West Bengal orders mandatory Vande Mataram at madrasah assemblies

The West Bengal government has made the singing of the national song "Vande Mataram" mandatory during morning assemblies in all recognized madrasahs across the state, effective immediately. The order, issued by the Directorate of Madrasah Education, extends a policy implemented for state-run and aided schools just days earlier.

According to the official notification, the directive applies to government model madrasahs, government-aided institutions, recognized unaided madrasahs, and approved educational centers operating under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department. Officials stated the decision aims to create uniformity in assembly practices across all educational institutions. The order has been circulated to district magistrates, school inspectors, and relevant education boards for implementation.

Khudiram Tudu, the minister in charge of Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education, defended the policy, asking why the practice should not apply to madrasahs when it is already compulsory in other state-run schools, including those with Santali as the medium of instruction. He described the move as a step toward promoting national unity and constitutional values.