The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked all States, Union Territories and Central government departments to ensure strict adherence to the existing protocol governing the rendition of the National Anthem and the National Song.
In a communication issued on July 9, the Ministry reminded authorities that detailed instructions on when and how the National Anthem and the National Song are to be sung or played are already in place. It directed States and other government bodies to circulate these instructions among institutions and organisations under their control.
According to the Ministry, where both the National Song and the National Anthem are rendered during the same program, the National Song should always precede the National Anthem. It also clarified that in States where a State Song is included in official events, the prescribed sequence for the National Song and the National Anthem must continue to be followed.
The MHA further emphasised the need to use the approved text and maintain proper diction and pronunciation while rendering both the National Anthem and the National Song. It noted that the authentic versions are available on the Ministry’s official website.
The communication has been shared with Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Secretaries of Central Ministries and several constitutional authorities, including the President’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
The Ministry said the exercise is intended to reinforce awareness of the existing provisions and promote their uniform implementation across the country.
