Khadi unit in Hubballi is the only licensed manufacturer of national flags in India

Team Udayavani, Aug 15, 2021, 11:47 AM IST

Hubballi: The Karnataka Khadi and Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangh (Federation) (KKGSSF), located in Bengeri village in Hubbali is the only authorized unit in India to manufacture and supply national flags.

It was founded on 1 November 1957 with an aim to provide employment opportunities to the rural youth and create a federation that caters to the need for the growth of khadi.  Venkatesh T Magadi and Sriranga Kamat were chosen as the first Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

Soon after, 58 institutions around the state were brought under the aegis of this federation. The head office is located in Hubli which is spread across 17 acres. It also houses a training college to train students in textile chemistry.

After the KKGSSF was accorded permission by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), in 2004, the flag manufacturing unit was established. In 2006, it got certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

It is the only facility in the country to manufacture the flag conforming to the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

But why?

The KKGSS’ flag facility has about 60 sewing machines to maintain precision while stitching. Each flag must conform to critical criteria.

The cloth is spun at KKGSS’s weaving unit in Bagalkot and divided into three lots, the material is stronger than jeans.

It is then dyed with one colour of the Indian flag and cut to size. The blue Ashoka chakra is printed on the white cloth and the three pieces are stitched together to make the Indian flag.

According to the Flag Code for India, The National Flag should be rectangular and with a ratio of 3:2. They are also made in nine different sizes,with the smallest one being 6 × 4 inches (150 X 100 mm) and the biggest one being 21 X 14 feet (6300 X 4200 mm).

However, it is not an easy task. The material undergoes several quality checks because, any defect in the flags will be considered as a serious offence and is liable for a fine or imprisonment or both, as per the provisions of Flag Code of India 2002.