Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), located at Bengeri in Hubballi, is the only Authorised Centre for the Production of National Flags in India.
A matter of great pride for Hubballi is that the Tri-Colour Flags wherever they are fluttering or will be fluttering soon, are produced here.
KKGSS was founded on November 1st,1957. But the National Flag Manufacturing Unit was set up in 2004. In 2006 not only it got the Award of Excellence but also got certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
For the Production of National Flags, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set some standards in the Design, Usage of Materials, and other particulars. The material used for the Flag should be made of Handspun and Handwoven Khadi only.
Production of National Flags as per strict guidelines of BIS is not an easy task, because any defect in the Flags such as Colour, Size, Thread count, Strength of Yarn, Fastness of the color used for Dyeing, etc will be considered as a serious offense and is liable for a Fine or Imprisonment or Both.
The Process Involved in the Production of National Flags
Bleaching and Dyeing: The fabric meant for manufacturing the Top and Bottom band of Tricolor shall be Bleached and Dyed in India Saffron and India Green colors respectively, and that meant for the middle band shall be bleached.
Ashoka Chakra Printing: The Ashoka Chakra of a specific size will be Screen Printed with Navy Blue color such that, the Chakra should be completely visible on Both sides of the Flag.
Stitching: Stitching of Flags will be done by Machine Stitching with Lock Stitches. The sewing threads used for machine stitching shall confirm the BIS norms and the Colour of the Thread being the same as that of the bands on which it appears.
Toggling: A Toggle will be attached to each Flag at the top. The toggle is attached at the top of the Saffron panel to avoid hoisting the Flag in a reverse manner.