Strictly comply with Vande Mataram directive, says govt.
The Union Home Ministry has told states and central ministries to play or sing Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana at official events.
AI generated- The Union Home Ministry told states and central ministries to follow the protocol that places Vande Mataram before Jana Gana Mana at official events.
- Vande Mataram is recognised as the National Song and is linked to the Indian freedom movement.
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram.
- The Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 so that insulting or obstructing Vande Mataram becomes punishable.
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.
UPSC can frame the issue around the distinction between the National Song and the National Anthem, the legal basis for protecting national honour, and the limits of state enforcement in cultural observance. The topic also invites questions on how constitutional morality, freedom of expression, and respect for national symbols are balanced in public life.
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