Due to surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, Haryana Government has decided that freedom fighters will be honoured by the district officers at their residences on the occasion of Republic Day.

The office of the Chief Secretary has issued guidelines to all the Divisional Commissioners, District Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil) regarding celebration of Republic Day 2022 and asked them to honour freedom fighters at their homes.

The guidelines stated, “In view of the spread of COVID-19, it is necessary to follow preventive measures while organizing various programmes or activities for Republic Day on January 26 such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, proper sanitization, proper sanitation, avoiding large gatherings, protecting vulnerable persons and follow all the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to COVID-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health.”

They have been directed that all the programmes should be organised in such a way that people can be saved from large gatherings and this national festival should be celebrated by using technology appropriately.

“Organised events can be largely web-cast to reach out to those who are not able to participate. Apart from this, there will be no P.T. show. Vulnerable persons, children below 10 years of age should be kept away from these activities along with this all the guidelines and protocols related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Haryana Government should be strictly followed in the March Past,” it stated.

It has also been clarified in the directions that the guidelines issued by the MHA regarding the hoisting of the national flag on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26, 2022, should be followed in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.