In an astute move, the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha, Hubli, is opening the country's first exclusive kiosk to sell the national flag at the Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station to coincide with the commercial launch of Namma Metro services on October 20.
Though the tricolour is available across all certified Khadi Bhandars in the country, this is the first exclusive National Flag Centre, said sangha secretary V.T. Huded, adding that the sangha had entered into an agreement with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) on October 5.
Mr. Huded told The Hindu there were few places selling the authentic national flag and the kiosk, which would have the pride of place, would be a hit.
At present, the sangha earns Rs. 1 crore annually from the sale of flags. Though the kiosk is not yet ready, the flags will initially be sold at a counter.
Nine sizes
The flag comes in nine sizes, the smallest being 6 inches by 9 inches (car flag) and the largest, 14 feet by 21 feet, to the specification of the Bureau of Indian Standards and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). The prices are determined by KVIC with the smallest being sold for Rs. 100 and the largest, Rs. 12,000.
Mr. Huded said the stand flag, 6 inches by 9 inches, comes with a brass stand, priced at Rs. 105.
The largest flags are hoisted at some forts, including Naragund in Karnataka, Kolhapur in Maharashtra and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. The one hoisted atop the Vidhana Soudha measures 8 feet by 12 feet and those on deputy commissioners' offices, 6 feet by 9 feet, he said.
Books, demos
Also on sale will be books on how to furl and unfurl the flag while a video demo will play on loop, said Umesh Baligar, a khadi worker associated with the sangha.
No rent
BMRCL General Manager (Finance) U.A. Vasanth Rao told The Hindu about 150 sq. ft of space at a conspicuous location would be provided to the sangha without charging any rent though it would have to pay the electricity bill as well as property tax if demanded by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike.
