The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh instructions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations and Central ministries, reiterating the protocol governing the rendition of the National Anthem and the National Song and directing authorities to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed rules.
In a communication issued on July 9, the ministry forwarded the existing guidelines on the National Anthem and the National Song to Chief Secretaries of states, Administrators of Union Territories and Secretaries of all Central ministries and departments.
According to the MHA, the guidelines contain detailed provisions on occasions when the National Anthem and the National Song are required to be sung or played, as well as situations where their rendition is optional. The instructions also outline programmes in which both are to be performed, including events where they are rendered at the beginning and conclusion of the function.
Sequence of rendition reiterated
The ministry clarified that whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed during the same programme, the National Song must be rendered first, followed by the National Anthem.
It further stated that in states where a state song is also sung or played during official events, the prescribed sequence for the National Song and National Anthem must continue to be followed.
Stress on proper pronunciation and text
The MHA emphasised that the approved script, text, diction and pronunciation of both the National Anthem and the National Song must be adhered to strictly during their rendition.
The ministry noted that the authentic text and pronunciation guidelines for both are available on its official website for reference and compliance.
Directions issued to institutions and organisations
The ministry has asked all state governments, Union Territory administrations and Central ministries to issue necessary instructions to departments, institutions and organisations under their jurisdiction to ensure adherence to the prescribed norms.
“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 stated.
Copies of the directive have also been sent to 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 constitutional and government institutions.
The MHA noted that the Central Government has issued instructions on the National Anthem and National Song on several occasions in the past and reiterated the need for their uniform observance across the country.
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