Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Polity
Why in News?
Karnataka Chief Minister has announced plans to grant official state flag status to the yellow-and-red Kannada flag.
- The proposal is scheduled for discussion during the upcoming winter session of the Karnataka Legislature at Belagavi.
- The government is reviewing legal provisions to ensure that the Kannada flag may be hoisted alongside the National Flag without compromising its dignity
Kannada Flag
- Flag colours – Yellow and Red.
- The flag symbolises Kannada identity, culture, and regional sentiments.
- The government has proposed the following measures:
- Seek official recognition for the flag from the Union Government.
- Facilitate the hoisting of the flag at government offices and the Vidhana Soudha.
- Consider making the display of the flag mandatory in institutions that receive government support.
- Encourage private establishments to hoist the flag.
- Previous developments:
- In 2018, the Siddaramaiah government proposed a redesigned Karnataka state flag and sought recognition from the Centre.
- The present government intends to retain the widely used plain yellow-and-red flag instead of introducing the earlier redesigned version.
- An earlier Cabinet resolution and proposal were submitted to the Union Government, but recognition is still awaited.
Constitutional and Legal Provisions
- Fundamental Duties - Article 51A(a) – Every citizen must abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem.
- Freedom of Speech and Expression - Article 19(1)(a)
- Guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
- This provision is particularly pertinent to debates regarding the articulation of linguistic and cultural identity.
- Flag Code of India, 2002
- Regulates the display, hoisting and use of the National Flag.
- Any proposed arrangements for a state flag must adhere to the established regulations governing the use of the National Flag.
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 - Provides legal protection against specified forms of insult to the National Flag, Constitution and National Anthem.
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Other Karnataka Government Initiatives
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Reservation for Kannadigas
- The government is considering implementing a 5% job reservation for Kannadigas in multinational companies (MNCs) operating within Karnataka.
- The proposed objective is to enhance employment opportunities for local residents.
Kannada-Medium Aided Schools
- There is a demand to extend grant-in-aid benefits to Kannada-medium aided schools established after 1995.
- The proposed grants are intended to primarily cover the following:
- Teachers' salaries.
- Government funding for sanctioned teaching posts.
Gram Anubhava
- This initiative was launched by the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- The program aims to provide urban school students with exposure to rural life.
- It is targeted at students in Classes 8, 9, and 11.
Kannada Book Promotion
- Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Pradhikara has announced a 50% discount on its publications.
- The discount is available from 1 to 30 November.
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Reference
Indian Express | Kannada Flag May Get Official State Recognition
