The West Bengal government has made the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ mandatory in all madrasas under the state’s Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, with immediate effect.
An official order issued by the Director of Madrasah Education,W.B, states that the directive applies to “government model madrasahs, recognised government-aided and unaided madrasas” across the state. The order also covers approved Madrasah Siksha Kendras and Sishu Siksha Kendras under the department.
“I am directed to order that in supersession of all previous orders and practices, singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ during assembly prayers, prior to the commencement of classes is hereby made mandatory in all Madrasahs [Govt. Model Madrasahs (English Medium)/ Recognized Govt. Aided Madrasahs / Approved MSKs / Approved SSKs / Recognized Unaided Madrasahs] under the Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department, across the State of West Bengal, with immediate effect.This order is issued with the approval of competent authority,” the statement said.
The directive explicitly overrides any existing practices or previous orders that may have been followed by these minority educational institutions. Madrasas have also been asked to submit compliance reports to the department.
Some opposition leaders and minority rights groups, view the directive as an imposition of a specific cultural practice on minority-run educational institutions.