According to the government, businesses are permitted to use CSR funds for initiatives associated with the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, with the aim of intensifying the efforts to popularise the campaign.
What is Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign?
The Central Government plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence with a statewide “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, in which more than 20 crore homes would unfurl the national flag for three days in the month of August.
The national flag’s colours will be painted on all government and public sector buildings, educational institutions, commercial businesses, NGOs, restaurants, shopping centres, toll plazas, and police stations starting on July 22. According to an official release, the tricolour will be flown over the houses as part of the programme from August 13 to August 15 with the help of the general public and government and commercial organisations. More than 100 crore individuals will take part in the initiative to recommit themselves to serving Mother India. It will make a significant contribution to fostering a fresh spirit of patriotism among the populace, it claimed.
Use of CSR Funds for the Campaign
As the idea behind the Campaign is to invoke a feeling of patriotism among the people, the Ministry has been also making preparations to involve more and more people in the movement.
In the general circular for clarification on the spending of CSR funds for the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs said, “Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is aimed to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.”
Mass scale production and supply of the National Flag would be some of the CSR-funded activities related to ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. Outreach and amplification efforts and other related activities are eligible CSR activities under item no. (ii) of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013 pertaining to the promotion of education relating to culture.
“The companies may undertake the aforesaid activities, subject to fulfilment of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014 and related circulars/ clarifications issued by the Ministry thereof, from time to time,” the Ministry of Corporate Affairs said in its circular.
