Demand for a separate State Flag

Why in news?

Kannada and Culture Department of the state government recently notified the setting up of a committee to examine the feasibility and legal issues around the demand.

What is the Karnataka government’s stand?

• The government has constituted a committee to look at the issues in the creation of a state flag.
• It stated that Karnataka already has an official state song and it feels that there is nothing wrong in having a state flag.
• It was also ensured that the national flag will always fly higher that the state flag.

• Karnataka has had an unofficial state flag since the mid 1960s when pro-Kannada groups were agitating against the screening of non-Kannada films in the state.

• The red and yellow flag called the Kannada Paksha was created by Kannada writer and activist Ma Ramamurthy for a pro-Kannada political party.
• This unofficial flag is flown every year on November 1, Karnataka’s foundation day, and is a common sight at public places.

What is the centre’s view?

• There is no provision in the Constitution for a state flag.
• Home Ministry stated that legally, there is no provision either for providing or prohibiting a separate flag for any state.
• It also said that if such a flag is created it would only represent the people and not the state.

Source: The Indian Express