<span style="color: #222222;">The Centre has urged all citizens not to use national flag made up of plastic and asked states and Union Territories to ensure strict compliance of the flag code. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">In an advisory to states and Union territories, the Home Ministry said the national flag represents hopes and aspirations of the people of India and hence should occupy a position of honour.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The ministry said it has been brought to its notice that during important events, the national flag made of plastic is used in place of paper flags. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Since plastic flags are not biodegradable like paper flags, these do not get decomposed for a long time. It said ensuring appropriate disposal of national flag made of plastic commensurate with the dignity of the flag, is a practical problem.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The advisory said on important national, cultural and sports events, flags made of paper only are to be used by public and these are not to be discarded or thrown on the ground after the event.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Such flags are to be disposed of, in private, consistent with the dignity of the flag. </span><br />''