MHA directive on Vande Mataram

Notes

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed States and Central Ministries to ensure Vande Mataram is played before Jana Gana Mana at official events.
• The directive mandates strict adherence to correct script, text, and diction/pronunciation for both the National Song and National Anthem.
• Official instructions specify that all six stanzas of Vande Mataram (approx. 3.10 minutes) should be performed.
• Vande Mataram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and published in the novel Anandamath in the 1880s.
• The Indian National Congress adopted the first two stanzas for its gatherings in 1937.
• The Union Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to include Vande Mataram under its protection.
• Existing provisions of the 1971 Act cover the National Anthem, National Flag, and the Constitution, with penalties including up to three years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 16 in Legislative protection for the National Song Vande Mataram, which has been running since 12 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

• Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill After
• The whole story 16 entries