'Vande Mataram' To Now Resound Daily In West Bengal Schools; Suvendu Adhikari Issues Decree

Kolkata: Issuing a significant order, the School Education Department of the West Bengal government has made the singing of the national song, 'Vande Mataram,' mandatory during morning assemblies in all government and government-aided schools across the state. According to the directives of the Education Department, every student must participate in singing 'Vande Mataram' during the prayer assembly held at the commencement of school hours. Principals and heads of these institutions have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with this order.

Sharing this information on the social media platform 'X', Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari wrote that the West Bengal government—superseding all previous orders and practices—has made the singing of India's national song, 'Vande Mataram,' mandatory during school assemblies and prayers held prior to the commencement of classes in all schools falling under the purview of the Education Department. This directive shall come into effect immediately.

On May 13, the Director of Education wrote to the heads of all government and aided schools, clarifying that the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during the morning assembly would be mandatory, thereby ensuring that every child in every school across the state has the opportunity to sing it. Meanwhile, a senior official from the School Education Department stated that the singing of the national song is to take place during the morning assembly, and school authorities are required to maintain complete documentation of its implementation, including video recordings.

Was the Step Taken Following a Central Initiative?

It is pertinent to note that this decision comes shortly after the Central Government took steps aimed at fostering greater respect for national symbols. The Central Government has proposed amendments to the 'Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971,' under which any act obstructing the singing of 'Vande Mataram' would be classified as a punishable offense.

Was Previously, Only 'Jana Gana Mana' Sung?

Until now, the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana' (composed by Rabindranath Tagore), was primarily the only song sung in the state's schools. In recent years, the previous Trinamool Congress government had introduced 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jal' (also composed by Tagore) as the state song. With the inclusion of 'Vande Mataram' (composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay), the number of songs performed during the morning assembly has now increased.

Are Teachers Concerned Over Time Management?

A spokesperson for a prominent teachers' organization with a Leftist ideology has stated that further clarity is still required regarding whether all three songs are to be sung daily, and how they will be accommodated within the existing schedule. He has raised questions regarding the practical feasibility of singing all the songs within the limited time available.