The Union Home Ministry on Tuesday issued instructions to the States and Union Territories for following necessary preventive measures while organising the Independence Day celebrations on August 15 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It would be appropriate that the theme of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ is suitably spread and publicised amongst the masses through various activities/messages in the functions and on social media during Independence Day celebrations,” said the Home Ministry letter to the authorities concerned.