What happened
The Union Home Ministry has directed states and central ministries to strictly follow protocol requiring Vande Mataram to be played or sung before Jana Gana Mana whenever both are performed at official events. A July 9 letter reiterated that the National Song must come first and that correct text, diction, and pronunciation should be followed carefully.
The ministry also attached earlier guidance on the occasions when the National Song and the National Anthem may be sung or played. It recalled that in February officials were asked to ensure that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram are rendered at official functions.
Background and earlier position
Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and became associated with the freedom movement. The Constitution recognises it as the National Song, while Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem.
Why it matters for UPSC
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