NEW DELHI: The Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song and asking authorities to ensure strict compliance.In a communication dated July 9, the MHA enclosed the existing orders relating to the National Anthem and the National Song, saying they contain an exhaustive list of occasions on which they “shall be played or sung” and the occasions on which they “may be sung or played”.”It is to be noted that while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem, their correct script/ text and diction/ pronunciations should be followed strictly,” the order said.The ministry said the authentic text and pronunciation guide for both the National Anthem and the National Song are available on its website and asked states, Union Territories and ministries to issue suitable instructions to institutions and organisations under their jurisdiction for strict compliance.”It is requested that suitable instructions in this regard may please be issued to all concerned institutions and organisations under your jurisdiction, for strict compliance,” the communication said. The MHA reiterated that whenever the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together, the National Song must be sung or played first, followed by the National Anthem. It also clarified that in states where a state song is rendered, the National Song and National Anthem must both be performed, with the National Song preceding the National Anthem.The order said the National Song shall be sung during civil investitures, on the arrival and departure of the President at formal state functions and government events, immediately before and after the President addresses the nation on All India Radio and television, on the arrival and departure of Governors and Lieutenant Governors at formal state functions within their jurisdictions, and when the National Flag is brought on parade. It may also be played on other occasions under special orders issued by the government of India.The ministry recalled its January 28 order laying down the first detailed protocol for singing the National Song, which specified that its six stanzas, lasting about three minutes and ten seconds, should be sung during official functions such as the President’s arrival, unfurling of the National Flag and Governors’ addresses. It also said those present should stand at attention when the National Song is sung.The Centre is observing the 150th year of Vande Mataram. The MHA also referred to the Constituent Assembly’s resolution of January 24, 1950, under which Jana Gana Mana was adopted as the National Anthem, while Vande Mataram, recognising its historic role in India’s freedom struggle, was accorded equal honour and status.
