In a significant administrative shift following the change of government in West Bengal, the state has initiated the phasing out of the ‘Ba’ (Bengali letter) logo associated with the ‘Biswa Bangla’ brand from official use. The latest move involves removing ‘Ba’-emblazoned flags from vehicles used by senior IAS officers.

In place of the old design, official vehicles will now display dark blue flags featuring the National Emblem, including the Ashoka Chakra. The state secretariat, Nabanna, has issued a formal notification mandating this change, and implementation has already begun.

The earlier flags bearing the ‘Ba’ symbol were introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had personally designed them. These flags were available in three shapes—rectangular, tail-shaped, and triangular—depending on the rank of the officer.

Rank-based flag system retained

Under the revised system, while the emblem has changed, the rank-based distinction in flag shapes remains intact:

• Rectangular flags: Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Divisional Commissioners, and equivalent ranks

• Tail-shaped flags: Super Time Scale officers

• Triangular flags: Commissioners, officers of equivalent rank (JAG/Selection Grade), and District Magistrates

Nabanna’s directive outlines strict rules to maintain the dignity of the flags. They must be placed either at the center of the vehicle’s bonnet or on a designated stand on the front grille. Officials are permitted to use these flags only during official duties and must ensure they remain clean and well-maintained.

The notification clearly states that displaying these VIP flags does not entitle officials to any exemptions from traffic rules or violations.

Digital monitoring for transparency

To enhance accountability, Nabanna will maintain a digital database recording details of flag issuance, including the names of officials and vehicle registration numbers. This information will also be shared with agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, and Kolkata Police.

Sources confirm that the newly designed flags have already reached Nabanna, and the process of installing them on official vehicles has commenced across the state.

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