New guidelines have been issued regarding Vande Mataram, according to the new guidelines of the Union Home Ministry, it will not be mandatory to stand for Vande Mataram in cinema halls, but the entire national anthem with 6 verses will be played in government programs or schools. A note regarding this has been issued to all states, union territories, ministries and constitutional bodies.
According to HT report, it has been made mandatory to play or sing the song Vande Mataram with 6 verses of 3 minutes 10 seconds each in government programs. In the 10-page order, the Home Ministry has also made it clear that if the national anthem and Jana Gana Mana are sung or played together, then Vande Mataram will be played first, during which people will have to stand in alert posture.
The ministry’s note also lists events and venues where the song can be played, which also includes school assemblies. People should stand at attention while the national anthem is being played. However, in a news film or documentary, if the national anthem is played in a part of the film, then it is not necessary for people to stand, instead of enhancing the dignity of the national anthem, it will create chaos and confusion.
This effort of the government is seen as a step to popularize Vande Mataram, earlier on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the national song, there was a heated debate in Parliament and the display of several tableaux based on the song during the Republic Day parade.
