The Bihar government has issued an order mandating that the day in all state-run schools begin with the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, in line with directions from the central government.
The directive, issued by the Cabinet Secretariat Department, has been communicated to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police for implementation across the state.
Implementation Guidelines
According to the order, the national song will be sung during the morning assembly in government schools at least once a week. It will also be mandatorily included during national festivals, official functions and special occasions.
The order specifies that all individuals present must stand as a mark of respect during the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’. Any negligence or disrespect in this regard will be treated seriously. However, there will be no obligation for audiences to stand when the national song is played during news broadcasts, films or other public presentations.
Responsibility for ensuring compliance has been assigned to the heads of the respective institutions.
Central Government Directive
The central government had issued instructions on 28 January 2026 to include the national song in schools across the country. The stated objective is to instil a sense of patriotism among students and make them more aware of national values.
The Bihar government has initiated the implementation process and circulated the directive to all relevant departments and schools.
Expert Observations
Experts state that developing a sense of patriotism during early education is important. They note that regular singing of the national song can contribute to fostering unity and discipline among students, while also increasing awareness of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
