National Pride / Odisha Govt Directs Schools To Follow New Protocol For 'Vande Mataram' And National Anthem

Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: The Odisha government has directed all government and government-aided schools in the state to strictly implement the Centre's revised guidelines on the rendition of the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', and the National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

The School and Mass Education Department issued instructions to all District Education Officers (DEOs), Block Education Officers (BEOs) and heads of government and aided schools to ensure compliance with the new protocol.

'Vande Mataram' Before 'Jana Gana Mana'
Under the revised guidelines, whenever both the National Song and the National Anthem are performed at the same programme, 'Vande Mataram' must be rendered first, followed by 'Jana Gana Mana'.

The department has also instructed schools to ensure that both are performed strictly in their original script, lyrics, pronunciation and tune. Authorities have been asked to avoid any incorrect pronunciation or alteration of the lyrics.

Daily National Anthem In Morning Assembly Encouraged
The state government has encouraged schools to sing the National Anthem collectively during the morning assembly to instil respect among students for the National Anthem, the National Song and the National Flag.

School authorities have been asked to take necessary steps to promote patriotic values and strengthen students' sense of national pride.

Protocol For Respecting The National Anthem
The guidelines reiterate that everyone must stand in attention as a mark of respect whenever the National Anthem is sung or played.

However, audiences will not be required to stand when the National Anthem is played as part of a film or documentary.

The government has also advised schools and organisers to avoid playing or singing the National Anthem unnecessarily or in inappropriate situations.

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It is pertinent to note that insulting or wilfully disrupting the rendition of the national song 'Vande Mataram' is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which extends the same legal protection to the national song as that accorded to the national anthem. The offence carries a punishment of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.