By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 1: The Meghalaya government is raising the issue of mandatory singing of the national song Vande Mataram with the Union government.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated on Wednesday that there is a standing directive from the Centre requiring Vande Mataram to be played during events where the Governor is present. He added that the matter has been discussed at the government level, noting that the directive is being implemented across the country amid significant debate.
“We are taking it up with the Union government to see how the issue can be addressed,” Sangma said.
The Union Home Ministry’s recent guidelines, which mandate the full six-stanza version of Vande Mataram at official functions, schools, and events involving the President or Governors, have sparked controversy in the state. Many view the imposition as inappropriate in a secular country.
The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has strongly opposed the directive, particularly its mandatory implementation in schools. The organisation cites references to Hindu goddesses in the song as unsuitable for compulsory singing by students of all faiths. The KSU has warned of agitations if the central government persists with such directives.
