All government and government-aided schools in the state of West Bengal have been directed to make it mandatory to sing the song ‘Vande Mataram’ in the morning assembly. They have also been asked to keep a video as evidence.
This was stated in an official letter issued by the state’s school education department, reports The Indian Express.
The directive states that all students will have to participate in an assembly and sing the national anthem before the start of school every day. School authorities have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the matter.
In this regard, state Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari said that from next Monday, ‘Vande Mataram’ will be introduced as the assembly prayer in all schools in the state and it will be mandatory.
The Department of Education’s instructions state that, as per the letter issued on May 13, school principals have been instructed to ensure that all students participate in the assembly. The instructions also state that the assembly activities should be video recorded so that evidence of implementation can be kept.
Earlier, schools in West Bengal usually only sang the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’. Later, the state government also included the song ‘Banglar Mati, Banglar Jal’, which was written during the anti-partition movement.
The new guidelines have raised questions among teachers about how the national anthem and national songs will be included in assemblies every day in a limited time.
It is worth noting that the West Bengal state government has previously issued new and strict restrictions on animal slaughter. The state has banned the public slaughter of all animals, including cows.