India's 76th Republic Day: Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior Emerges As North India's Sole Hub For National Flag Production

Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh): Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, is the only place in North India where the Indian national flag is manufactured. The Madhya Bharat Khadi Sangh, located here, has been producing flags for years. These flags proudly adorn government buildings, embassies, the Parliament, and historic landmarks like the Red Fort.

This year, ahead of Republic Day, the organization received orders to produce 20,000 flags, worth approximately ₹1 crore. Around ₹80 lakh worth of flags have already been dispatched across 20 states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

The Madhya Bharat Khadi Sangh stands out not only for its unique role in flag production but also for its workforce. Over 90% of the workers involved in flag-making are women. From cutting fabric to conducting rigorous quality checks, women handle every step of the process.

The flags are made in three key sizes—2x3, 3x4.5, and 4x6 feet. Each flag undergoes 20 quality tests, including checks for fabric strength, Ashoka Chakra design, and color accuracy. The production of a single flag takes 5-6 days, ensuring strict adherence to BIS standards.

Established in 1925, the Khadi Sangh gained recognition for flag manufacturing in 2016. Alongside Gwalior, only two other locations in India—Hubballi (Karnataka) and Mumbai—produce national flags, highlighting Gwalior’s vital role in preserving the nation’s pride.