Following its comprehensive victory in West Bengal and Assam, the Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi approved a proposal to grant the national song Vande Mataram an equivalent status to the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.
The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday following the election results in four states and one union territory – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. The ministers also congratulated the Prime Minister for what they described as a historic victory in West Bengal.
According to officials, the government approved amendments to the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act to place Vande Mataram under the same legal framework that currently protects the national anthem. Once implemented, any act of disrespect or obstruction during the singing of Vande Mataram will be treated as a cognizable offence.
Currently, the law provides for sanctions in cases of insult to the national flag, the Constitution or the national anthem, with penalties including imprisonment, fines or both. The proposed amendment will extend these provisions to Vande Mataram, meaning violations could carry similar legal consequences.
Under current rules, anyone who intentionally prevents or disrupts the singing of the national anthem can face a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine, or both. Repeat offenders will be punished with a minimum of one year in prison. These provisions are expected to also apply to the national song once the amendment comes into force.
Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, occupies a special place in the freedom movement and cultural history of India. The move also comes as the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of the iconic composition, adding symbolic weight to the Cabinet decision.
Officials noted that similar amendments were made in 2005 to curb disrespectful use of the national flag. The demand to grant ‘Vande Mataram’ the same status was also raised during a special debate in Parliament in December last year, coinciding with its 150th anniversary.
The proposed amendment is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon. If approved, it will mark a major change in the way India legally recognizes and protects its national symbols.
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