Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, launched in 2022 as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' has not only fostered patriotism and unity across India but also sparked a remarkable transformation at the grassroots level. What began as a nationwide call for citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes, workplaces, and institutions has evolved into a powerful movement that has inspired and empowered thousands of women by creating a new women-led industry.
Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, which coordinates the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan, has highlighted the profound impact of this initiative on women across the country. The campaign's success can be measured not just in the number of flags hoisted but in the economic opportunities it has created for women, particularly those in Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The demand for flags was immense when the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan was first launched, and to meet this demand, the central government had procured and distributed approximately 7.5 crore flags. However, recognizing the potential for greater participation and self-reliance, PM Modi initiated a revision of the Flag Code of India, opening the doors for SHGs to participate in flag production.
By the second year of the campaign, these SHGs had taken over the majority of flag production, reducing the central government's procurement to just 2.5 crore flags. A striking example of this shift can be seen in Uttar Pradesh, where the state purchased 4.5 crore flags from the government in 2022 but did not require any in 2023, thanks to the self-sufficiency of its SHGs, a clear indication of the involvement and connection of these groups in the initiative.
In 2024, the demand for centrally supplied flags dropped further to just 20 lakhs, with SHGs becoming the primary producers of national flags. Across the country, approximately 25 crore flags are needed annually—one for every home. This transition from reliance on large vendors to SHG-led production has not only strengthened the spirit of Jan Bhagidari but has also transformed these SHGs into a thriving industry, empowering women economically and socially.
The Har Ghar Tiranga initiative is a shining example of how a simple yet profound idea can bring about significant change. By harnessing the power of women at the grassroots level, this campaign has not only instilled a sense of national pride but has also created lasting economic opportunities for women across India. Under PM Modi's leadership, the Har Ghar Tiranga initiative has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for millions.
Do you know that PM Modi's Har Ghar Tiranga initiative also gave rise to an entirely new women-led industry?
— Modi Story (@themodistory) August 14, 2024
Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, which coordinates the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan, explains..
The Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign launched in… pic.twitter.com/9JUeMxR6CA