The Central Government has issued new rules regarding the national anthem on Wednesday morning, after which the political debate has intensified across the country. According to the new instructions of the Home Ministry, it will now be mandatory to play the national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’ before the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in all government programs and schools.
The new rules clearly state that wherever the national anthem is played, Vande Mataram should be sung or played before it and during this all people will have to stand.
Where will Vande Mataram be played?
As per the instructions of the government, Vande Mataram will now be played on these occasions also –
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on the arrival and departure of the President
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In civil honor ceremonies like Padma Awards
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in government programs
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Before and after the President’s radio and TV addresses
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In the programs of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor
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at the time of the national flag parade
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On special occasions decided by the Central Government
It has also been said that Vande Mataram can be played in public places like cinema halls, but it will not be mandatory to stand there. The government has also clarified that all six verses of Vande Mataram will be played, including the four that were removed by the Congress in 1937.
What are the instructions regarding band and music?
The Home Ministry has also said that if Vande Mataram is played by the band, drums will be played before it, so that people know that the national anthem is about to be played. This will apply unless otherwise specifically indicated.
Vande Mataram is mandatory in schools
The government has also said that the day can be started by collectively singing Vande Mataram in all schools. Schools have been instructed to—
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Promote national anthem and anthem
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Increase the sense of respect for the national flag among students
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Include Vande Mataram in cultural and formal programs
Strong opposition from Owaisi’s party
AIMIM has reacted sharply to this decision. Delhi State President of the party and President of India Muslim Foundation, Dr. Shoaib Jamai attacked the government on social media platform X.
He wrote that – Vande Mataram is neither the national anthem, nor is it a part of the Constitution. Earlier people used to sing it out of their faith and desire but BJP and RSS made it political propaganda. He said in very strong words – ‘Even if you put a knife on our neck, we will not sing Vande Mataram.’
What is the government’s stance?
The central government says that Vande Mataram is historically the national song of India, which was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The government believes that it strengthens the feeling of patriotism and hence it is included in official programs. At present, political controversy is increasing on this issue and different opinions are coming out from different parties.