Vande Mataram to play before national anthem in govt functions, schools

NEW DELHI: The Centre has made it mandatory singing the national song 'Vande Mataram' at all government functions and in all schools. The home ministry said in the new rules issued Wednesday morning. The new rules also says that everyone should stand when the national song is played.

Th national song should also be played at civilian awards ceremonies like the Padma Awards and at all other events attended by the President and in public places like theatres. However, it is not mandatory for the public to stand up in theatres. All six stanzas including the four removed by the congress in 1937 will be played.

The home ministry has put forward the new guidelines as part of making the existing protocols for the national anthem applicable to the national song as well. This move by the Centre comes amid petitions in various courts demanding that Vande Mataram be given equal status to the national anthem.

The Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971, presently does not provide special protection to Vande Mataram. The government is considering steps including amending it. There was a big argument between the BJP and the Congress regarding this last year. In this context, there is no doubt that the new proposal will lead to controversy.