Armed Forces Flag Day is annually observed across India on 7th December to honour the martyrs and the armed force personnel who fought and continue to fight to protect the honour of the country.
- The flag day highlights the commitment of the public to look after the soldiers who were affected by the war, Veer Naris and the families of the martyrs who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Background:
i.On 28th August 1949, a committee set up under the then Defence Minister Baldev Singh decided to observe the Flag day annually on 7th December.
ii.The Armed Forces Flag day has been observed on 7th December since 1949.
Observance:
i.The Kendriya Sainik Board Ministry of Defence raises the funds through the distribution of token flags, Booklets, and brochures, and collection of contributions by volunteers among the staff of the ministry to support the families of the martyrs, disabled former servicemen and their dependents.
ii.Flags in red, deep blue, and light blue signifying the three services (Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Navy) are distributed in exchange for the donation.
Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF):
i.Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) was instituted in 1993, by the amalgamation of the following into one fund named as “Armed Forces Flag Day Fund”.
- Amalgamated Special Fund for war bereaved, war disabled and other ESM/serving personnel
- Armed Forces Flag Day Fund
- St.Dunstan’s (India) and Kendriya Sainik Board Fund
- Indian Gurkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Fund.
ii.AFFDF is operated by a Managing Committee, headed by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri at the Centre and Hon’ble Governor / Lt Governor at the State / UT level.
iii.Kendriya Sainik Board(KSB) is responsible for the administration of AFFDF.
iv.The various welfare and rehabilitation schemes for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their dependents are formulated and operated by the KSB through the network of 32 Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) and 385 Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) co-located in the State Capitals and District headquarters across India.
Note:
Contributions to Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are exempted from Income Tax under section 80 G (5) (vi) of Income Tax Act 1961.
