Kolkata: In a significant administrative move, the West Bengal government has begun replacing the ‘Ba’ (ব) logo associated with the ‘Biswa Bangla’ brand on the official vehicles of senior IAS officers with new flags featuring the National Emblem, marking another step in phasing out the earlier official branding.
The decision has been formalised through a notification issued by the state secretariat, Nabanna, and implementation has already commenced across government departments.
Under the revised system, the new official flags are dark blue in colour and prominently display the State Emblem of India, including the Ashoka Chakra.
‘Ba’ Logo Phased Out from Official Use
The ‘Ba’ logo, representing the Bengali letter “ব”, was introduced during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as part of the Biswa Bangla branding initiative. The logo had become a prominent symbol on official government vehicles and other state assets over the years.
With the latest directive, the government has initiated its removal from the official flags used on vehicles assigned to senior bureaucrats.
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Rank-Based Flag System Remains Unchanged
While the design of the flags has been revised, the existing rank-based classification has been retained.
According to Nabanna’s notification:
- Rectangular flags will continue to be used by the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, and officers of equivalent rank.
- Tail-shaped flags will remain designated for Super Time Scale officers.
- Triangular flags will continue to be allotted to Commissioners, Junior Administrative Grade (JAG)/Selection Grade officers, and District Magistrates.
The government has therefore retained the established hierarchy while changing only the emblem displayed on the flags.
Strict Guidelines for Display
The notification lays down detailed instructions regarding the use of the official flags.
The flags are to be mounted either at the centre of the vehicle’s bonnet or on a designated stand attached to the front grille. Officers have been instructed to display them only while performing official duties.
Officials have also been directed to ensure that the flags remain clean, properly maintained and are used in a manner befitting their official status.
No Exemption from Traffic Rules
The state government has clarified that the display of these official flags does not grant officers any exemption from traffic regulations.
The notification specifically states that the flags should not be construed as conferring any special privilege or immunity from compliance with road safety rules or traffic laws.
Digital Monitoring Introduced
To improve transparency and accountability, the state government will maintain a digital database recording the issuance of official flags.
The database will include details such as the names of officers using the flags and the registration numbers of their official vehicles.
The information will also be shared with agencies including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Kolkata Police to facilitate verification and monitoring.
Implementation Underway
Sources indicate that the newly designed flags have already been supplied to Nabanna, and the replacement exercise has begun across departments.
The move reflects the government’s effort to standardise official insignia while continuing the existing rank-based protocol for senior administrative officers.
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