Chief Secretary reviews action plan for ‘150 Years of Vande Mataram’ celebrations

Srinagar, Aug 7: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Friday chaired a high-level meeting of all the concerned Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners, DCs and HoDs to review the preparations and departmental action plan for the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga-2026’ campaign, being organised in conjunction with the third phase of the 150 Years of Vande Mataram commemorative celebrations.
The meeting reviewed the responsibilities assigned to different departments and the logistical arrangements prepared by the Department of Culture, the nodal department, for smooth implementation of the campaign across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir from August 9 to August 17, 2026.
Emphasising the need to sustain this momentum, the Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to ensure maximum public participation by involving every panchayat, ULB and educational institution so that Jammu and Kashmir continues to maintain its premier position at the national level.
The Chief Secretary directed that all flags procured must strictly conform to the Flag Code of India. He also instructed that procurement should be undertaken through local Self Help Groups and the Department of Posts to ensure quality and timely availability.
Stress was also laid on extensive publicity for the campaign. The Chief Secretary directed the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) and district administrations to undertake widespread awareness drives, highlighting the importance of respectful handling, collection and proper custody of the National Flag after Independence Day celebrations.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised by the Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma that Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the leading performer in the nationwide patriotic campaign, securing the No. 1 rank in successive phases of the Vande Mataram celebrations.
The meeting was informed that the Union Territory-level flagship event will be held on August 12 in Srinagar. The event will commence from the lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) and culminate at the Botanical Garden. Deputy Commissioners from all districts will participate virtually.
As part of the celebrations, a Tiranga Bike Rally involving the Paramilitary and J&K Police, a Tiranga Mela showcasing local handicrafts, Self Help Group products and tricolour-themed merchandise, besides a patriotic concert featuring renowned national and local artists, will also be organised.
Reviewing the nine-day programme, the Chief Secretary was informed that exhibitions on the history and evolution of the National Flag and the freedom movement would be organised at prominent public institutions and locations across the Union Territory. Educational institutions will conduct Tiranga-themed activities, including board art, walkathons, letter-writing campaigns for armed forces personnel and Rakhi-making workshops.
The programme will also feature community singing of the National Song Vande Mataram and the Tiranga Anthem across blocks and municipal areas in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure. A pre-event car and bike rally along the SKICC–Cheshmashahi–Botanical Garden route has also been scheduled for August 11.
The meeting was informed that 14,03,496 National Flags have been requisitioned by districts for distribution across Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate large-scale participation in the campaign.
Citizens were also encouraged to upload photographs of their participation on the official Har Ghar Tiranga portal to strengthen the spirit of public participation and national unity.