Govt discusses protocols akin to national anthem for Vande Mataram, Pg3

Key Highlights:

• A high-level government meeting was held to discuss protocols for the recitation of Vande Mataram, similar to those for the national anthem.
• Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was a rallying cry during the Swadeshi movement (1905-08).
• The meeting, convened by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), discussed framing rules for singing the national song and penalties for disrespect.
• In 2022, the Centre told the Supreme Court that the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 does not have penal provisions for the national song.

Detailed Insights:

• The BJP aims to elevate the standing of Vande Mataram, accusing the Congress of diminishing it through appeasement politics and removing stanzas in 1937.
• The government has launched a year-long celebration of Vande Mataram, with the first phase completed in November.
• Several petitions have been filed in courts seeking a framework for the rendition of the national song and clarity on penalties.
• Article 51A(a) of the Constitution places a fundamental duty on citizens to respect the national anthem, with its recitation governed by MHA executive orders.
• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 punishes intentional prevention of singing the national anthem with imprisonment of up to three years.
• During the Winter Session last year, the Home Minister accused the Congress of suppressing the glory of Vande Mataram, leading to the Partition of India.
• The omission of four stanzas from Vande Mataram, which portray the motherland as a goddess, was debated in the Constituent Assembly.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Song: A patriotic song recognized by a nation's government.
• National Anthem: A country's official song, typically evoking national pride.
• Constituent Assembly: A body convened to draft or adopt a constitution.