Union Government Mandates Full Rendition of Vande Mataram

Context

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the composition of Vande Mataram, the Union Government has issued updated instructions making the singing of all six stanzas compulsory at identified official events.

Revised Government Directions on Vande Mataram

Nature of the Directive:
The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the authorised version of Vande Mataram, requiring the complete six-stanza composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to be sung at designated public and governmental functions. The notification also lays down detailed norms for its rendition.

Nodal Authority:
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India

Salient Provisions

Authorised Text & Time Limit:

Complete six-stanza version recognised as the standard format
Prescribed duration: about 3 minutes 10 seconds

Central Government Functions:

Civil investiture ceremonies and major official events
Ceremonial arrival and departure of the President of India
Immediately before and after the President’s address broadcast via Akashwani and Doordarshan

State and UT-Level Events:

Mandatory during arrival and departure of Governors and Lieutenant Governors at official functions

Educational and Cultural Platforms:

Compulsory collective singing at flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes
Group singing to be included in morning assemblies of all schools

Code of Conduct During Performance:

Audience to stand in the attention posture
Exemption for cinema halls when played as part of films or newsreels
Rendition to begin with a drumroll (mridang/trumpet)
Marching units to observe seven preparatory steps before commencement

Non-Formal Gatherings:

May be sung at informal events attended by ministers and public representatives

Source : TOI