West Bengal Schools Mandate Vande Mataram in Morning Assemblies

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' in all state-run and aided schools during morning assemblies. This decision follows the Union government's initiative to bolster respect for national symbols. The directive requires schools to ensure compliance and document the proceedings.

The West Bengal government has issued a directive mandating that all state-run and aided schools include the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during morning assemblies, starting immediately. This move is part of a broader effort to promote respect for national symbols, according to an official communication from the School Education department.

School heads have been instructed to ensure compliance with this directive, and school authorities are required to document the adherence, including video recordings. Previously, schools would traditionally sing only the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana,' and the state song, 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol.' The new mandate has sparked discussions on how schools will accommodate both the anthem and the national song within the limited assembly time.

This development follows the Union government’s proposed amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The amendment aims to criminalize obstruction to singing 'Vande Mataram.' School officials and teachers are now preparing to integrate the national song into their daily routine, with ongoing questions regarding the scheduling and duration of these songs during assemblies.