MHA Directs New Protocols on Singing Vande Mataram INTRODUCTION

The Union government uploaded a fresh set of comprehensive guidelines on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) website. This set of guidelines is particularly in reference to the song “Vande Mataram,” written by Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and recognised as the National Song of India. This initiative is undertaken as the Centre launches a year-long celebration of the National Song, marking 150 years since its creation. These guidelines provide a link that connects the National Song with the constitutional values embedded in Article 51A(a), which is the Fundamental Duty to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and National Anthem.  

BACKGROUND

The Government, in November 2022, filed an affidavit at the Delhi High Court, stating that ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ would stand on the same level and should be accorded equal respect by citizens, even though the Constitution of India does not make an explicit reference to a national song. In recent years, the courts have recorded several petitions being filed seeking guidelines and a framework for the recitation of Vande Mataram and a clear stance on the penalties that may be imposed under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. 

KEY POINTS

1. The guidelines state that whenever the official version of the National Song, the playing time of which is approximately 3 minutes and 10 seconds long and has six stanzas, shall be played on official occasions such as:

1. Civil investitures,
2. On the arrival and departure of the President at formal state functions and government-organised functions,
3. On the arrival and departure of the Governor/Lieutenant Governor at formal State functions within the State or Union Territory,
4. Immediately before and after the President addresses the nation over All India Radio and Television,
5. When the national flag is brought on parade,
6. On any other occasion, upon special orders issued by the Government of India.

1. When the National Song is being played by a band, it shall be preceded by a roll of drums to alert the audience, unless there is some other specific indication to alert. 
2. In terms of marching drill, the duration of the roll will be 7 paces in slow march. The roll shall start slowly, ascend to the highest volume possible and then gradually decrease to the original softness, while remaining audible. A one-beat rest shall be observed before commencing the National Song. 
3. On all occasions when the National Song is sung, the official version shall be recited accompanied by mass singing. Mass singing of the official version of the National Song while being played shall be observed on the following occasions:

1. On unfurling of the National Flag, cultural occasions, ceremonial functions, granting an exception to parades. 
2. On arrival and immediately before departure of the President at any Government or Public Functions, granting an exception to formal state functions.

1. The National Song may be sung on occasions that are invested with significance because of the presence of ministers, etc. Although it is not strictly ceremonial, the singing of the National Song on such occasion accompanied by mass singing, is desirable. 
2. There exists no specific list of occasions on which the singing of the National Song, as distinct from playing, can be permitted. And there is no objection to the singing of the National Song accompanied by mass singing as long as it is done with due respect as a salutation to the motherland, and the decorum is maintained. 
3. In schools, the day’s work may begin with community singing of the National Song, and appropriate provision should be made by school authorities to popularise the singing of the National Song, National Anthem and promote respect for the National Flag. 
4. The audience shall stand in attention whenever the official version of the National Song is sung or played. However, when it occurs as a part of a newsreel or documentary, the National Song is played as a part of a film; it is not expected of the audience to stand, as that may interrupt the exhibition of the film and create disorder and confusion, instead of adding dignity to the National Song. 
5. When the National Song and National Anthem are sung or played, the National Song shall be sung or played first. 

CONCLUSION

To conclude, the Government of India aims to reinforce the historic and symbolic importance of our National Song, Vande Mataram, in India’s freedom struggle. It aims to promote collective participation in National Symbols among children through schools and among all the citizens through public events.

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WRITTEN BY: STUTI ANVI