Bengal government makes singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in school assemblies

Rashmi Pandey — Thu, 14 May 2026 07:55:52 +0000

The West Bengal School Education Department has directed all state-run and state-aided schools across West Bengal to mandatorily include the singing of “Vande Mataram” during morning assemblies with immediate effect, according to an official communication issued on Thursday.

The directive, circulated by the School Education Department, instructed schools to ensure that the national song becomes a regular part of daily assembly activities. Officials said the move is aimed at promoting patriotism, national unity and awareness about India’s cultural and historical heritage among students.

The order applies to government schools as well as aided educational institutions functioning under the state education system. School authorities have reportedly been asked to implement the instruction without delay and ensure compliance across districts.

“Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his 1882 novel Anandamath, played a major role during India’s freedom movement and was later accorded the status of the national song. The first two stanzas of the song were officially adopted for ceremonial purposes after Independence.

The latest directive comes amid renewed political and cultural debates in different states over the inclusion of patriotic songs, prayers and civic values in educational institutions. Several states in the past have introduced similar measures involving the national anthem or patriotic songs in schools and public institutions.

Officials from the education department stated that the instruction was intended to strengthen patriotic values among students and encourage participation in collective cultural activities during school assemblies. District education authorities are expected to monitor implementation at the institutional level.

The order has already triggered political reactions in the state, with supporters describing it as a positive cultural initiative while critics are likely to question whether such directives should be made compulsory in educational spaces. However, no official challenge to the notification had emerged till Thursday evening.

The development comes at a politically sensitive time in West Bengal, where issues linked to education, identity and cultural symbolism frequently become subjects of public and political debate. Observers say the directive could draw wider national attention in the coming days as discussions continue around patriotism and educational policy.

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Bengal government makes singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in school assemblies