West Bengal Schools Now Required to Sing 'Vande Mataram' During Morning Assemblies

May 14, 2026, 21:07
IndiaPolitics

Introduction

The West Bengal government has ordered all state-run and state-aided schools to include the singing of 'Vande Mataram' in their daily morning assemblies.

Main Body

The order, issued by the Director of Education and supported by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, states that the national song must be sung before classes begin. This new rule replaces previous assembly guidelines, and school heads must ensure it is followed strictly. Some officials have even suggested using video recordings to prove the song is being performed. This move follows a similar trend at the federal level, as the Union Home Ministry recently required the full six stanzas of the song to be performed on specific state occasions. Furthermore, there are proposed legal changes to make blocking the performance of the song a criminal offense. This change represents a significant political shift in the state. The current BJP-led government emphasizes the song's importance as a symbol of nationalism during the independence movement. In contrast, the previous TMC government focused on 'Banglar Mati, Banglar Jol' by Rabindranath Tagore to promote regional unity and secularism. Consequently, this transition has caused a debate among scholars. Some argue that the religious references in the later stanzas may conflict with the secular principles of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, teachers' associations have asked for more details on how to organize the national anthem and the national song within the limited time of the morning assembly.

Conclusion

The state government has made 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in schools, replacing previous regional traditions and aligning with national policies.

Learning

⚡ The 'Connector' Leap: Moving from Simple to Complex

At the A2 level, you likely use words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need to use Logical Transition Words that glue your ideas together and show how they relate.

Look at these three movements from the text:

1. The 'Added Info' Bridge

*"Furthermore, there are proposed legal changes..."

Instead of just saying "And also," use Furthermore. It signals to the reader that you are adding a more serious or important point to your argument.

2. The 'Opposite Side' Bridge

*"In contrast, the previous TMC government focused on..."

When you want to show a clear difference between two things (like the current government vs. the old one), In contrast is your power tool. It is much more professional than "But."

3. The 'Result' Bridge

*"Consequently, this transition has caused a debate..."

When one action leads to a specific result, use Consequently.

  • A2 style: The school changed the song, so people are arguing.
  • B2 style: The school changed the song; consequently, a debate emerged.

🛠 Quick Upgrade Guide

Avoid (A2)Try This (B2)Why?
AlsoFurthermoreIt sounds more academic.
ButIn contrastIt highlights a direct contradiction.
SoConsequentlyIt shows a logical cause-and-effect.

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
the governing body of a state or country.
Example:The government announced new education policies this week.
ordered (v.)
to give a command or instruction.
Example:The teacher ordered the students to line up.
state-run (adj.)
run or operated by the government.
Example:State-run schools receive public funding.
state-aided (adj.)
supported by the government with financial aid.
Example:State-aided schools can use government funds for supplies.
singing (n.)
the act of producing musical sounds with the voice.
Example:Singing helps students relax before class.
national (adj.)
relating to an entire country.
Example:The national anthem is played at ceremonies.
rule (n.)
a principle or regulation that must be followed.
Example:The new rule requires attendance at assemblies.
guidelines (n.)
a set of instructions or recommendations.
Example:The guidelines explain how to prepare the lesson.
strictly (adv.)
in a strict or rigid manner.
Example:The policy is strictly enforced.
officials (n.)
people who hold a position of authority.
Example:Officials will review the proposal.
suggested (v.)
proposed an idea or recommendation.
Example:She suggested using videos for demonstration.
recordings (n.)
audio or video captures.
Example:Recordings were used to verify the performance.
performance (n.)
the act of performing or presenting.
Example:The performance lasted ten minutes.
trend (n.)
a general direction or pattern.
Example:The trend of online learning is growing.
federal (adj.)
relating to a federation of states.
Example:Federal laws apply across the country.
ministry (n.)
a government department responsible for a particular area.
Example:The ministry of education announced new guidelines.
required (v.)
mandated or necessary.
Example:The teacher required all students to submit assignments.
stanzas (n.)
verses or sections of a poem.
Example:The poem has six stanzas.
legal (adj.)
relating to law or the legal system.
Example:Legal changes were proposed to enforce the rule.
offense (n.)
an act that is against the law or disapproved.
Example:Blocking the song was an offense.
change (n.)
a difference or alteration.
Example:The change will affect all schools.
significant (adj.)
important or notable.
Example:The significant shift was welcomed.
political (adj.)
relating to politics or government.
Example:The political debate lasted for hours.
shift (n.)
a change in direction or position.
Example:The shift in policy was unexpected.
symbol (n.)
an object that represents an idea.
Example:The flag is a symbol of freedom.