In a significant policy shift, the West Bengal government has made the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory during morning prayer assemblies across all madrasas in the state. The directive, issued by Bikash Bhavan through the Madrasa Education Department, will take immediate effect.
According to the official order released by the department’s Director, all madrasas, along with Shishu Shiksha Kendras (SSKs) and Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras (MSKs) under its jurisdiction, are now required to include ‘Vande Mataram’ as part of their daily prayer routine before the commencement of classes. Copies of the directive have been circulated to District Magistrates, District Education Officers, the West Bengal Board of Madrasa Education, and other relevant authorities for strict implementation.
The notification emphasises that the order has been issued following due approval from competent authorities. It further aligns with earlier instructions mandating the singing of the national song in government and government-aided schools across the state.
In a parallel directive from the School Education Department, institutions have been instructed to ensure that students sing both the National Anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, and ‘Vande Mataram’ during morning assemblies. School heads have been asked to ensure compliance without exception.
Addressing the matter in the Legislative Assembly last week, newly elected Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the initiative would be rolled out across all schools starting May 18. He stated that the move is aimed at fostering a stronger sense of nationalism and patriotism among students. The Chief Minister also indicated that he would personally monitor the implementation process.
An earlier communication dated May 13 from the Director of Education had already proposed making the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ compulsory in school assemblies. However, with most government schools currently closed for summer vacation, the directive will come into full effect once institutions reopen on June 1.
Traditionally, most schools in West Bengal have limited morning assemblies to the National Anthem. During the tenure of the previous Trinamool Congress government, Rabindranath Tagore’s composition ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jol’ had been designated as the State Anthem and was regularly performed at official events.
Following the recent change in government, this practice has been altered. In accordance with the new directives, ‘Vande Mataram’ is now being incorporated not only into school assemblies but also into government functions, marking a broader shift in the state’s cultural and ceremonial framework.
Follow us
