Vande Mataram to be performed before Jana Gana Mana:Govt issues new protocol; States told to strictly follow norms

The central government has issued fresh directions to all states, Union Territories and central ministries regarding the National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and the National Song, Vande Mataram. The Ministry said the existing rules already specify the occasions on which both must be sung or played. According to the new directions, if both are performed at the same event, Vande Mataram must be presented first, followed by Jana Gana Mana. States that also have a state song must follow the prescribed order. A letter outlining these directions was sent to all states and central ministries on 9 July, and its details were made public on Friday. All states have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the original lyrics, correct pronunciation and approved manner of presenting both the National Anthem and the National Song. To avoid any errors, the official text and correct pronunciation of both have been made available on the Ministry’s website. Government issued a similar order on 28 January The government had earlier issued similar directions to all states on 28 January. It said that Vande Mataram would be played at the beginning of the school day in all schools. The order also stated that everyone must stand while Vande Mataram is being performed. It directed that all six verses of the National Song should be sung, taking a total of 3 minutes and 10 seconds. Earlier, only the first two verses were usually performed.