC has earlier launched in the projects is a major leap towards paper only on the occasions of such
two projects supporting the indigenous empowering underprivileged people important sports, cultural and national
handicrafts of the country. Observing of the country.ONGC CMD Subhash
India’s 75th year of independence, Kumar noted that it is a matter of pride
PSUs under the Petroleum ministry and honor to host such CSR project as
have undertaken 75 projects to be a part of the government’s celebration
supported to commemorate each year of of the 75th year of Independence.
Independence. Among the 75 projects, “ONGC has always been supporting
ONGC is supporting 15 projects, which local communities in and around its
will be implemented by 15 August 2022. operational areas and will continue to
do so.”ONGC Director (HR), Alka
The 3rd initiative of ONGC is part of Mittal assured about the support to
the first phase – in which the energy such projects in future to make artisans events in terms of the provisions of
major will unveil five projects. self-reliant. Crafts contribute around the Flag Code of India, 2002, and that
Thanking ONGC, the Minister of State 13000 crore to the economy of nation these paper flags are “not discarded
Shri Teli said that the Assam Handloom every year, she added. ONGC Director or thrown on the ground after the
project is worth over 26 lakh rupees (Onshore), Anurag Sharma joined from event.” The paper flags are required to
and expressed confidence that it will Bhatiapar, Sivasagar site and assured of be disposed of, “in private, consistent
substantially benefit the local weavers, all the support to promote rich craft with the dignity of the flag,” the MHA
subsequently boost the rural economy. traditions of Assam. statement read.

52 PLASTICS NEWS AUGUST 2021