Home Ministry issues fresh reminder on National Anthem, National Song rules

The Home Ministry, in a fresh communication, has reminded all state governments, Union Territory (UT) administrations and Central government ministries to strictly follow the existing rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song.

Fresh MHA reminder

In a communication dated July 9, the ministry wrote to the Chief Secretaries of all states, administrators of Union Territories, and secretaries of all ministries and departments under the Centre. The letter enclosed the existing guidelines relating to the National Anthem and the National Song and asked authorities to ensure they are followed in letter and spirit.

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The communication stated that the existing orders provide a comprehensive list of occasions on which the National Anthem and the National Song are required to be sung or played, as well as situations where they may be rendered.

Order of performance

The ministry also reiterated the prescribed sequence when both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed during the same programme. The guidelines specify occasions where both are to be rendered, including at the beginning and the conclusion of an event.

The MHA reiterated that "whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together, the National Song must be sung or played first, followed by the National Anthem."

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It further clarified that in states where a state song is also performed, "state song is also sung and played along with the National Anthem and the National Song".

"It is stated that whenever state song is sung or played with National Song and National Anthem, both the National Song and National Anthem shall be sung or played together; and National Song will be sung or played first followed by National Anthem,” stated the communication as quoted by ANI.

Strict compliance sought

The ministry also underlined the need to ensure that the approved script, text, diction and pronunciation are followed while rendering both the National Anthem and the National Song. It added that the authentic text, along with the correct pronunciation, is available on the MHA's website to help institutions comply with the prescribed norms.

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The MHA asked all state governments, UT administrations and Central ministries to circulate suitable instructions to institutions and organisations under their administrative control to ensure strict adherence to the existing guidelines.

"It is requested that suitable instructions in this regard may please be issued to all concerned institutions and organisations under your jurisdiction, for strict compliance," the communication said.

Wide circulation

The communication was also marked to several constitutional authorities and government institutions, including the President's Secretariat, Vice-President's Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, Election Commission of India, Parliament Secretariats, the Supreme Court, High Courts, NITI Aayog and other government bodies.

The ministry noted that the Central government has issued directions regarding the National Anthem and the National Song from time to time, and the latest communication serves as a reminder to ensure uniform implementation of the existing provisions across the country.