WB mandates singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ in madrasas

KOLKATA, 21 MAY

The West Bengal government has issued an official order mandating the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ at assembly prayers in all madrasas with immediate effect.

The order by the Directorate of Madrasah Education came nearly a week after the state’s BJP government made singing the national song mandatory in all state-run and aided schools. Heads of institutions have been instructed to ensure strict compliance from all students.

The latest order stated the directive would apply to the government’s model madrasas, government-aided madrasas, approved Shishu Shiksha Kendra and Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras, as well as recognised unaided madrasas functioning under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.

A senior official of the department said the decision was made “with the approval of the competent authority” and was aimed at bringing “uniformity in assembly practices” across institutions under the department.

The move comes shortly after the Union proposed amendment to the Prevention of Insults National Honour Act, 1971, making obstruction to the singing of Vande Mataram punishable offence.

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