Centre Issues New Guidelines on Vande Mataram Mandates Full Rendition Before National Anthem

• Vande Mataram to be sung before Jana Gana Mana.
• Full six stanzas restored under new guidelines.
• Standing mandatory during Vande Mataram at official events.

The Union government has rolled out fresh guidelines on Vande Mataram, making it mandatory to render the song before the National Anthem at official functions and in schools. The new instructions came into effect from Wednesday morning, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Under the revised rules, all six stanzas of Vande Mataram must now be played or sung at government programmes and educational institutions. The four stanzas that were earlier not in regular use have been reinstated, bringing the complete version back into official protocol.

The guidelines clearly state that Vande Mataram should precede Jana Gana Mana during formal events. Attendees must stand as a mark of respect when Vande Mataram is rendered, similar to the decorum observed for the National Anthem.

The government has also specified that at civil award ceremonies such as Padma Awards and other events attended by the President, the National Anthem will be played during arrival and departure. In public places like cinema halls, Vande Mataram may be played, though standing is not compulsory in such settings.

The issue of Vande Mataram had triggered political debate in the past, with disagreements between major parties over its historical context and usage. By restoring all six stanzas and formalising the order of rendition, the Centre has now sought to bring uniformity to its performance across the country.

Officials emphasised that interrupting or preventing due respect to the National Anthem remains punishable under existing law, with provisions that include imprisonment. With the new guidelines, authorities aim to reinforce respect for national symbols while ensuring clarity in official practice.