Clearly display state emblem of India on seal, says Centre

Dimapur, March 13 (EMN): The state emblem of India is the official seal of the Government of India. Government officials and agencies that have been authorised to use the emblem may be penalised if the symbols, impressions, and markings are not clearly displayed, updates on Wednesday stated. The emblem is an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital of the Emperor Ashoka. The emblem consists of the profile of the Lion Capital showing three Lion mounted on the abacus, with a Dharma Chakra in the centre, a bull on the right, a galloping horse on the left and outlines of Dharma Chakras on the extreme right and left. There is written on it the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Sanskrit for ‘Truth alone triumphs’). It is written in the Devanagiri script. The design of the state emblem of India is provided in the Schedule of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act of 2005. The IPR has reported that the central government has issued notices directing government offices to ensure that the seals have clear markings. ‘It has been brought to the notice of the central ministry that the official seals having the state emblem which are used in the government offices put very unclear and vague impression on papers because such seals are overused till they get worn out,’ the IPR stated. It was observed that sometimes the words “Satyameva Jayate” hardly appears on the seal due to poor impression. Such indistinct use of the State Emblem of India on the seals amounts to violation of the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act of 2005 and State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Act of 2007 (as amended in 2010). Government agencies that are using the state emblem of India on their stationery, publication, seals, vehicles, buildings, websites etc., often omit the motto “Satyameva Jayate.” Rather, the marks only depicting the profile of the Lion Capital. It may be noted that the state emblem of India is incomplete without the motto ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the profile of the Lion Capital. All the government agencies which are using the state emblem of India on their seals must ensure that the seals are replaced on time and before they are worn out. That way the impression of the seals on papers may be clear and precise. Furthermore, the government agencies that are authorized to use the state emblem of India for various purposes must depict the complete ‘State Emblem’ with the motto ‘Satyameva Jayete’ in Devanagiri script inscribed below the profile of Lion Capital. They are to ensure that no unauthorized use of the emblem of India is made on stationery, vehicles etc., the IPR stated. Suitable steps in this regard may be taken and suitable instructions may be issued to the agencies in concern and wide publicity in this regard be given. Strict action should be taken against officials for incomplete display of the state emblem and for any violations in this regard, the updates stated.