MHA Reinforces Protocols for National Anthem and Song Usage
Strict Guidelines Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Photo: IANS
New Delhi, July 11: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has mandated that all Central government offices and Governors' offices adhere strictly to the established script, diction, and pronunciation when performing the National Song and National Anthem. This directive emphasizes the importance of following the protocols for these national symbols during official events nationwide.
In a recent communication to all central government departments and Governors' offices, the Ministry reiterated the existing regulations regarding the occasions for singing or playing the National Song and National Anthem, highlighting the need for accuracy and respect.
The MHA's orders include a comprehensive list detailing when the National Song and National Anthem of India should be performed, as well as occasions where they may be played.
According to the order issued on July 9, the National Song is to be sung during civil investiture ceremonies, upon the President's arrival at formal State functions, and during his departure from such events.
Additionally, it will be performed immediately before and after the President addresses the nation via All India Radio (AIR) and television.
The directive also states that the National Song should be played upon the arrival of the Governor or Lieutenant Governor (LG) at formal State functions within their respective states or Union Territories, as well as during their departure from these events. It will also be played when the National Flag is paraded.
"It is essential to follow the correct script/text and diction/pronunciations while singing or playing the National Song and the National Anthem," the order emphasized.
The Ministry has made the correct text and pronunciation guidelines for both the National Song and National Anthem available on its official website for reference.
Furthermore, the order mentions that the National Song may also be performed on any occasion for which the Government of India issues specific instructions.
The MHA clarified the protocol for states where a State Song is performed alongside the National Song and National Anthem.
"In certain states, the State Song is sung and played along with the National Anthem/National Song. It is specified that when the State Song is performed, both the National Song and National Anthem should be sung or played together, with the National Song performed first, followed by the National Anthem," the order stated.
The Ministry also referenced its previous order from January 28, which established the initial detailed protocols for singing the National Song.
According to those guidelines, the six-stanza official version of the National Song, lasting approximately three minutes and ten seconds, is to be sung at official ceremonies, including the President's arrival, the unfurling of the National Flag, and speeches by Governors.
"When the National Song and the National Anthem are performed, the National Song will be presented first," the earlier order specified.
It also stated that everyone present during the singing of the National Song should stand in attention as a sign of respect.
The Central government is currently commemorating the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', and the Ministry reiterated that while it is challenging to compile an exhaustive list of occasions for singing the National Song, there is no objection to its performance, including mass singing, as long as it is done with respect and decorum.
"It is not feasible to provide a complete list of occasions for the singing (as distinct from playing) of the official version of the National Song. However, there is no objection to mass singing of the National Song, provided it is performed with due respect as a tribute to the motherland and proper decorum is maintained," the order concluded.
The resolution adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, recognized 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem of India, subject to any authorized alterations in the lyrics as required by the government.
The song 'Vande Mataram', which played a significant role in India's struggle for independence, was granted equal honor and status alongside 'Jana Gana Mana' by the Constituent Assembly.