Irani hints, VCs agree: Tricolour to fly in universities

So far silent on the JNU issue, the human resources development ministry found a novel way to instil patriotism among students. At a conclave of central university vice-chancellors on Thursday, a resolution was passed that “at a central place at every university, the national flag will be flown prominently and proudly”.

Initially, there was talk that the flag had to fly on a 207-foot-high mast but ministry officials denied this. A few VCs TOI spoke to also said no specification was discussed.

Though the resolution was moved by Sunaina Singh, VC of English & Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, the idea came up in minister Smriti Irani’s speech. She spoke about how the national flag should fly at a prominent places and be worshipped. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the 39 VCs.

Two VCs from south India were sceptical. They said the move might be seen as forced. “Why a resolution for the national flag? Most government buildings and universities fly it already,” said one of them.