West Bengal Mandates 'Vande Mataram' Singing in Madrassas: What You Need to Know

The West Bengal government has officially mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during assembly prayers in all madrassas, following a similar directive for schools. This move aims to create uniformity in assembly practices across educational institutions. The order applies to various types of madrassas and is to be implemented immediately. This initiative aligns with the Union government's efforts to strengthen respect for national symbols, including proposed amendments to existing laws. Read on to find out more about the implications of this significant policy change.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 13:41 IST

New Directive for Madrassas in West Bengal

In a recent announcement, the West Bengal government has mandated that all madrassas incorporate the singing of 'Vande Mataram' during assembly prayers, effective immediately, as per an official directive.

This decision follows closely on the heels of a similar mandate issued by the state's BJP-led government, which requires the national song to be sung in all schools.

The directive applies to various educational institutions, including government model madrassas, government-aided madrassas, approved Shishu Shiksha Kendras, Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras, and recognized unaided madrassas under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.

According to the notification, 'Singing of Vande Mataram during assembly prayers, prior to the commencement of classes, is hereby made mandatory.'

A senior official from the department explained that this initiative aims to establish 'uniformity in assembly practices' across all institutions governed by the department.

The order has received the necessary approvals and is to be implemented without delay.

The notification has been disseminated to district magistrates, district school inspectors, the West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education, and other senior officials for prompt action.

Just last week, the state government mandated that all state-run and aided schools include the singing of Vande Mataram during morning assemblies immediately.

The directive emphasizes that every student must take part in singing the national song at the beginning of the school day, with heads of institutions instructed to ensure compliance.

'The singing of Vande Mataram during morning assembly prayers prior to the start of classes should be made mandatory so that Vande Mataram is sung by all students in all schools in the state with immediate effect,' stated the Director of Education in a communication to school heads on May 13.

Interestingly, this initiative coincides with the Union government's efforts to reinforce respect for national symbols, including a proposed amendment to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which would make obstructing the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offense.