MHA reiterates strict compliance with Vande Mataram directive at official events
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has again directed States and Central Ministries to strictly comply with its directive that the National Song Vande Mataram be played before the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana at official events. A July 9 letter from Joint Secretary Arvind Khare emphasized that the correct script, text, and diction/pronunciation must be followed. An earlier February 6 instruction advised that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram, lasting around 3.10 minutes, be sung or played. The government is also moving to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to make insult or obstruction to Vande Mataram a punishable offense, with a Bill expected in the Monsoon Session.
Key Points
- The MHA has re-emphasized that Vande Mataram must be played before Jana Gana Mana at official events.
- Strict adherence to the correct script, text, and pronunciation of both the National Song and National Anthem is mandated.
- An earlier directive specified that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram should be sung or played.
- The government plans to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to include Vande Mataram as a punishable offense.
Exam Facts
- National Song: Vande Mataram (written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay).
- National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana (written by Rabindranath Tagore).
- Act to be amended: Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
- Expected Bill in: Monsoon Session (starting July 20).
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