Patna: Morning assemblies in Bihar’s government schools will now commence with the singing of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram.’ Acting on directives from the Central Government, the Bihar government issued an order to all its departments on Wednesday to formally communicate this decision. According to the order, singing the national song during school prayer assemblies will be mandatory.
‘Vande Mataram’ Mandatory in Bihar Schools: The order, issued by the Bihar Cabinet Secretariat Department, has been dispatched to all Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, and District Superintendents of Police to ensure strict and proper compliance. Prior to this, on January 28, 2026, the Central Government had issued directives to all state governments regarding the respect and singing of the national song.
National Song Mandatory at Least Once a Week: The directive issued by the department states: “This matter is intrinsically linked to the duty of every citizen of the country and to the cause of national unity; therefore, the singing of the national song shall be made mandatory in all educational institutions—specifically during prayer assemblies—at least once a week.”
Strict Orders Against Negligence: The directive further mandates that the inclusion of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ be made compulsory during national festivals, government functions, and other significant occasions. The government has also issued instructions requiring all individuals present to stand in respect while the song is being performed. Any form of negligence or act of disrespect will be viewed with extreme seriousness, and the responsibility for ensuring compliance will rest with the head of the respective institution.
What Was the Central Government’s Notification? Recently, the Central Government issued a new protocol declaring the full six stanzas (spanning 3 minutes and 10 seconds) of the national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ as its official version. Its rendition has been made mandatory during presidential engagements, award ceremonies, school assemblies, and other government-organized events. Furthermore, it is mandatory for individuals to stand in respect while the song is being performed.
‘Elections in West Bengal, Hence…’ — AIMIM: The Central Government’s notification regarding the national song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ has also sparked a political controversy. AIMIM’s Bihar State President, Akhtarul Iman, stated that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s *Anandamath* hails from Bengal, and since elections are currently due in Bengal, tensions are being deliberately stoked.
“Our brand of Indian secularism advocates for practicing one’s own religion while respecting the religions of others. Article 25 of the Constitution grants everyone the freedom to practice their own religion, culture, and customs.” — Akhtarul Iman, Bihar State President, AIMIM
Those who object have a flawed perspective — Vijay Chaudhary: Meanwhile, Vijay Chaudhary, a minister in the Bihar government, asserted that the very question of opposition should not even arise. Everyone ought to accept the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ with ease. Those who are raising objections likely hold a flawed perspective. Throughout our traditions and history, both the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ and the National Song, ‘Vande Mataram,’ have always been accorded the highest respect.
“One has been accorded the status of the National Anthem, while the other holds the status of the National Song. Both command equal respect. It is neither awkward nor unnatural for both to be sung. Everyone should accept this with ease. If they choose not to accept it, then there is a fundamental flaw in their perspective.” — Vijay Chaudhary, Minister, Government of Bihar
