mha-issues-fresh-advisory-on-singing-anthem-national-song

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations and Central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, and directing authorities to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed protocol.

 

In a communication issued on July 9, the ministry wrote to chief secretaries of states and UTs as well as secretaries of all Central ministries and departments, enclosing the existing orders relating to the National Anthem and the National Song.

 

The MHA said the orders clearly specify the occasions on which the National Anthem and the National Song are required to be sung or played, the events where they may be performed, and situations in which both should be rendered during the same programme.

 

Reiterating the prescribed sequence, the ministry said that whenever both are performed together, the National Song must be rendered first, followed by the National Anthem.

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The communication also clarified the protocol for programmes where a state song is included. It stated that if a state song is performed alongside the National Song and the National Anthem, the National Song should be rendered first, followed by the National Anthem, in accordance with existing government guidelines.

 

The ministry further stressed that the correct script, text, diction and pronunciation of both the National Anthem and the National Song must be followed at all times. It noted that the authentic text and approved pronunciation are available on the MHA's official website.

 

The MHA has asked all state governments, Union Territory administrations and Central ministries to issue appropriate instructions to institutions and organisations under their jurisdiction to ensure adherence to the prescribed norms.

 

The communication has also been shared with key constitutional and government bodies, including the President's Secretariat, Vice-President's Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, Election Commission of India, Parliament Secretariats, the Supreme Court, High Courts and NITI Aayog.

 

The ministry said the latest communication reiterates instructions issued by the Centre from time to time regarding the proper observance of the National Anthem and the National Song.