New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to grant the national song, ‘Vande Mataram’, a status equal to the national anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, according to the report.
‘Vande Mataram’ was composed by Bengali writer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee on November 7, 1875, and it later became a major source of inspiration during India’s freedom movement. It was officially adopted as the national song on January 24, 1950.
In recent months, Parliament held a special discussion to mark 150 years since the song was written. Following this, the Union government in February issued an order making it mandatory to play ‘Vande Mataram’ before the national anthem at government and school functions.
At a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, the proposal was cleared to bring ‘Vande Mataram’ under the same legal protection as the national anthem. The Cabinet approved amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, and the bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament’s Monsoon Session (July–August).
Under the proposed changes, disrespecting or disrupting the rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ would be treated as a non-bailable offence, with punishment of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders could face a minimum of one year in prison.
