The Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration in West Bengal has issued a directive making the singing of “Vande Mataram” mandatory in all madrasas operating under the state’s Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department.
The order, which came into immediate effect, was issued by the Directorate of Madrasah Education and applies to government-run model madrasas, aided institutions, unaided recognised madrasas, along with approved MSKs and SSKs across the state.
Mandatory During Morning Assembly
According to the official directive, all institutions covered under the department must include the singing of “Vande Mataram” during assembly prayers before classes begin each day.
Officials stated that the new instruction replaces all previous practices followed by madrasa institutions regarding assembly routines and ceremonial activities.
The administration has also reportedly sought implementation reports from educational institutions to ensure compliance with the new rule.
Government Signals Policy Shift
The move is being viewed as part of a broader policy shift by the state government on education and welfare-related matters.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to revive the Vivekananda Merit Scholarship scheme aimed at supporting economically weaker students without considering caste or religious identity.
At the same time, the government indicated that religion-specific financial support schemes, including assistance previously extended to imams and other religious figures, would be discontinued.
Political Debate Likely Over Decision
The decision to introduce compulsory singing of “Vande Mataram” in madrasas is expected to trigger political reactions across the state.
Supporters of the move have described it as an effort to strengthen patriotic values and create uniformity across educational institutions. Critics, however, are likely to question the implications of imposing such directives in minority-run institutions and may raise concerns related to cultural and religious sensitivities.
The issue is expected to become a major point of political discussion in West Bengal in the coming days as parties respond to the government’s latest education policy decision.
