Singing of the full version of the National Song Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana, has been made compulsory in all government, government-aided, private and recognised madrasa schools in Tripura. The move aims to promote patriotism, national integration and respect for national symbols among students.
Agartala: The Tripura government has issued a notification making it compulsory for all schools across the state to begin the academic day with the full version of the National Song Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The notification, issued by the Education (School) Department on July 3, 2026, directs all government, government-aided, private and recognised unaided schools, including recognised madrasa institutions, to implement the new protocol uniformly.
Schools to begin day with National Song and Anthem
According to the notification, the daily academic routine in every school will formally commence with the community singing of the complete version of Vande Mataram. This will immediately be followed by the singing of the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The order states that the initiative is intended to foster patriotism, strengthen national integration and instil unconditional respect for national symbols among students.
Based on Union Home Ministry guidelines
The state government said the decision follows directives issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, through a communication dated January 28, 2026.
The Centre’s guidelines prescribe proper protocol, decorum and the use of the official version of the National Song during formal, semi-formal and educational events. The objective is to preserve the cultural heritage associated with Vande Mataram while promoting national pride.
Applies to all recognised educational institutions
The notification makes it clear that the directive will apply to:
- Government schools
- Government-aided schools
- Government-recognised unaided schools
- Privately managed recognised schools
- Recognised Madrasa schools operating under the jurisdiction of the Government of Tripura
The Education Department has instructed all District Education Officers and Inspectors of Schools to ensure compliance with the notification.
Standing in attention made mandatory
The notification further directs all students, teachers, faculty members and administrative staff to stand at attention and maintain proper decorum whenever they sing or play the National Song as a mark of respect.
The directive emphasises adherence to the prescribed protocol during the rendition of both the National Song and the National Anthem.
Cabinet decision behind the move
The Education Department issued the notification following a decision of the Tripura Council of Ministers. The General Administration (Confidential & Cabinet) Department conveyed the Cabinet’s decision through a communication dated June 25, 2026.
Rajib Datta, Additional Secretary to the Government of Tripura, digitally signed the notification. The Education Department also sent copies to the Directorate of Secondary Education, SCERT Tripura, TBSE, the TTAADC Education Wing, District Magistrates, District Education Officers and other administrative authorities to ensure its implementation.
Significance
The latest directive marks a significant policy initiative by the Tripura government to institutionalise the daily singing of the full version of Vande Mataram in educational institutions. By combining it with the National Anthem at the start of the school day, the government aims to reinforce civic values, national unity and respect for India’s national symbols among schoolchildren across the state.
