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National Song must precede National Anthem: MHA issues fresh nationwide guidelines

Early Times Report

Jammu, July 11: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all States, Union Territories and Central Government Ministries, reiterating the mandatory protocol governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, and calling for strict compliance with the existing guidelines at all official functions.
In an official communication, the Ministry circulated copies of the government’s standing orders on the National Anthem and the National Song to Chief Secretaries of States, Administrators of Union Territories, and Secretaries of Central Ministries for immediate implementation.
According to the MHA, the existing orders clearly lay down the occasions on which the National Anthem and the National Song are required to be sung or played, as well as the events where their rendition is optional. The guidelines also specify programmes where both are to be rendered at the beginning and again at the conclusion of the event.
The Ministry reiterated that whenever the National Song and the National Anthem are performed together, the National Song must invariably precede the National Anthem, in accordance with the prescribed protocol.
The MHA also addressed the practice followed in several States of playing State Songs during official functions. It clarified that if a State Song is included in a programme alongside the National Anthem and the National Song, the latter two must be rendered together, with the National Song preceding the National Anthem.
Emphasising the importance of preserving the dignity of the national symbols, the Ministry directed all authorities to ensure the use of the approved script, authentic text, correct diction and proper pronunciation while rendering both the National Anthem and the National Song during official and public events.
To aid implementation, the MHA said the authentic text and approved pronunciation of both the National Anthem and the National Song are available on the Ministry’s official website for reference by government departments, educational institutions and other 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 administrative control to ensure strict adherence to the prescribed guidelines across the country.