Armed Forces Flag Day: Significance and How We Can Contribute

The Armed Forces Flag Day is a day dedicated to India towards collection of funds from people of India for the welfare of the Indian Armed Forces personnel. It has been observed annually in India on December 7 since 1949. Over the years, it has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of India.

In an attempt to honour the martyrs as well as men and women in uniform, the day is celebrated to act as a reminder of our obligation towards the veterans, disabled soldiers, war widows and dependents of those who have laid down their lives for the safety, honour and integrity of the motherland. These are the people who valiantly hold down the fort for us and safeguard the country’s honour, bearing the extremities at the borders.

For the welfare of veterans, disabled soldiers, war widows and dependents of those who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and also for the rehabilitation of the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) community, the Armed forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF) has been constituted by the government.

How We Can Contribute

For all the sacrifices that the armed forces make or made for us, today is when we get a chance to reciprocate with a little gesture and a way to salute the valour and Zeal of their supreme devotion to the nation.

Several cashless payment methods have been set up and made available. We can send our contributions via PayTM number ‘8800462175’ and UPI code: armedforcesflagdayfund@sbi. To contribute using Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking log on to ksb.gov.in

Organised by both the official and non-official voluntary organisations, the fund collection throughout the country, is managed by local arms of the Kendriya Sainik Board, which is part of the Ministry of Defence.

The contribution to the AFFDF is income tax exempted under section 80(G). Hence, contributions made to the fund are eligible for deduction under section 80G and the same can be claimed by submitting the details at the time of filing Income Tax return.

This year the Ministry of Defence planned to run a programme which has been in effect from November 01, 2018 and would continue till December 31, 2018. As per the programme, we can show our sense of pride by wearing the flag, representing the three defence services, from November 01, 2018 to December 31, 2018. These flags are available at all Government offices. Alternatively, printable version of the flags can be downloaded from ksb.gov.in.