Hyderabad, May 14: Vande Mataram mandatory in Bengal school assemblies as the state government directed all schools to include the national song in daily prayers.
The School Education Department issued the order to state run and aided institutions. It said all students must participate in singing Vande Mataram at the start of the day.
Officials instructed heads of institutions to ensure strict compliance. The directive came into effect immediately across the state.
Authorities said the song should be performed at the beginning of the morning assembly. Schools have also been asked to document the process through video recordings.
The move follows recent steps by the Union government to strengthen respect for national symbols. It includes a proposed amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Earlier, schools traditionally sang the national anthem Jana Gana Mana during assemblies. In recent years, ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’ was also introduced as the state song.
Now, Vande Mataram has been added to the routine. This has raised questions among some teachers about time management.
School authorities said students will sing both the national anthem and the national song. They added that awareness about the song’s significance has already been shared with students.
Meanwhile, teacher groups have sought clarity on scheduling. They asked how multiple songs will fit within the existing assembly time.
